The Dangers Of Fake Sharp Teeth And Other Online DIY Dental Trends

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From the comfort of their own homes, people are now able to access a plethora of dental resources online. Unfortunately, many of these sources contain inaccurate or even dangerous information. And when it comes to bad dental advice on TikTok, the hits just keep on coming. After a much-publicized series of viral videos about do-it-yourself teeth filing, several new and equally horrifying dental trends have emerged on the social media platform.

In recent years, DIY fake sharp teeth have become an increasingly popular trend among teens and young adults—but is it safe? While you might have hoped TikTokers would have learned their lesson after the tooth-filing debacle, apparently, that was just the warm-up. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about this and other online dental trends.

The Risks Involved With Fake Sharp Teeth

Fake sharp teeth have been around for decades, but in recent years they have experienced a surge in popularity due to easy access via online platforms. These false teeth are typically made from plastic or acrylic materials and decorated with various colors and designs.

Creating “shark teeth” for crowns

One of the most destructive TikTok trends involves people filing their teeth into narrow pegs so that they can be fitted with crowns or, in some cases, what the subjects mistakenly believe are veneers. While dentists have pointed out in replies that veneers often require little or no prep, let alone grinding your teeth into nubs, these videos continue to appear frequently on the platform.

Gluing vampire fangs to teeth

For some, Halloween means going trick or treating, dressing up in costumes, and gluing fangs to their teeth with a cyanoacrylate adhesive, otherwise known as super glue or nail adhesive. Although it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a toxic permanent adhesive is both toxic and permanent, that hasn’t deterred the many TikTok users who have used the glue to get the perfect vampire grin.

The Dangers of Fake Sharp Teeth

Despite their aesthetic appeal, there are serious risks associated with their use. These false teeth can cause gum irritation, tooth decay, and problems with speech development due to incorrect placement in the mouth. Furthermore, they can be difficult to clean, which increases the risk of infection as well as cavities.

Other Dangerous Online DIY Trends

In addition to fake sharp teeth, there are other potentially dangerous DIY dental trends that are gaining traction online. One such trend is whitening strips made from ingredients like baking soda, lemons, hydrogen peroxide, and even charcoal powder. While these products may help whiten teeth temporarily, they can also erode tooth enamel over time, leading to sensitivity issues or other more serious oral health problems.

Another trend is homemade braces made from elastic bands or paper clips which can lead to damage to the gums and jawbones if used improperly or without proper supervision from a dentist or orthodontist. Additionally, some people try using glue to fix chipped or cracked teeth, which can cause further damage if not done correctly.

DIY dental trends may seem appealing at first glance, but it’s important to remember that only trained professionals should perform any type of dental work on your teeth and mouth—even something as simple as whitening your teeth should be done under professional supervision. If you’re considering any kind of cosmetic dentistry procedure, make sure you consult your dentist first so that you understand all the potential risks involved—your smile depends on it!