If you’re not familiar with TikTok yet, it’s probably just a matter of time.
As one of the major social media platforms in use today, it’s one of the newest and fastest growing ones out there, featuring brief videos delivered through precise computer algorithms.
TikTok has captured the attention of young audiences all across the planet, achieving over three billion downloads in less than four years. Although other social media platforms have tried to duplicate the format (such as Instagram’s “Reels” and YouTube’s “Shorts), none have come close to matching its success.
The app is designed to do one thing: quickly capture the attention of viewers and keep them scrolling. TikTok has proven to be a useful tool to marketers and companies, particularly those hoping to connect with a younger audience.
While TikTok has proven to be popular and wildly entertaining since its first appearance, a few recent trends have surfaced which could be teaching children dangerous dental practices.
Since roughly 50% of TikTok’s users in the U.S. are aged 10 to 29 years old, these young
viewers are often both impressionable and misinformed,
To help protect your patients, it’s important to know about some of the bad information they might see.
Dental Hacks? Or Dental Quacks?
Often referred to as “hacks,” some of the most common types of videos seen on TikTok are “do it yourself” clips that promise quick and easy ways to be productive or successful through items found in your homes.
Although many hacks do offer semi-useful or interesting advice, the problem is that some are simply ineffective at best, and dangerous at worst. Especially those coined “dental hacks.”
Lately, these “dental hacks” have been popping up on the app, offering a variety of harmful and unsafe suggestions.
What sort of bad advice?
For one, using Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponges for whitening teeth, despite the fact that the cleaning device contains chemicals not meant to be ingested.
Yes, instead of using them for cleaning kitchen sinks and bathtubs, some people actually believe they should be polishing their teeth with them, damaging their enamel in the process.
Tooth modifications are also a common theme in many dental hack videos.
Some videos suggest using nail files to remove plaque or sharpen teeth. Others tell people with gaps in their teeth to consider using household rubber bands to close the space, rather than using braces or clear aligners.
These are only a few of the risky videos and tactics, but certainly not the only ones.
But why do they ever gain any traction at all?
There appear to be some genuine reasons behind these dangerous instructions, even if they’re misguided.
Namely, some people are simply afraid to visit their dentist.
You probably know several people who feel uneasy at the idea of dental work, and you may have even felt that way yourself at one point or another.
This fear is most commonly associated with younger visitors. And, since they are the main users of TikTok, it makes sense that they would be drawn towards this kind of content.
If a young viewer thinks they can improve their teeth on their own at home, then they may try it out in order to avoid a trip to a dental office.
Stopping TikTok Dental Trends
Since younger audiences are usually on TikTok for entertainment, you can use the platform as your tool to fight against these poor dental tips. After all, the dental community on TikTok isn’t all bad.
Professionals such as Benjamin Winters, who uses the platform to spread comedy and accurate dental knowledge, can be shown to younger visitors.
This adds a reliable source to their social media feed, teaching them about dental health at home. It also steers patients away from content that may cause them harm.
Winters isn’t the only reliable source that can be shown to curious visitors or to those more comfortable learning about their teeth on their own.
The American Dental Association also offers a full list of credible sources that you can share.
The Takeaways
As younger audiences switch from reading magazines and watching fish tanks in your waiting room to watching TikTok videos instead, be sure to stay up-to-date on what they might be seeing.
Guide them towards reputable resources, and make them feel at ease in discussing any questions or concerns they might have.
And, always remember to consider opening a dialogue with parents or the viewers themselves about what’s reliable and what isn’t on the internet.
If you make them aware, they’re far more likely to stay safe.
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About First Choice Dental Lab
First Choice Dental Lab is a full-service dental lab with locations in Downers Grove, Il. & Wauwatosa, Wi.
We manufacture & customize quality dental restorations for general dentists. We create smiles based on your needs and budget.
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