Top Dental Trends: What’s Worth the Hype and What to Skip?

March 6, 2025

You’ve probably seen influencers on social media talking about their latest dental hygiene hack for achieving the perfect smile, or wellness influencers sharing tips on how to improve your oral health. Perhaps you’ve even noticed an increase in people online getting veneers or tooth gems, and are curious about doing the same for yourself. But how do you know what’s worthwhile and what is just a gimmick? What’s worth the money and what is a waste? What’s safe and which have health risks you should be aware of? We’re going to tell you! Read on to learn which trending tools and procedures are worth the hype, and which you can avoid.

ORAL HEALTH TRENDS

ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES

Electric toothbrushes have been on the market for a number of years now, and the technology continues to improve. Nowadays, you can get electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors, Bluetooth connectivity to pair with apps that track and provide insight into oral health habits, and even AI is beginning to be integrated to offer real-time feedback on brushing habits. Electric toothbrushes do outperform conventional toothbrushes in terms of plaque removal—particularly if you don’t have great brushing technique—and can help to encourage good oral healthcare habits. 

So are they worth it? Absolutely.

OIL PULLING

Popularized by wellness influencers in more recent years, oil pulling is actually an ancient Ayurvedic practice meant to improve oral health. Oil pulling involves swishing an edible oil (typically coconut oil which is lauded for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties) around your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out. Practitioners claim its benefits include: brighter teeth, reduces bad breath and cavity risks, and improves gum health among broader health benefits like improved immune system and gut health. 

But does it actually work? The reality is there have been very few studies done on oil pulling—not enough to show definitively one way or another if it works or not, or if it has any harmful side effects.

WATERPIK / WATER FLOSSER

Water flossers are touted as being an excellent alternative to string floss, removing plaque and cleaning away food particles and bacteria. For people with dexterity issues who struggle with string floss, a water flosser can be an excellent alternative. The same goes for people with braces. But do they clean as well as string floss? Yes, when used properly, they do seem to work as well as flossing.

So are they worth the cost? Maybe. If you already have a great flossing routine, there’s really no need to switch to a water flosser. However, if you avoid flossing due to mobility constraints, braces, tightly packed teeth, or because flossing causes gum bleeding for you, then a water flosser can be a great solution.

TONGUE SCRAPER

Tongue scrapers are u-shaped pieces of medical-grade stainless steel, which you gently but firmly, drag over the surface of your tongue. Advocates for tongue scraping claim that it can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and reduce bad breath, slows plaque formation, and improves sense of taste. While they have been shown to help reduce bacteria and bad breath, studies are inconclusive as to whether or not tongue scraping is any more effective than simply brushing your tongue with your toothbrush.

Should you be using a tongue scraper? If you struggle with bad breath, tongue scraping can be a helpful addition to your oral health routine. There are some benefits and minimal risk (just don’t overdo the scraping!), so this one we chalk up to personal preference.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY TRENDS

VENEERS

In the search for that perfect smile, people are turning to veneers as a solution—and they can be an excellent option for many people. We offer porcelain veneers here at Kensington Square Dental and absolutely feel they can be a game changer for people looking for long-lasting results for a picture-perfect smile. It is important to know that veneers are irreversible due to the enamel removal required. Porcelain veneers, when well taken care of with good oral health habits, do typically last 10-15 years, but it is important to know that you will need to replace your veneers; they are not a one-time procedure.

Should you invest in veneers? It depends on the individual. When it comes to veneers, the best thing to do is talk to your dentist.

TEETH WHITENING

Everyone wants a bright white smile, but if you drink a lot of coffee or tea, don’t have good oral health habits, or have a genetic or medical condition, or are simply seeing the effects of aging, yellowing of the teeth can happen. At-home teeth whitening kits have long been popular (and they are getting more advanced) and we’re even seeing purple toothpaste on the market now, claiming to counteract yellowing teeth. 

The at-home whitening kits can be effective, but they aren’t without risk. Damage to tooth enamel, burns to the gum tissue, increased tooth sensitivity, and an increased risk of cavities and gum recession are all potential risks. It’s important to choose dentist-approved products and follow instructions carefully. As for the purple toothpaste? It can provide a temporary whitening effect as purple can neutralize yellow colour, but this is not a long-lasting solution. 

So what’s the best way to achieve whiter teeth? If the instructions are followed meticulously and they are not overused, at-home kits can be a cost-effective solution. However, your best option would be to speak to your dentist about having your teeth professionally whitened at the clinic. We offer teeth whitening here at Kensington Square Dental and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

TOOTH GEMS

Tooth gems have been gaining popularity on social media with influencers showing off a little extra sparkle with their smile. If you’ve been thinking about getting a tooth gem to add a bit of dazzle to your own smile, it is important to know that these gems do come with potential risks. 

There are permanent and semi-permanent options, with the permanent option requiring drilling a hole into your tooth to affix the stone into. The semi-permanent option uses a bonding agent—much like what is used for braces—to secure the gem to your tooth and can last for six months to a year with proper care. If not properly applied (this is your “do not try this at home” warning) teeth gems can cause damage to your teeth and gums, as well as be a choking hazard.  If not properly cared for, bacteria and plaque can build up behind and around the gem causing oral health problems.

Are tooth gems worth the hype? If you love the aesthetic and are committed to taking care of them, tooth gems are a low-risk way to express your personal style. Just ensure you have them professionally applied.

GUM CONTOURING

Laser gum contouring can be used to reshape a “gummy smile” or uneven gums. Compared to traditional gum contouring techniques, laser options typically heal faster and are less invasive, providing long-lasting results. When done by an experienced cosmetic dentist, this is a fairly low-risk procedure with minimal pain or downtime. 

Is it worthwhile? If you have smile insecurities due to your gum line, laser gum contouring can be an excellent option.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Sticking to the basics of good oral hygiene—regular brushing and flossing with good technique—is often enough to give you a brilliant, white smile and a healthy mouth. However, there are tools and procedures available that can help enhance your smile. If you are curious about how you can improve your smile, we’d love to have you in our chair at Kensington Square Dental.