In today's digital era, advice on oral health is no longer limited to professional consultations or dental clinics. Social media, particularly TikTok, is full of influencers promoting natural, quick, and affordable solutions for attaining healthier teeth and a brighter smile. From mouthwash to charcoal toothpaste, these TikTok trends promise a dramatic outcome with little effort. But to what extent is this advice scientifically sound, and to what extent could it be silently damaging your dental health? In this blog, we separate facts from fiction and guide you towards safe and proven practices.

Is It Safe to Brush with Charcoal Toothpaste?

Charcoal toothpaste is becoming increasingly popular, with plenty of videos showing individuals brushing using black paste to achieve whiter teeth. However, does this charcoal toothpaste actually work, and how safe is it? The brief answer to this question is that charcoal might cause more harm to your oral health than good, and here is why:

  • The issue of abrasiveness. Activated charcoal is highly abrasive. That means it could wear down your teeth’s enamel over time. Tooth enamel is the protective external layer of teeth. Once it is gone, it does not grow back. That can cause increased tooth discoloration, sensitivity, and an increased risk of dental cavities.
  • Limited whitening outcomes. Whereas charcoal might temporarily eliminate surface stains, it does not whiten teeth. In fact, as the charcoal wears off the enamel, the yellow-like dentin beneath becomes more conspicuous, causing teeth to appear more yellow with time.
  • Zero fluoride protection. Many charcoal toothpastes are not fluoride-based. Fluoride is an essential element in preventing tooth decay and strengthening enamel. The ADA (American Dental Association) has yet to approve charcoal toothpastes since there is inadequate evidence that they are safe and effective.

Better Alternatives to Charcoal Toothpaste

Dental professionals recommend the following alternatives to charcoal toothpaste for dental whitening:

  • Professional teeth whitening treatments
  • Fluoride-containing whitening toothpastes that are ADA-approved.
  • Customized dentist-prescribed home whitening kits
  • Routine dental cleaning to eliminate surface stains

The Truth About Mouthwash

Like charcoal toothpaste, there are TikTok trends surrounding mouthwash, with influencers advising against using it for various reasons. TikTok videos are alleging that mouthwash increases the risk of hypertension and possibly damages the heart’s health. Some videos allege that this happens because mouthwash eliminates beneficial mouth bacteria, which are essential for cardiovascular health. Even though this is an attention-grabbing message, do not stop using your mouthwash yet. Facts are far more intricate.

Our mouths are home to several types of bacteria. Together, the bacteria create a diverse and balanced microbial ecosystem that helps inhibit the overgrowth of disease-associated bacteria, supports the usual metabolism, and contributes to better overall and oral health.

Among the essential roles of oral bacteria is the conversion of nitrate in our food into nitrite. Whenever we swallow nitrate, our bodies convert it into nitric oxide. That happens through the enterosalivary pathway. It is one way that mouth bacteria help keep our bodies healthy and functional.

Nitric oxide helps regulate blood pressure and supports muscle and brain function. However, the trendy TikTok videos claim that the reason mouthwashes damage cardiovascular health is that they impact the good bacteria, those that generate nitric oxide.

Several studies have found that using mouthwash can alter the balance of the bacteria in the mouth. That might lower the bacteria's capacity to convert nitrate from vegetables into nitrite. The body requires nitrite to manufacture nitric oxide.

A study involving 19 healthy individuals found that those who rinsed with chlorhexidine mouthwash for 7 days had reduced nitrate levels and a slight rise in hypertension. Another small intervention study reported that using 0.12 percent chlorhexidine mouthwash twice daily for 7 days substantially raised blood pressure in 27 healthy adults.

In a different study of fifteen grown-ups who had hypertension, 3 days of using chlorhexidine further raised their blood pressure.

The primary detail that influencers may miss is the kind of mouthwash involved in the published studies. Most studies that have established a connection between blood pressure and mouthwash use have given participants chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is a potent antiseptic recommended only for temporary use in individuals with periodontitis or following dental treatments, whereby its antimicrobial effect is beneficial.

Chlorhexidine mouthwash disrupts mouth bacteria to control infections, including those that transform nitrate to nitrite. That makes this mouthwash ideal for use in studies of the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathways. However, it additionally means the outcomes might not mirror what happens when using milder, regular mouthwashes.

Many mouthwashes contain alcohol (ethanol) as a primary ingredient, even though formulations often include several other components, including essential oils. That makes it challenging to pick out the particular impacts of alcohol.

Since alcohol is an antimicrobial, it might impact the mouth microbiome. Some research studies have suggested a potential link between alcohol-containing mouthwashes and increased risk of oral cancer. However, no studies have particularly examined the impacts of alcohol-only mouthwashes on cardiovascular health or the oral microbial ecosystem.

Generally, according to available evidence, mild mouthwashes, such as those most individuals purchase in stores, are less likely to substantially inhibit the conversion of nitrate to nitrite or increase blood pressure.

One study found that regular dental hygiene, including brushing and flossing, was associated with a reduced risk of heart-related deaths over 19 years. Using mouthwash regularly did not influence heart health results in any way. That was the case for milder mouthwashes containing alcohol and fluoride, and for stronger antibacterial mouthwashes containing cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine.

