3 Popular Trends That Can Harm Your Teeth

Social media influencers and so-called “researchers” are coming up with new fads every day. From clothing styles and dance moves to haircuts and brighter smiles, there’s always something that is enticing others to “jump on the bandwagon.” Unfortunately, there are many popular trends that are bad for your teeth, so if you want to avoid falling victim to one or more of these new ideas, here are three you should stay away from to protect your smile.

Rinsing with Apple Cider Vinegar

If you’re looking to whiten your teeth, you may have heard about the apple cider vinegar (ACV) technique. Supposedly, if you gargle with it then brush your teeth 30 minutes later, it will help to eliminate surface stains and produce a brighter smile. However, what these trendsetters aren’t telling you is that ACV is highly acidic, which means that it can cause your tooth enamel to erode over time. As a result, you can become susceptible to tooth sensitivity, discoloration, tooth loss, an increase in cavity formations, and possible damage to any existing fillings.

Switching to Sparkling Water

If you’re looking for an alternative to regular water and want to avoid sodas, you may be tempted to try sparkling water. Because it can come in a variety of flavors, you might assume there is no danger in drinking this supposedly harmless beverage; however, that simply isn’t true. Although it is a better option that soda or sports drinks, it is still highly acidic. This means you’ll need to neutralize the pH balance in your mouth to avoid possible tooth erosion. You can do this by having a glass with lunch or dinner so that your saliva helps to flush out the acid found in the sparkling water, allowing it to minimize your risk for cavities.

Using Activated Charcoal to Whiten Teeth

Another teeth whitening trick many people are promoting is the use of activate charcoal. Capable of absorbing toxins within the body, it is commonly used by paramedics when treating a person who has ingested a harmful substance. However, it is also being championed by the internet as a way to remove stains from teeth. The truth, though, is that there is not enough research or evidence to prove that activated charcoal is effective or safe. Instead, because of how abrasive it is, the charcoal can easily cause tooth enamel to erode, leading to tooth sensitivity and an increased risk for cavities.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype surrounding these trends, especially when you see others with glowing results. But it’s important to consider the long-term effects before trying any new fad. If you’re ever unsure, you can talk to your dentist to find out which solutions to try and which ones you’ll want to avoid.

About the Author
Dr. Laura Philipps is a trusted dentist in Midland who believes in providing exceptional dental care to ensure her patients’ overall health and well-being. Completing her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at Tufts University, she regularly pursues continuing education to hone her clinical skillset. Receiving state-of-the-art training in various programs and specialties, she enjoys bringing new information back to her patients. And by staying up to date on the latest so-called “trends,” she can better inform her patients about the dos and don’ts of popular fads circling the internet and various social media platforms. To learn how to take better care of your oral health, contact us at (432) 570-4433.