If your child loves TikTok, chances are they’ve already shown you a “ToothTok” video – a viral trend about brushing, flossing, or doing something silly with toothpaste. In 2025, dental content isn’t just educational anymore… it’s entertainment. Kids laugh, copy, and even turn these challenges into part of their morning routine.
Some of these trends are surprisingly helpful.
Others? Maybe not so much.
As a pediatric dental practice, we love that kids are excited about taking care of their teeth…
but we also want to make sure parents know what’s safe – and what could harm their child’s smile.
Here is your complete breakdown of the top ToothTok trends of 2025, what kids are doing, and what every parent should know.
What Are “ToothTok Challenges”?
“ToothTok” is exactly what it sounds like – TikTok content about teeth.
Kids watch creators:
- try fun brushing hacks
- decorate their toothbrushes
- test silly dental experiments
- show morning routines
- compete in brushing challenges
These videos get millions of views because they’re colorful, funny, and super shareable.
But just like with any viral trend, safety matters.
Some help build good habits.
Some encourage harmful dental behavior.
Below, we break down the biggest ToothTok trends of 2025.
1. The Glitter Toothpaste Challenge
✓ Safe (With a Few Rules)
This challenge blew up in early 2025. Kids mix a small amount of kid-safe, edible glitter gel (or sensory slime gel you can buy in toothpaste-safe kits) into their toothpaste.
The challenge: brush until all the glitter disappears.
Why kids love it:
- It looks magical
- It turns brushing into a fun activity
- It feels like an art project
Dentist’s perspective:
The brushing part? Fantastic.
The glitter? Fine as long as it’s safe for oral use.
Dentist-approved tip:
Use a store-bought “glitter toothpaste kit” designed for kids — NOT craft glitter from art stores.
Why it works:
Kids brush longer because they’re focused on the glitter disappearing — which means better brushing technique.
Helps build 2-minute brushing habit
Makes morning and bedtime easier
Great for ages 4–10
2. The Ice Cube Chew-Off Challenge
✗ Not Safe At All
This trend involves kids chewing on hard ice cubes as fast as possible to “win.”
This challenge is extremely popular — especially among siblings and friends.
But… dentists hate it.
Why?
Chewing ice can cause:
- cracked baby teeth
- chipped enamel
- increased sensitivity
- jaw pain
Children’s enamel is thinner than adults’, making it easier to damage.
A safer alternative:
Suggest a “Brain Freeze Challenge” instead:
Kids hold ice on their tongue without biting. It’s fun, safe, and still gives that “challenge” feeling.
3. The Fruit Roll-Up Toothbrush Trend
✗ Huge No. Just No.
One of the worst ToothTok challenges involves wrapping a toothbrush with a sticky, sugary fruit roll-up “for flavor.”
Kids brush with it for a few seconds, laughing at the mess.
Cute video? Yes.
Healthy for teeth? Absolutely not.
Why this trend is dangerous:
- The roll-up’s sugar coats every tooth
- The sticky texture clings between grooves
- It feeds cavity-causing bacteria
- It encourages brushing with sugar, not toothpaste
This trend can increase the risk of early childhood cavities.
Dentist-approved alternative:
Let your child choose flavored toothpaste — strawberry, watermelon, bubblegum, cotton candy, etc.
You get the fun flavor without the sugar.
4. The 60-Second Brush Dance Challenge
✓ Safe + Encouraged!
This wholesome trend uses a 60-second TikTok song.
Kids brush while dancing in front of the mirror, trying not to stop until the song ends.
This challenge is fun and helps kids:
- brush longer
- stay motivated
- make brushing part of their routine
- enjoy movement and music
Dentist tip:
Turn the challenge into a “2-song challenge” (2 x 60 seconds) for a full 2-minute brushing session.
5. Baking Soda Whitening Trend (Kids Copying Adults)
✗ Not Kid-Safe
Teens and adults on TikTok use baking soda to whiten teeth.
Kids are now copying it — but their enamel is too delicate.
Why it’s risky:
- baking soda is abrasive
- it can scratch enamel
- it can make teeth sensitive
- overuse can permanently erode tooth surfaces
Children should never use DIY whitening hacks.
Safe alternative:
Use a whitening toothpaste made specifically for kids, or consult a pediatric dentist.
6. “Candy vs. Water” Challenge
✓ Surprisingly Dental-Friendly
This challenge is adorable.
Kids choose a candy, eat it, then immediately drink water to guess if it removes the “sour face” faster.
The dental benefit?
Kids accidentally learn that rinsing after candy protects their teeth.
Helps wash away sugar
Lowers cavity-causing acids
Encourages hydration
Parents love this one — and dentists approve.
7. Toothbrush Customization Trend
✓ Safe + Creative
Kids personalize their toothbrush handles using:
- stickers
- washable markers
- silicone charms
This trend actually motivates kids to brush more often because they feel ownership over their toothbrush.
Just make sure:
- decorations stay below the neck of the brush
- nothing touches the bristles
- the toothbrush still works effectively
Great for picky brushers!
8. Soap-Toothpaste Prank Trend
✗ Do NOT Participate
This prank encourages kids to replace toothpaste with liquid soap to “prank siblings.”
Fun? Maybe.
But soap is NOT safe to ingest and can irritate the mouth.
Dentists strongly advise avoiding this one altogether.
How Parents Can Keep Kids Safe With Viral Trends
ToothTok is fun — and we want kids to enjoy it!
But safety comes first. Here’s how to guide your child:
1. Watch the trends with them
Ask what they’ve seen.
Kids love sharing their favorite challenges.
2. Approve safe alternatives
For every dangerous trend, suggest a safer version.
3. Turn brushing into a family challenge
Kids love when parents join in!
4. Remind them: not everything on TikTok is real
Creators do things for views, not dental health.
5. Schedule regular dental checkups
A quick cleaning and checkup helps catch early issues from copying trends.
Final Thoughts: ToothTok Can Be Fun – With Guidance
Viral dental trends aren’t going away anytime soon.
But with the right education, your child can:
- enjoy trendy challenges
- build good brushing habits
- avoid harmful hacks
- protect their growing smile
If your child is curious about a TikTok challenge they’ve seen, ask them to show you – and use the opportunity to turn it into a healthy routine.
And of course, if you ever have questions, our pediatric dental team is here to help you navigate both dental health and digital trends!
