Not your dentist’s advice: TikTok’s latest stupid viral trend, oil-pulling, has people swishing cooking oil around their mouths for five to 20 minutes. Why? To whiten teeth and prevent gum disease. There’s some evidence it improves gum health, but it’s nowhere near as effective as mouthwash or, ya know, brushing your teeth.
Dental scams are spreading on social media: Dentists usually charge $1,000 to $2,000 per tooth for veneers, but unlicensed practitioners calling themselves “veneer techs” offer a full set of fancy chompers for around $5,000. Surprise, their work can lead to nerve damage and tooth loss. Always check a dentist’s license before you open wide and say, “Ahhhh.”