Other TikTok videos suggested straightening teeth using elastic bands and filing teeth down with a nail file.
Dentists have issued a stark warning for people copying harmful ‘dental care’ hacks online which could be damaging people’s teeth and risk serious injury. TikTok is notorious for its tutorial videos that cover everything from skincare to hair styling, and now it has expanded to teeth.
A new trend has emerged for ‘TeethTok’ which sees members posting videos offering suggestions and so-called hacks. One trend, which dentists are telling people not to copy, suggested different ways to perform DIY teeth brightening at home using hydrogen peroxide, water, lemon juice and even Mr Clean Magic Eraser.
Another worrying TeethTok trend suggested straightening teeth at home using elastic bands and filing teeth down with a nail file. It is feared difficulty in seeing a dentist might be leading people to turn to DIY methods. Research, conducted on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, found that 23 per cent of people said they have tried to access NHS dental care in the last 12 months but have been unable to get an appointment.
Leading cosmetic dentist, Dr Sam Jethwa, has issued a strong warning against it. He said: “Many of the so-called ‘Teethtok’ trends that I’ve seen on TikTok are extremely damaging to teeth and consequently I would strongly advise against them.
“The DIY home whitening hacks pose huge risks to the teeth enamel, which once it’s eroded, doesn’t repair itself as well as of course our health in general. This is definitely another home hack to avoid.
“Changing the position of teeth is an incredibly complex process and something that requires a great deal of skill, experience and effective equipment. Trying to achieve similar results at home with elastic bands can risk damaging individual teeth as well as your bite.
“Whilst we are fortunate to live in an age where complex smile transformations can be achieved, it’s vital that this is performed by experienced and qualified dentists and not by people at home copying a TikTok or ‘Teethtok’ video.”
The recent poll found just over a third (36 per cent) said they got an appointment and 40 per cent said they hadn’t tried, according to the survey of 2,234 UK adults. Among the 533 people who could not get an appointment, 21 per cent said they had conducted ‘DIY dentistry’.
British Dental Association chairman Eddie Crouch said: “DIY dentistry has no place in a wealthy, 21st century nation but today millions have no options, and some are taking matters into their own hands. These access problems are not inevitable.
“This horror show is the direct result of choices made in Westminster. We’ve heard promises of change, but any progress requires action on a decade of underfunding and failed contracts.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “The Health and Social Care Secretary has set out her four priorities of A, B, C, D – ambulances, backlogs, care, doctors and dentists. The number of dentists practicing in the NHS increased by over 500 last year, and we are continuing work to improve access to dental care for all NHS patients – backed by more than £3 billion annually.”
Source: MyLondon News