Debunking TikTok Tooth Trends

February 24, 2022

Do you easily trust what you see on social media? While there are those which hold some truth, these trends aren’t expert advice. In this dental blog, we’ll be talking about some TikTok tooth trends and whether they could help with your dental needs. 

Drinking Pineapple Juice Before Surgery

TikToker @valeriagreenz shared how quickly she recovered from her wisdom teeth removal surgery after drinking 64 oz. of pineapple juice before the procedure. Pineapple juice contains bromelain, which is an anti-inflammatory. This study showed that a few participants who took bromelain after their wisdom teeth surgery experienced decreased pain and swelling. 

But, the participants took bromelain supplements. They did not consume any pineapple juice, and there are no studies on the effect of bromelain before surgery nor is there any research on the effectiveness of pineapple juice in reducing pain and swelling before or after surgery.

On the contrary, pineapple juice has high acid and sugar content which can increase the risk of decay in the mouth and even irritate the mouth after surgery due to the acidity. You must also avoid eating or drinking anything eight hours before your surgery if you’re opting for an IV sedation (to prevent complications).

Using Elastic Bands To Close Teeth Gaps

It might seem like a sensible thing to do, and TikToker @elijahosein has shown that it does work. He managed to close his diastema with five-dollar gap bands. While he may have gotten the smile he wanted, not everyone does. The rubber bands can move the gap between the teeth too fast and cause root resorption (where the body breaks down tissues surrounding the tooth).

A nine-year-old boy had to learn this the hard way when he lost his upper central incisors which resulted in severe acute periodontitis. If you want to close your teeth gap, we advise you to visit the dentist so they can supervise your teeth movement and offer proper care and treatment options such as braces or Invisalign

Using Nail Files To Shape Teeth

After watching a TikTok video, 16-year-old Aislinn Rendulic decided to file her teeth, which she then regretted as her teeth started developing tooth sensitivity to all foods and drinks, including water. Dental recontouring (also known as enameloplasty) can be done safely by a dental professional, but those who perform cosmetic dental procedures by themselves could end up with exposed dentin which holds your tooth’s nerves.

To avoid permanent damage or costly fixes to the teeth, we urge patients to seek help from a dentist if they have any dental concerns. These short videos may seem helpful at first glance, but only a dentist would be able to properly help you with your teeth. 

Please feel free to talk to our team at Kildonan Crossing Dental Centre and ask our dentists about these trends. Our dental professionals are always willing to help you find new and safe ways to achieve your dental goals and improve your oral health. Book your appointment today to learn more about your oral health. We are conveniently located at the northwest corner of Lagimodiere Boulevard and Regent Avenue.