Overview

• Dr Gopinder Lalia, founder of Lume Dental in Cheshire, identified six viral TikTok hacks as dangerous and urged users to rely on licensed dental practitioners.
• Filing teeth with emery boards or sandpaper can permanently strip enamel, leading to sensitivity, decay and increased risk of tooth loss.
• DIY whitening remedies using baking soda, lemon juice, peroxide or bleach may provide a quick sparkle but erode enamel and irritate gums.
• At-home fake veneers glued with household adhesives and rubber bands to close gaps risk toxic chemical exposure, gum damage and choking hazards.
• Chewable toothpaste bits cannot regenerate enamel or cure cavities, and face and tongue exercises should be performed only under professional guidance.