The Danger of Viral Dentistry: Why You Should NOT File Your Teeth at Home

The quest for the perfect smile is more popular than ever, fueled by social media. However, on platforms like TikTok, «Do It Yourself» (DIY) dental trends have emerged that are extremely dangerous and deceptive. So-called viral dentistry is presented as a quick and cheap trick, but in reality, it’s a serious threat to oral health.

Dentists around the world are warning about these viral challenges, including Dr. Tarsys Loayza Roys, one of the best dentists in Colombia. For her, it’s crucial that users understand that dental treatments require the expertise of a professional.

The Most Harmful Viral Trends for Your Smile

Behind every viral «dental beauty» video lie risks that can ruin your mouth forever. Here we explain the most harmful practices:

• The Danger of Filing Your Teeth: This is perhaps the most alarming trend. This involves using a nail file or sandpaper to wear down the incisal edges of the teeth to achieve a more «uniform» or «sharp» shape.
  • Negative Consequence: Tooth enamel is the hardest protective layer in the body, and once lost, it does not regenerate. Filing teeth exposes the dentin, causing hypersensitivity, chronic pain, and increasing the risk of cavities and even the need for root canals.

• Whitening with Abrasive Products: Although baking soda, lemon, vinegar, or activated charcoal have gone viral as home alternatives to whitening, these methods are extremely dangerous.
  • Negative Consequence: These products are highly abrasive. Instead of whitening, they irreparably erode the enamel surface. The result is not real whitening, but rather the exposure of the underlying dentin (which is yellowish). This can make teeth appear darker and become extremely sensitive.

• DIY Orthodontics (Do It Yourself)
  Attempting to move teeth at home using elastic bands, fishing line, or small appliances purchased online without professional supervision.
  • Negative Consequence: This practice can restrict blood flow to the teeth, cause irreversible damage or loss of the bone supporting the roots, and in extreme cases, tooth loss. Orthodontic movements must be precise and slow, something only an orthodontist can plan.

Recommendations from Dr. Tarsys Loayza Roys: Safe Prevention

Dr. Tarsys Loayza Roys, an oral health expert, emphasizes that aesthetics should never come before health. «The trends we see on social media are not designed by healthcare professionals. Putting a healthy tooth at risk for a viral challenge is a mistake that results in pain and very expensive treatments,» she warns. To protect your smile and achieve lasting aesthetic results, Dr. Loayza Roys recommends:

• Always consult a dentist: Before attempting any changes to your mouth, schedule an appointment. Professionals can offer safe and personalized options such as LED whitening or properly applied dental veneers.
• Prioritize Enamel: If you wish to whiten your teeth, use only products with the appropriate concentration of hydrogen peroxide and always under clinical supervision.
• Quality Hygiene: The best prevention is brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, and regular visits to the dentist.

Remember: A passing fad is not worth the risk of permanent dental consequences. Your smile is an investment in your health.

Would you like to learn more about professional and safe treatments to achieve an aesthetic smile? Book an appointment now on this page and access the best dental technology in Cartagena to maintain your perfect smile.

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