TikTok teeth whitening – the trends you shouldn’t follow

Most TikTok teeth whitening trends will damage your teeth. Find out more.

TikTok may be fab for funny cat vids and showing off your latest dance moves.

But for teeth whitening advice? Not so much.

Its content is user-generated. Which means, not everything you see is 100% accurate. And those ‘TeethTok’ clips, with their so-called whitening tips, should all be taken with a pinch of salt.

In truth, most of the TikTok teeth whitening hacks popping up on your FYP will cause damage – sometimes irreversible. And whilst the thought of budget-friendly pearly whites may sound great, particularly in the lead up to Christmas, these are trends you seriously don’t want to follow.

Here’s our insight into what works, what’s useless and what’s downright risky.

 

5 of the most popular TikTok teeth whitening hacks

That just don’t work.

 

Teeth whitening hack that doesn't work

 

  1. Lemons

This is one of the latest teeth whitening trends circulating the app.

Eager to brighten their smile, TikTokers either apply sliced lemon directly onto the surface of their teeth or create a solution of lemon juice and baking soda. But either way, it’s not a good idea.

Citrus fruits are extremely acidic. Over time, the acid will erode and dissolve the outer layer of enamel – leading to further discolouration, sensitivity and an increased risk of decay.

When life gives you lemons…don’t rub them on your teeth!

 

  1. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a ‘too-good-to-be-true’ whitening hack that’s currently getting all the views. But guess what? It is too good to be true.

Whilst swishing coconut oil around your mouth is unlikely to cause you any harm (apart from making you gag!), it certainly won’t whiten your teeth. There’s no scientific evidence to suggest that it has any kind of oral health benefit. And unless you’re a fan of feeling sick, we wouldn’t recommend it.

 

 

 

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  1. Strawberries

Another fruit that’s falsely advertised as having wondrous whitening effects.

Strawberries do contain malic acid, which is known to have bleaching properties. So as an average TeethToker, you can be forgiven for thinking this might be a legitimate home whitening remedy.

But the reality is – no matter how long you hold it in place or rub it back and forth against your teeth, it won’t have anywhere near enough contact time for the malic acid to make a difference.

Strawberries, it turns out, are best left for smoothies and ciders.

 

  1. Hydrogen peroxide solution

As TikTok teeth whitening hacks go, this one is pretty unsafe. And yet, it’s one that’s attracted a lot of interest over the last couple of years!

In an attempt to add sparkle to their smile, millions of TikTokers have recorded themselves dipping a cotton bud into 3% hydrogen peroxide – then dabbing this solution directly onto their teeth.

By law, over the counter whitening treatments that contain hydrogen peroxide must have an incredibly low concentration – so they can’t do any harm. But these 3% solutions, which can be easily (and shockingly) bought over the internet, pose a very real risk to your oral health.

Not only can they cause discolouration and sensitivity, they can permanently damage your enamel and are highly dangerous to skin – with the potential to cause burns and respiratory irritation.

 

  1. Mr Clean Magic Erasers

Spoiler alert: magic erasers will not magic away your tooth stains.

This is one of the most stupidly dangerous teeth whitening hacks we’ve seen to date.

In the original video, the user moistens a small piece of a Mr Clean Magic Eraser and rubs it against their teeth. These erasers are made from a toxic compound (formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer). And if you manage to swallow it, it can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

If that’s not enough to put you off, the eraser itself is incredibly abrasive. It can very easily wear away your enamel, leading to sensitivity, yellowing and a host of other unnecessary issues.

 

Teeth whitening treatments at Kiln Lane Dental

 

The best way to whiten your teeth?

Forget about buying extra fruit or raiding the cleaning cupboard.

If you’re looking for an effective and safe way to whiten your teeth, the best option (by far) is to make an appointment with our dentists – here at Kiln Lane.

We offer a range of both at-home whitening kits and professional in-practice treatments, such as Blanc One®, Zoom and Enlighten Whitening. All of which can help to remove stains and discolouration, without harming your teeth in any way or damaging your oral health.

Appointments are available in the lead up to Christmas. Which means, you can get a sparkly smile for the sparkly season – without having to resort to any suspect TikTok hacks. And all of our treatments are surprisingly affordable, starting from just £99 for a 30-40 minute session.

If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, our Icy Bear products are also a fantastic option.

Professionally developed by our Principal Dentist, Hanna Kinsella, these are perfect for anyone who’d like speedy (safe) results without breaking the bank in the process.

Available for just £39.99 per box, Icy Bear Whitening Strips are clinically proven to whiten the teeth by up to seven shades in as little as two weeks. Whilst the brand new Icy Bear Whitening Kit (priced at £59.99) can achieve up to 10 shades lighter in a matter of just seven days.

 

Ditch TikTok and contact our experts

Got a question about tooth whitening in St Helens? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We’re always on hand to help and will happily offer our expert opinion on any teeth whitening hacks you’ve seen online and provide safe, useful tips on how to whiten your teeth in time for the festivities.

If you’re interested in any of the teeth whitening treatments available at our practice, we can also advise on your suitability and schedule you in for your first appointment.

Simply give us a call on 01744 25776 during our opening hours or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk and we’ll respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.