'I'm a dentist and these TikTok trends will make your teeth worse'

TikTok may be a treasure trove for dance trends and cooking tips, but when it comes to DIY dentistry, it's a dentist's worst nightmare. Over half of Gen Z are now turning to TikTok before Google for health advice, so it's no surprise that bizarre hacks for achieving pearly whites have flooded our feeds.

However, according to Doctor Gopinder Lalia, founder and principal dentist at Lume Dental in Cheshire, some of these trends are downright hazardous. Dr Lalia, who has been practising dentistry since 2017, warns that while most people have good intentions, the wrong tip could land you in the dentist's chair for all the wrong reasons.

The 31-year-old lists six so-called smile secrets that really make dentists grit their teeth - and they're pretty alarming. Here's what the expert wants you to know.

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1. The nail-file smile

One of the most alarming trends on TikTok is the 'nail-file smile'. People are literally filing down their teeth with emery boards or sandpaper to alter the shape.

Dentists like Doctor Lalia caution that this can permanently remove enamel, leaving teeth sensitive, decayed and even at risk of falling out. If you're dissatisfied with your tooth shape, reshaping or bonding done by a professional is far safer and actually effective.

2. DIY whitening hacks

TikTok has so many tips on how to get pearly-white teeth, from brushing with baking soda and lemon juice, to rinsing with peroxide or even bleach. While they might provide a temporary sparkle, these harsh methods can erode enamel and irritate gums, leaving teeth weaker and more sensitive.

Dr Lalia suggests that professional whitening is the only way to achieve safe, long-lasting results, as reported by NeedToKnow.

3. Fake veneers with household glue

Some creators have filmed themselves sticking on cheap fake veneers or caps with superglue or other household adhesives. It might look okay in a video, but these fake teeth can pop off while eating – and the glue can leak harmful chemicals into the mouth.

Real veneers should always be custom-made and fitted by a qualified dentist using safe, tested materials.

4. Rubber bands to close gap

Fancy closing a tooth gap overnight? Videos shared on the app suggest wrapping an elastic band around your teeth and letting it pull them together is the answer.

In reality, this can seriously damage your gums, roots and even jawbone – not to mention the risk of swallowing or choking on the band. Orthodontists move teeth carefully and gradually for a reason so if you're after a quick fix, clear aligners are a safe bet.

5. DIY cavity 'cures'

Some TikTok videos promote chewable 'toothpaste bits' packed with fancy ingredients like nanohydroxyapatite, claiming they can rebuild enamel and fix cavities. But Dr Lalia says once enamel is gone, it doesn't grow back on its own.

These products might help protect teeth between dentist visits, but they won't replace a proper filling when decay sets in.

6. Exercises for grinding

But not all dental tips circulating on the internet are harmful, according to Dr Lalia. He suggests that face and tongue exercises could be beneficial for those struggling with teeth grinding, unless your dentist advises otherwise.

Applying pressure with your tongue to the roof of your mouth or massaging your jaw can alleviate tension and safeguard your teeth from clenching during sleep.

However, if grinding is a significant issue, it's crucial to seek professional advice. Despite the appeal of these viral hacks, Dr Lalia emphasises that genuine smiles require proper care, not quick fixes with nail files and glue sticks.