TikTok is full of at-home hacks promising a whiter smile in minutes. But do they actually work? According to dentists, the answer is both yes and no. Some are harmless optical illusions that give a short-lived boost, but others can cause irreversible damage to your mouth.

“Most of these shortcuts carry hidden risks,” said Dr. Mark Andrawis, the clinical director and prosthodontist owner of ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers in Roseland, New Jersey. “At first, teeth may look brighter because the stained surface has been stripped away, but repeated abrasion eventually leaves enamel so thin that teeth become permanently sensitive and more vulnerable to decay.”

From trendy store-bought products to DIY concoctions using pantry items, here’s what three experts say you can try in moderation and what you should never put in your mouth.

Purple Colour-Correcting Serum

TikTok is obsessed with these violet drops (as seen in the video below), and dentists admit they can work temporarily. “Purple colour correctors are generally safe because they rely on pigments rather than peroxide or abrasives,” said Dr. Michael J. Wei, the founder of Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist. “They neutralise yellow tones much like purple shampoo does for hair. Teeth may appear brighter for a few hours, but no actual whitening or stain removal occurs.”

Trying the @hismile purple color corrector serum for teeth whitening! #teethwhitening#hismileflavouredtoothpaste#hismile#purpletoothpaste

But don’t treat this product like toothpaste. “These serums typically contain a heavy concentration of pigments and excessive use in the oral cavity, which has high permeability, may be concerning,” he added. “Overuse may cause harmless but noticeable staining of gums or tongue.”

Whitening pens

Whitening pens are safe if used as directed, but manage your expectations. “If the whitening pen contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, then it will be effective in whitening teeth,” noted Dr. Jenna Chimon, a cosmetic dentist at

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