Mouthwash is useful in several different ways, including the following:

  • Cavity prevention. Fluoride mouthwash might help prevent dental caries by strengthening enamel. However, its effectiveness might be more limited than professional fluoride treatment and fluoride toothpaste.
  • Reduction of gingivitis and periodontitis. Some studies state that certain mouthwashes, especially those containing chlorhexidine or essential oils, can help reduce gingivitis and periodontal disease when used as part of a detailed dental care routine. Nonetheless, these mouthwashes are not a substitute for routine flossing and brushing.
  • Freshening breath. Mouthwashes that contain ingredients such as eucalyptol or menthol can provide a short-term solution for foul breath. They do this by masking bad odors. However, it is essential to address the main causes of your foul breath, including poor dental hygiene, certain foods, and gum disease, to obtain long-lasting results.
  • Reduces mouth bacteria. Mouthwash can temporarily lower the amount of mouth bacteria. Antimicrobials have been proven effective against many kinds of bacteria, including those that cause gingivitis and plaque. However, the impacts are short-lived, and bacteria usually repopulate quickly.

Dental professionals advise against rinsing immediately after brushing your teeth. That is because if you do so, the mouthwash would wash away the concentrated fluoride your toothpaste leaves behind after you brush, decreasing cavity protection. Dental professionals generally advise rinsing with fluoride-containing, non-alcoholic mouthwash at a specific time, for example, after lunch, instead of right after you brush.

Other Viral Dental Trends on TikTok: Facts vs. Fiction

Apart from the trends around charcoal toothpaste and mouthwash, social media is also flooding with information about other dental care routines that influencers are encouraging people to adopt. Here are other viral dental trends on TikTok and what is true and false.

Teeth Whitening with Apple Cider Vinegar

Applying or rinsing with apple cider vinegar has become a trend on TikTok as a natural way of whitening teeth. However, apple cider vinegar is very acidic. It can erode the enamel faster. Using it regularly can cause irreversible enamel loss, greater vulnerability to cavities, and increased sensitivity. You want to avoid this trend entirely.

Whitening Strips with LED Lights

TikTok trends show people using whitening strips under UV lights or LED lights for quick results. However, even though some LED kits used for home whitening might yield modest outcomes, they are typically less effective than professional procedures. The primary ingredient in these kits is not light but a whitening gel. Professional dental whitening incorporates higher concentrations of safer bleaching agents and correct application methods for long-term, better results.

DIY Teeth Filing

TikTok trends talk about utilizing abrasive tools like nail files to file down teeth for a more even smile. The truth is that that is among the most harmful dental trends experienced. At-home teeth filing can cause irreversible damage to the enamel, resulting in decay, severe sensitivity, and costly dental repairs. Try not to reshape your teeth without professional dental supervision. If you are not happy with your teeth’s appearance, you can consult a cosmetic dentist and safely attain your goals.

Rinsing with Hydrogen Peroxide

The trend on TikTok involved utilizing a concentrated hydrogen solution as a mouth rinse for immediate whitening. However, even though professional dental whitening treatments involve hydrogen peroxide, utilizing high concentrations at home can destroy your gums, increase tooth sensitivity, and irritate soft tissues. Over-the-counter mouth rinses are generally safe (1.5% to 3% concentration), although you should only use stronger solutions under professional dental supervision.

Oil Pulling to Achieve Whiter Teeth

The trend on TikTok involves swishing oil, such as coconut oil, in the mouth for up to twenty minutes to whiten teeth and draw out toxins. However, though oil pulling is a traditional practice and will not necessarily hurt your teeth, there is no scientific evidence that it removes toxins or whitens teeth. You should never replace flossing and brushing with oil pulling. If you would like to try oil pulling, treat it as a supplement. Do not consider it an alternative to proper dental hygiene.

Using Lemon Water to Achieve Whiter Teeth

TikTok trends have glamorized drinking lemon-infused water as a natural way to whiten teeth. Even though lemon water contains mild detoxifying agents for overall health, it is highly acidic, which can be extremely harmful to enamel.

Being constantly exposed to acidic substances weakens enamel, raising susceptibility to decay, hypersensitivity, and erosion. Dental professionals ought to educate patients on the harmful impacts of this trend, stressing that any perceived whitening results from the thinning of the tooth enamel, revealing the dentin beneath.

Questions You Must Ask Before Trying Dental Trends

Before you attempt that dental hack that is always appearing on TikTok, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Has the ADA endorsed the trend?
  • Could the method cause gum irritation or sensitivity?
  • Am I substituting proper oral care with the viral trend?
  • Does the technique utilize abrasive materials that may damage enamel?
  • Would my dental professional recommend this?

If you have any doubts, consult your dental professional. They can always answer questions regarding trending dental techniques or products.

Safe Teeth Whitening Methods

If you wish to achieve a pearly white smile, here is what dental professionals recommend:

  • Routine dental cleanings. Deep cleanings every 6 months eliminate surface stains, making teeth look their best.
  • ADA-approved teeth-whitening toothpaste. Check the ADA Seal of Acceptance on any whitening toothpaste you buy. This indicates the toothpaste is safe and effective.
  • Customized home kits. Your dental professional can provide customized trays to fit over your teeth and professional whitening gel you can try at home under their guidance.
  • In-office teeth-whitening treatments. Professional dental whitening is the safest, most effective choice. It can attain results several shades brighter in only a single visit while safeguarding your enamel and gums.
  • Proper everyday habits. Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and cut back on staining beverages and foods such as red wine, tea, and coffee.

Find a Skilled Dental Professional Near Me

Social media can be informative and entertaining. However, it is not always an ideal source of oral health advice. Usually, influencers create viral trends without dental education or training, and whatever works for one individual’s teeth might not work for another. 

At Northridge Advanced Dentistry, we stay up to date with the latest dental technology and research to provide our patients with safe and effective treatment options. Whether you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, or simply want to maintain your dental health, we are available to help you achieve a healthy, attractive smile without compromising your oral health. We will personalize a treatment plan that delivers actual results without jeopardizing your dental health. Contact us at 818-701-3010 to discuss options that best suit your dental needs.