Dentists Warn Against This Viral TikTok Toothpaste Trick

In recent weeks, a new trend has swept TikTok, captivating both kids and adults. Dentists are warning that this hack could damage your dental health.

Several videos show people emptying their toothpaste into a clear liquid soap dispenser and adding mouthwash. Kirsten McCrady, a mom with over 40,000 TikTok followers, demonstrates the trend. "I bought this hand soap dispenser and put my kids' favorite toothpaste in it," she says in her video. "Now, when my kids want to brush their teeth, they just press the dispenser, and it comes out easily."

This trick aims to make brushing easier and cleaner while using every bit of toothpaste. However, dentists claim toothpaste should remain in its original packaging as it can be damaged by light exposure.

Dr. Sohail Mohiuddin explained on TikTok that "the ingredients in toothpaste are not stable to UV radiation, so exposing them to light can make them ineffective," adding, "Please, don’t do this."

The active ingredients in toothpaste may break down over time when exposed to light, air, and moisture, making it less effective at preventing cavities and keeping gums healthy. According to user GAP Dental, that's why toothpaste is never in a clear package and always has a tight cap.

"Toothpaste should only be exposed to light just before brushing," says GAP Dental. "When you put toothpaste into a pump dispenser, it gets exposed to light too early, making it much less effective at cleaning teeth," they noted, adding, "As if that’s not bad enough, opening the toothpaste early also causes its preservative ingredients to break down faster. Once they fall below a certain level, there's a real risk of bacteria and fungi developing inside the container."