If you haven’t heard, there’s a recent TikTok trend of teens using Magic Erasers to clean their teeth, whiten their teeth and treat discoloration—and it went viral. Yes… we said chemical Magic Erasers on teeth.
TikTok trends are notorious for popularizing dangerous ideas. Remember the “tide pod challenge”, where kids were encouraged to ingest tide pods? Over 10,000 children were unfortunately poisoned by this “challenge”.
If you’ve been considering taking a Magic Eraser or melamine sponge to your teeth, you’ll want to hear this! We’re here to keep you informed and help spread awareness about the dangers of trends like this.
Dr. Senties and our experienced team want you and your child to have beautiful, healthy teeth that last you a lifetime!
Can you use a Magic Eraser on your teeth?
Please do not ever use a Magic Eraser or melamine sponge on your teeth or skin. This is a dangerous trend that can cause irreparable damage!
Although people report whiter teeth after using a Magic Eraser, there’s a reason for this—and it’s one that could lead to lifelong dental problems. Let’s dive into the mystery of the Magic Eraser and why a melamine sponge should never be used on the teeth.
Magic Eraser Ingredients
Melamine foam is the main ingredient in a Magic Eraser, and it contains a chemical called formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer. Although this chemical isn’t known to cause any serious health complications on its own, it’s an abrasive ingredient and not something you want to ingest or place near your gums.
The health and safety warning on a Magic Eraser box reads, “DO NOT USE ON SKIN OR OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY. USING ON SKIN WILL LIKELY CAUSE ABRASIONS. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF TODDLERS AND PETS TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL INGESTION.”
If the company itself advises you not to ingest this product, it’s a good idea to heed that warning! It’s never a good idea to place unknown ingredients and chemicals in your mouth.
Melamine Sponge and Teeth Enamel
The layer of enamel on your teeth serves the very important function of protecting the teeth from damage. Tooth enamel is actually considered the hardest mineral substance in the body, even stronger than bone.
The enamel is an excellent protector against damage caused by our regular daily functions, like eating, chewing, biting, grinding and crunching. This outer layer also helps to prevent cavities; as the enamel decays (when we do things like use a Magic Eraser on our teeth), the teeth become far more susceptible to developing cavities.
When the main ingredient in Magic Erasers, melamine foam, is mixed with water, it becomes a highly abrasive material similar to sandpaper.
Using melamine sponge and Magic Erasers on your teeth is a direct route to enamel decay. Once tooth enamel is destroyed, it can’t be brought back! While there are ways to strengthen the minerals that remain, the protective outer layer of enamel cannot be rebuilt.
Magic Eraser and Braces/Invisalign®
It goes without saying that nobody should use a Magic Eraser on their teeth, regardless of whether you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment or not. It would be pretty difficult to use a Magic Eraser with braces, and you’ll end up with bits of foam in every crevice before you can reach your teeth. But we discourage you from even trying!
If you’re wearing braces, we advise that you wait about a month after your braces are removed to whiten your teeth.
If you’re undergoing treatment with Invisalign, the health risks of melamine foam are no different. There are much safer ways to whiten your teeth, and clear aligner treatment allows you to whiten your teeth during treatment if you wish.
You need strong teeth to support your orthodontic treatment and experience beautiful results from your braces or Invisalign.
All in all, just be patient and don’t opt for the Magic Eraser on your precious smile. You only get one smile, so it’s important that you take care of it!
On the very top of the “what not to use Magic Eraser on” list is your body. Using a Magic Eraser on your teeth will certainly do you more harm than good.
Have questions about caring for your teeth?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re here to guide you through your treatment process, from your very first visit, to your last appointment.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in San Antonio, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
