Dentists Are Begging You To Stop Using These Viral Teeth-Whitening Hacks
TikTok is filled with viral teeth-whitening hacks promising a whiter smile in minutes. But do they actually work? According to dentists, the answer is both yes and no. Some of these shortcuts may give a short-lived boost, but others can cause irreversible damage to your mouth.
“Most of these shortcuts carry hidden risks,” said Dr. Mark Andrawis, the clinical director and prosthodontist owner of ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers in Roseland, New Jersey. “At first, teeth may look brighter because the stained surface has been stripped away, but repeated abrasion eventually leaves enamel so thin that teeth become permanently sensitive and more vulnerable to decay.”
What Works Temporarily
Dentists admit that some viral teeth-whitening hacks can work temporarily. Purple color correctors, for example, are generally safe because they rely on pigments rather than peroxide or abrasives. They neutralize yellow tones much like purple shampoo does for hair. Teeth may appear brighter for a few hours, but no actual whitening or stain removal occurs.
“These serums typically contain a heavy concentration of pigments and excessive use in the oral cavity, which has high permeability, may be concerning,” said Dr. Michael J. Wei, the founder of Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist. “Overuse may cause harmless but noticeable staining of gums or tongue.”
Whitening Pens: Convenient for Touch-Ups
Whitening pens are safe if used as directed, but manage your expectations. If the whitening pen contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, then it will be effective in whitening teeth,” noted Dr. Jenna Chimon, a cosmetic dentist at Long Island Veneers. “However, they usually will not whiten as well as products that are used in the dental office or other over-the-counter products that create a barrier with the lips.
“They are convenient for touch-ups, especially if you have a specific tooth that always looks a little darker,” added Wei. “If you have a specific tooth that always looks a little darker, you can spot-apply the pen.”
The Truth About Teeth-Brightening Powder
Dentists were divided over the popular teeth-brightening powder. Some felt it’s a band-aid without lasting benefits, and another said it’s downright dangerous.
“Teeth-whitening powder can be effective for lifting surface stains caused by things like coffee, tea, or wine, but it generally doesn’t change the natural shade of teeth the way professional whitening treatments or peroxide-based products can,” explained Wei. “It more so gives a brightening effect.”
“The next time you eat or brush your teeth, the temporary whitening effects will dissipate,” added Chimon.
Dangerous Ingredients to Avoid
By contrast, powders with certain ingredients like charcoal-based products can be highly abrasive and wear down enamel, which does not regenerate. Once enamel is lost, it can lead to permanent sensitivity and a greater risk of decay.
“Many whitening powders are unsafe, especially those that are charcoal-based,” said Andrawis. “They act like fine sandpaper micro-abrading layers of enamel.”
Pantry Ingredients: Safe When Used Cautionly
Dentists also warned about the dangers of using pantry ingredients as teeth-whitening hacks.
Lemon Juice: One of the Most Dangerous Ingredients
“Its high acidity can damage enamel,” explained Wei. “This can lead to enamel erosion, increased sensitivity, and a higher risk of cavities.”
Lemon juice may seem innocuous, but it is one of the most dangerous ingredients TikTokers are putting on their teeth.
Turmeric: Not a Whitening Strategy
“Turmeric won’t damage your teeth and could improve gum health, but as a whitening strategy, I would label it ‘ineffective,’” said Wei. “It may actually cause more staining as opposed to whitening teeth,” cautioned Chimon.
Magic Erasers: A Hard No from Dentists
“Made of melamine foam, they act like fine sandpaper micro-abrading layers of enamel,” said Andrawis. “Scrubbing with them strips enamel permanently and introduces chemicals and microplastics not intended for ingestion.”
The many consequences include lifelong sensitivity, higher cavity risk, and chemical irritation that can cause long-lasting negative effects in the gut.