The internet is full of great information, but it can be difficult to tell the difference between wise advice and dangerous trends. This is particularly true when it comes to health tips and dental tricks. However, your pediatric dentist in The Woodlands wants to warn you that there has been a rise in social media trends that can directly damage dental health. This information is important for both teens and adults. 

DIY Dentistry Dangers

Taking a do-it-yourself approach to anything involving your oral health is concerning. But when thousands of social media stars showcase their at-home dental care to millions of people, some patients are bound to try these techniques. Here are four of the most damaging DIY dental trends on social media. 

1. Whitening

We understand that having a bright, white smile is desirable, and there are many ways your pediatric dentist in The Woodlands can help whiten teeth. However, some trends online claim that different concoctions of household products can whiten teeth quickly. The problem is that these mixtures usually contain very acidic ingredients that can easily weaken tooth enamel, make it easy for cavities to form, and can even cause teeth to appear darker. The other problem? They don’t work. 

2. Orthodontics

Even before the days of social media, teenagers would put items in their mouths to mimic the look of braces. This still happens, but it’s been taken one step further. Social media influencers are often seen using everyday items to try and close gaps in their teeth or straighten overlapping teeth. Not only can moving teeth on your own cause major alignment problems and issues with your bite, but some of the materials used can also restrict blood flow, causing teeth to die and potentially fall out. 

There’s also a big concern with teens taking off their braces on their own. Don’t do this! Not only can it damage teeth, sometimes even ripping them out, but removing braces on your own can shift your teeth back into undesirable positions. 

3. Filing Teeth

One of the most widespread trends currently shows users filing down their teeth into tiny points, also known as the “veneers check” trend. The idea is that filing the teeth down will prepare them for veneers. Not only does this trend make us cringe, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. First, veneer prep from a dentist does not require filing down teeth this way. Second, filing healthy, natural teeth can cause permanent damage and require professional treatment such as dentures. If teens take on this challenge, there is the possibility of needing dentures at a very early age. 

4. Gluing Fangs

With Halloween right behind us, we’re used to seeing a few ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and vampires around. But usually, these are found in decorations or costumes. Yet there is a concerning trend of using very strong, permanent (and toxic!) glue to attach vampire fangs to teeth. 

We can’t stress enough how dangerous these trends are. Always warn your children about DIY dentistry and always contact your pediatric dentist in The Woodlands if you have any questions about dental health.