Dentists are warning against a new viral TikTok trend where users whiten their teeth using a magic eraser, reports BuzzFeed.
In a viral TikTok, user @theheatherdunn explains how she uses Mr. Clean's magic erasers, traditionally used to clean household surfaces, to whiten her teeth. She instructs users to take a tiny bit of the magic eraser, wet it, and, without touching the gums, apply it to the teeth. She has been doing this for two years, according to the TikTok.
Zainab Mackie, DDS, a dentist based in Detroit, told BuzzFeed that magic erasers have abrasive chemicals in them that will strip the enamel off teeth. "Enamel — which is the outer layer of the tooth — actually protects your teeth and it's actually the white layer of your teeth because the second layer is more yellow," she explained.
"Because magic erasers are so abrasive, yes, they are going to whiten and scrub stains off of your teeth, but again, they are also going to scrub the enamel off, which is not good," Dr. Mackie said.