Do TikTok Dental Hacks Actually Work? We Tried Them So You Don’t Have To

If you’ve ever found yourself deep in a TikTok scroll and stumbled across a "whiten your teeth with lemon juice!" video—this one’s for you. With millions of views and creators swearing by DIY dental hacks, it’s easy to get curious. But before you start scrubbing your teeth with baking soda or trying oil pulling with coconut oil, our dental team at Capitol Dental in Washington, DC, decided to break it all down for you.

First up: whitening with activated charcoal. While it might look cool and dramatic on camera, charcoal is abrasive and can actually wear down your enamel over time, making your teeth more yellow, not less. Another viral tip? Rubbing strawberries or lemons directly on teeth to whiten them. These fruits are acidic and can erode enamel quickly, which leads to tooth sensitivity and long-term damage. Our verdict? Stick with professional whitening options that are safe, effective, and enamel-friendly.

We also tested the infamous DIY flossing methods using things like hair or rubber bands. Spoiler: don’t do it. Not only is it unsanitary, but it can damage your gums and lead to infections or tooth shifting. And don’t even get us started on people trying to file their own teeth for an “even smile.” TikTok might make it look simple, but this is a job for licensed professionals—DIY dentistry can have permanent consequences.

At Capitol Dental, we’re all for staying current and educating our community in a way that makes sense in the digital age. Our advice? Enjoy TikTok for the entertainment, but when it comes to your oral health, stick with the experts. Got questions about a trend you saw online? Schedule a visit or book a consult - we’re here to keep DC smiling safely.