(I can still taste it.)
Mixing a concoction of mouthwash, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide.
Users claim it gives them sparkling teeth, but is it safe?
Getty / Design by Tiana Crispino
Ahead, we asked dentists to weigh in.
What Is The TikTok Teeth Whitening Hack?
It all started with one video, as viral hacks often do.
Let me let you in on a little secret, she says.
I get complimented my teeth all the time.People are always like, Where do you get them whitened?
Let me tell you what I do.
And voilaa viral video was born.
She rinses with her concoction each night after brushing and says it will make your teeth sparkle.
Does the Mouthwash Teeth Whitening Hack Work?
What shes promoting is surface level teeth whitening, Dr. Rubinov explains.
[For example], when a toothpaste says whitening, what they mean is it removes superficial stains.
No toothpaste is actually going to make a drastic enough change in relation to what bleaching solutions can do.
Do not do it every day, as the acid from this mixture can irritate your gums and teeth.
Hydrogen peroxide is also often used at a higher strength for in-office whitening treatments.
Crest Oral Health is a great mouthwash.
I really like it; its good for gums and has a nice flavor when you rinse.
On the other hand, Dr. Rubinshtein recommends an alcohol-free mouthwash like Hello Bye Bye Bacteria Rinse.
Proceed with caution, advises Dr. Rubinshtein.
Do not brush your teeth every day with this solution, he shares.
Is the TikTok Teeth Whitening Hack Safe?
If it works for you, great!
If youre serious about a whiter smile, an in-office treatment is probably the bestand safestavenue.
Youll also get a higher concentration of ingredients, which leads to better results.
The power of those solutions is that they can penetrate through the enamel to whiten.
you could also get custom fitted trays made by your dentist for at-home whitening.
Depending on the health and condition of your teeth, the directions will be unique to you.
it’s possible for you to also use tried-and-true Crest Whitestrips if you’re in a pinch.
Theres no regulation of particle size of baking soda as there is in toothpaste.
If you have any questions, check in with your dentist.
For a permanently whiter smile, consider veneers, which can remain stain-free for up to 15 years.