Dental experts issue warnings after bleaching craze goes viral on TikTok

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Dental experts have issued a stark warning to social media users after a dangerous tooth bleaching craze went viral on TikTok. 

Videos that show TikTok users using hydrogen peroxide to whiten their teeth have now been viewed millions of times. The chemical is better known for dying hair and it is also commonly used as a fertiliser. Bottles of bleach that feature in the videos have already sold out online, and dentists are worried about the impact of the trend, especially as many TikTok users are young. One TikTok star, Claudia Snell, posted a video of herself rubbing 3% hydrogen peroxide on her teeth using a cotton bud. The clip has been viewed more than 12.4 million times. 

Cosmetic dental surgeon, Dr Krystyna Wilczynski, said that trend was “extremely worrying” and “incredibly unsafe” and added that people who buy and use the products will be putting their health at risk. Using hydrogen peroxide without the relevant expertise and dental knowledge can contribute to severe gum irritation, pain, gum recession, and in the worst cases, tooth loss. 

In light of the situation, representatives from the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy have urged TikTok users to avoid watching the videos and encouraged anyone who is keen to whiten their teeth to seek advice from a professional dentist. Dentists do use whitening products that contain hydrogen peroxide, but the quantity and strength are carefully-controlled, and dental professionals use precise application techniques to whiten the smile while protecting the teeth and gums. 

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