Dr. Anjali Rajpal, DMD, founder of Beverly Hills Dental Arts, states that some of the online trends can do more harm than good.
With the rise of TikTok’s influence, many oral health trends are gaining traction online, from homemade whitening to DIY dental procedures.
While these videos can and often do go viral, they don’t always deliver safe or effective results. Dr. Anjali Rajpal, DMD, founder of Beverly Hills Dental Arts, offers expert advice here to help the public navigate these viral trends.
Here’s what Dr. Rajpal, a trusted dentist with years of experience, has to say about 5 such popular trends:
1. Home-Made Whitening Solutions
TikTok DIY whitening recipes often use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, but Dr. Rajpal warns that high doses of hydrogen peroxide can burn gums and damage teeth.
2. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling may be relaxing, but Dr. Rajpal notes that scientific evidence for its oral health benefits is limited. It should not replace regular brushing, flossing, or mouthwash, traditional oral care routines which are more effective.
3. Rubber Bands to Fix Gaps
Using rubber bands to close gaps in your smile can be dangerous, as they may slip into the gums, causing infections or tooth loss.
4. Filing or Cutting Teeth to Shape
Cutting or filing teeth is risky, as it can expose sensitive layers and lead to serious issues like infections. DIY dental work can cause harm and should be avoided. Consult a professional before attempting to cut or file your teeth.
5. DIY Fillings
DIY fillings using heated plastic beads are ineffective and dangerous. They won’t bond properly, and untreated cavities can worsen, leading to more severe dental problems.
While some of these social media trends may appear to be nice options, unfortunately many of them make matters worse. Overall, Dr. Rajpal encourages individuals to consult a professional rather than rely on TikTok trends that may cause more harm than good.
About the Author
Dr. Rajpal has a background in painting and sculpture and brings the same artistic skills into her work as a dentist. She firmly believes that dentistry is more than a scientific pursuit, and she considers herself a practitioner of the art of dentistry. She thoroughly enjoys the meditative state that intense esthetic designing involves, and she helps patients achieve the ideal shade and shape of teeth according to their goals. Her unique approach to dentistry allows her to create healthy, aesthetic smiles that look natural.
Dr. Rajpal believes dentistry requires a unique combination of fine motor skills and personal finesse. She relies on her artistic and scientific intuition to craft distinct treatment plans that meet her patient’s specific needs. Dr. Rajpal also uses full digitalization capabilities to help patients understand all their options and the prospective results of her treatment plans. Her gentle and compassionate nature helps her set even the most anxious patients at ease, ensuring a stress-free experience for all.
