It is fair to say that many of the people who end up using teeth whitening trays come to such a point because they have nor brushed their teeth as well as they might have done down the years. Indeed, even for those who do use whitening methods, it remains important to maintain oral hygiene to sustain their new look.
For that reason, it may be particularly positive news to see that young Tik-Tok users, especially fans of the band JLS, will have had some good advice.
Band member Aston Merrygold has used the platform to describe how he goes through a three-step process of brushing his teeth – and what he said has been well received by many viewers, the Plymouth Herald reports.
He said: “Alright listen. It goes water, toothpaste, water. Then, and only then, can you start brushing.” He then proceeded to show himself wetting the toothbrush before applying the paste and then wetting it again. The purpose of this is to increase lubrication and help the toothpaste get around the mouth.
However, he clashed with one respondent who criticised the way he used his electric toothbrush.
Whether one agreed or not with his methods or indeed his technique for using an electric toothbrush, Mr Merrygold’s advice may be pleasing to dentists used to seeing the unfortunate results of the inaccurate advice about tooth whitening given by some people on Tik-Tok and other social media sites.
Indeed, several techniques for whitening teeth commonly recommended on social media are not just ineffective, but can damage teeth.
For instance, some have tried using hydrogen peroxide because it is present in some toothpastes in small quantities. However, higher concentrations of the substance can damage the enamel.
Similarly, baking soda and charcoal toothpaste have also been recommended by some, but these can also cause cracks or abrasions to the enamel.
All this goes to show that, while social media is very hit-or-miss when it comes to dental advice (and much else besides), the wisest move is to contact the experts to get your teeth gleaming white.
