Society is entranced by fashions and trends. Often started by a Hollywood star or social media influencer, a fad can sweep the world in a matter of days, largely thanks to the web. We all want to express ourselves and that is what drives fashion and social trends. However, that doesn’t mean that all these innovative initiatives are good for you. With that in mind, here are a few dental fads that we definitely recommend you avoid.

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  • Charcoal – While many are raving about the dental benefits of activated charcoal in toothpaste, the FDA have yet to approve this. Sit on the fence, at least until the FDA give charcoal the green light. It is, after all, a dangerous substance. It is thought that activated charcoal can damage tooth enamel and non-activated charcoal is toxic and should be avoided at all times.
  • Oil Pulling – An ancient remedy for bad breath, it involves swilling a mouthful of coconut oil around your mouth for 5-10 minutes. However, we must remember that this was used before we had brushing and flossing. There’s no hard evidence that oil pulling benefits the teeth and we know it isn’t harmful. The danger lies in replacing brushing and flossing with the oil pull, as this will lead to a plaque build-up. It is called ‘pulling’ because you force the liquid through the gaps of your teeth, which is quite an art we are told.
  • Teeth Whitening Home Kits – These contain hydrogen peroxide, which is very dangerous. If you want whiter teeth, there’s an affordable dentist North Shore or your city  has who can give you a whiter smile. Making a mistake with this substance can cause gum scarring, which can be very painful. Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits also don’t have a good result outcome, certainly not as good as professional laser teeth whitening.
  • Baking Soda & Lemon Juice – Another old remedy said to whiten your teeth, both substances can erode tooth enamel. Coupled with vigorous brushing, it could lead to sensitive teeth. Putting two abrasive and corrosive agents together, this is a full-on attack on your teeth enamel and we don’t recommend trying it.
  • Online Fashion Braces – Dentists are horrified to learn that Asian teenagers are buying braces online and wearing them as a fashion accessory! The only person qualified to fit braces is a dentist and you certainly should not wear them if you have straight teeth. These potentially harmful devices are covered with coloured beads and who knows what they are made of? Nothing beats a natural smile, so stay away from fashion braces, which could cause some serious damage. 
  • Juice Only Diets – These citrus-laden fruit drinks can eat away at your tooth enamel and your body needs nutrients that are not in these drinks. When you drink fruit juice, you should rinse with water to remove a lot of the acid. This reduces the risk of dental issues arising.

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Regarding any dental trend or fad, you may not be aware that many are harmful with long-term use. Always check online with qualified dentists before doing it.