Afew weeks ago, I was delivering a continuing education session to a group of lovely general dentists, and following my lecture I opened the floor to questions. I found myself in an intriguing situation: a dentist in attendance asked if I had heard about patients taking several Tums before receiving local anesthesia to enhance its effectiveness. The surprising twist? The dentist claimed to have stumbled upon this unconventional method whilst browsing TikTok.
Having been a proud social media recluse for some amount of time, I decided to bite the bullet and delve back into the world of dental TikTok trends to investigate the legitimacy of the claim. As a dentist-anaesthesiologist, the Tums-for-local anesthesia TikTok trend intrigued me. After a look in several literature databases, I determined quickly that there were no scientific papers supporting this specific practice though I did hypothesize about potential mechanisms behind this approach. My speculations concluded that this “tip” was a guess without any specific or substantial scientific evidence to support or refute it. The same would be true of my conclusion.
Apart from the Tums procedure, what I also found was an unending number of dental “hacks” ranging from restorative procedures and teeth whitening to significant orthodontic treatments, each presented as either a shortcut to success or a way to circumvent dental treatment provided by a licensed professional. It didn’t take much examination to realize that most of these suggestions were lacking in scientific fundamentals and some even posed potential risks (in my own opinion) to those willing to attempt them.
This foray back into social media brought me to one critical conclusion: while staying informed about emerging trends in dentistry is crucial for dental professionals, it is equally important to approach them with a skeptical eye. The appeal of viral trends, fueled by social media platforms like TikTok, can lead to the propagation of misinformation and potentially harmful practices for both patients and dentists alike.
In the realm of evidence-based dentistry, it is essential to critically assess the levels of evidence supporting various practices. As a reminder, the hierarchy of evidence ranges from high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses all the way down to expert opinions and anecdotal evidence. TikTok trends, with their lack of scientific backing or vetting, often fall towards the lower end of this hierarchy.
As dental professionals, our commitment to patient safety and effective treatment requires us to confirm information from social media platforms with evidence-based sources. While it’s tempting to explore novel approaches, relying solely on social media trends without scientific validation could compromise patient care and safety. A mentor of mine once said, “You don’t want to be the first dentist using a technique on a patient nor do you want to be the last one continuing to perform an antiquated technique.” While some might say that adage might discourage innovation, I would say that it supports patient safety and the rigorous evaluation of clinical trials prior to adapting our own clinical practice
Overall, this experience emphasized the importance of ongoing education for dental professionals, not only to stay updated on evidence-based practices but also to navigate the evolving landscape of dental trends circulated by social media. We must be ready to engage in open and informed discussions with our patients, addressing their questions and concerns even when faced with unusual practices that gained their popularity online.
So, while Tums may be a go-to for heartburn, let’s not simply swallow dental social media trends without careful consideration. Follow the science, not just the likes. 
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About the Author:
Dr. Derek Decloux completed his BSc at the University of Ottawa, his DMD at the University of British Columbia, and his MSc and specialty training in Dental Anesthesia at the University of Toronto. He is in his final year of completing an MSc in Pharmacology and Toxicology at Michigan State University. He practices dental anesthesia in offices in Southern Ontario, is a staff dentist anesthesiologist at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dentistry, and is a clinical dental anesthesia instructor and sessional lecturer at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry. He previously served as a full-time dental officer in the Canadian Armed Forces as a line dental officer and detachment commander. He now continues to serve as a reservist dental officer.
