TL;DR: There are many viral oral health trends on social media, but they’re not all safe. From whitening strips to charcoal toothpaste, some online advice can do more harm than good. Families all over Richmond can help teens preserve their smile by knowing what to believe and what to ignore.
Not Everything You See Online Is Good for Your Smile
Open up TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, and your teen is bound to see influencers promoting viral oral health trends and products. These influencer tips have been taking social media by storm and creating new hacks for a better smile. While some suggestions are harmless, others can genuinely damage their teeth.
A lot of viral videos focus on quick fixes for a brighter smile while completely ignoring the potential risks. The tips that work for one person or group may not be suitable for your teen and their teeth.
For the families of the Richmond, Midlothian, Colonial Heights, and other areas on Central Virginia, we at PDOVA want you to think twice about dental advice you can find online. Good oral health starts with good habits, and not internet trends.
Whitening Isn’t Always Better
Whitening strips is one of the most viral oral health trends on social media but using them more often than directed doesn’t produce better results. In fact, improper use of the product can create tooth sensitivity and irritated gums, especially for teens whose teeth are still developing.
Before getting into any whitening treatment, check out this article by MouthHealthy to get insight on the proper way to whiten your teeth. It’s always best to ask your dentist if your teen wants to have a whiter smile. They have the ability to suggest options which are safe and effective.
The Truth About Charcoal Toothpaste
Charcoal toothpaste has become another favorite amongst teens because it’s marketed as a natural alternative to traditional whitening. However, studies highlighted in the Journal of the American Dental Association point out major flaws: charcoal pastes are highly abrasive. Once the enamel is lost, it cannot grow back. To keep your teen’s teeth strong and healthy, have them stick with a dentist-recommended fluoride toothpaste instead.
Good Habits Beat Trends Everytime
Not every trend online is bad. An example of a booming trend recently is tongue scrapping. Tongue scrapping can help remove bacteria and improve bad breath when it’s done gently and alongside regular brushing and flossing.
The main thing to keep in mind is that good oral hygiene is a more fundamental means of maintaining oral health than any viral product. Teens should continue to:
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
- Floss every day
- See the dentist on a regular basis
These habits will always have a bigger impact than any trend on social media.
Separate Facts from Fiction
Teens naturally want to look up to the creators and celebrities they follow online, but influencers aren’t orthodontists. Most of the time celebrities who endorse a product do it because they’re paid to, not because they always use it.
Parents should lead the way by engaging in open dialogue with their teens around online content and ask questions before they use a new product. Just a brief discussion with your family dentist will help you avoid unnecessary sensitivity, enamel damage, or other oral health concerns.
Keep Your Teen’s Smile Healthy
The team at PDOVA is here to help your teen adopt healthy habits that outlast any viral oral health trend. Whether you have questions about charcoal toothpaste, whitening products, or an emerging trend you saw online, we’ve got you covered.
Schedule an appointment today to help your teen separate facts from fiction and smile with total confidence!