New research has revealed a 116% increase in do-it-yourself cosmetic dentistry over the past five years, with social media platforms like TikTok driving demand. The study, conducted by Bupa Dental Care in collaboration with Censuswide, surveyed over 2,000 UK consumers and found that nearly 20% had attempted at-home dental treatments.
Among those who tried DIY dentistry, 20% used teeth whitening kits, 13% used plaque scraping gadgets, and 11% purchased braces online. Worryingly, 16% were influenced by TikTok hacks to create their own whitening concoctions using hydrogen peroxide, a chemical that can cause mouth infections and other health complications if misused.
Chris Hanford, a Bupa Dental Care dentist, warned that DIY treatments can cause irreversible damage. “Such treatment can cause irreversible damage that can not only lead to pain but end up being more complex and costly to fix,” he said. He also highlighted the risk of counterfeit whitening kits.
The consequences of DIY dentistry are severe: 74% of those who attempted it needed emergency treatment. One in six reported damaged tooth enamel, brittle teeth, sensitivity, or damaged dental bone. Dr Safa Al-Naher, director at Serene, expressed concern, noting that online marketing for clear aligners is highly effective but can lead to disastrous outcomes. “It is a false economy ultimately,” he said, as people spend more money fixing problems caused by DIY treatments.
