Debunking Dental Trends

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How to talk with patients about separating myth from fact

Social media is full of viral dental trends, but are they safe or effective? From oil pulling to charcoal toothpaste, millions are drawn to these hacks on TikTok and Instagram. ADA News spoke with experts to separate myth from fact and guide dentists in advising patients wisely.

Oil pulling

The ancient Indian remedy of oil pulling has been used for centuries to clean the mouth and teeth. Oil pulling, which is arguably one of the largest online dental trends today, involves swishing a tablespoon of oil around the mouth like mouthwash to reduce harmful bacteria and freshen breath. The oil is “pulled” between teeth for 15 to 20 minutes before being spit in the trash. 

But does it work?  Matthew Messina, D.D.S., clinical director of Ohio State Upper Arlington Dentistry, said the answer is complicated. Oil pulling is not harmful and may provide some of the benefits touted by its advocates, he allowed.

Dr. Messina acknowledges oil pulling’s appeal but stresses modern dental advancements. He advises using it as a supplement while prioritizing flossing, brushing, healthy eating, and dental visits.

“There’s nothing wrong with oil pulling, and I won’t tell you to stop. Relying on oil pulling over proven treatments, especially for infections or periodontal disease, can be dangerous, even life-threatening.”

Charcoal toothpaste

Using activated charcoal toothpaste as a whitening agent has gained popularity over the past few years. The fine-grain powder is made from natural substances like wood and coconut shells that are oxidized under extreme heat. However, Dr. Messina said the common trend is a “known danger” that is highly abrasive and runs down surface tooth enamel. He said using charcoal toothpaste is analogous to sanding hardwood floors to lighten the color. 

“That works until you run out of wood. Tooth enamel is the same way — we have the tooth enamel that the tooth erupted in the mouth with. We don’t grow any more tooth enamel throughout our life, so it gradually wears away through natural use,” he said. “But if we’re doing something that is eroding tooth enamel faster than the normal rate, this is a procedure that is dangerous.” 

Instead, Dr. Messina encouraged talking with patients about what their ultimate goals are. Tooth discoloration has many causes, from decay to disease. A dentist can diagnose the issue and create a treatment plan.

Facial fitness gum

Many people have hopped on the train of chewing facial fitness gum in hopes of sculpting their jawline. The practice is akin to going to the gym to get fit, said Tyrone Rodriguez, D.D.S., a pediatric dentist in Texas. By targeting the masseter muscle, which defines the jawline, the belief is that the masseter will bulk up and fat around the face will diminish. 

Dr. Rodriguez said that much like gym trends, though, people tend to overdo it and attempt to get in shape overnight. Although some people might see results, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution with this particular trend. Chewing facial fitness gum may worsen headaches or malocclusions, and genetics also affects jaw sculpting results.

Dentists should encourage patients who desire to try facial fitness gum to start slowly, Dr. Rodriguez highlighted. He added that dentists can ask patients what their goals are, taking into account how lifestyle choices such as diet and sleeping posture may play into their results. 

“[Those interested can] try it. Go slow. Don’t start with a big piece. Use a smaller piece, and see how not just your jaw feels, but see how your teeth feel, see how your head feels. [Our body is] interconnected and one habit overdone can become something that is not good for us,” he said. 

Veneer technicians

Dentists warn against “veneer technicians” offering services on social media, urging patients to seek licensed professionals. Dr. Ada Cooper stresses that dentistry requires formal education and regulation.

“The ADA very firmly believes that patients should always seek care from licensed dentists for their dental needs, whatever they may be, to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, patient safety and quality assurance,” she said.

Dr. Cooper warns that unsupervised veneer procedures can cause irreversible harm and urges dentists to educate patients on the risks of unlicensed treatment. These include, but are not limited to, nerve damage, infections and even choking hazards during placement. Patients should also recognize that dentists are responsible for knowing their oral history, health history, preexisting conditions and medications, diagnosing diseases and developing treatment plans. 

“We don’t see our patients as commodities. We see them as people who have entrusted in us their care. And we, better than anyone, can safely manage treatment throughout the entire course of care. So, it’s vital, vital, vital for patients to seek dental recommendations and treatment directly from a dentist instead of following online dental trends” Dr. Cooper said.