TikTok has been quite popular among young people for quite some time now; however, it is also becoming increasingly appealing for various professionals as well. In short video bits, they can convey interesting, yet easily digestible information and tips. Like this psychologist, for example, who recently went viral for explaining the so-called Thatcher Effect.
Recently, yet another healthcare professional has gone viral on TikTok. This time, it's a dentist sharing his knowledge and tips and tricks when it comes to oral hygiene. His most viral video yet has gathered a whopping 6M views, so we're quick to share it with you! Scroll down below to see what Dr. Gao had to say!
This Malaysian dentist is going viral on TikTok
Image credits: Dr. Gao
Dr. Gao Jye Teh is a Malaysian dentist who got into TikTok during the Covid-19 lockdown earlier this year. Talking to Buzzfeed, he told that while scrolling through TikTok, he realized that the information that's chopped up into small bits is easily retained and understood. That's how he came up with the idea of spreading dental awareness himself.
His most popular video yet explains how much toothpaste we should use
Over 6M people have watched it
Image credits: Dr. Gao
His most viral video yet explains how much toothpaste we should actually use. Firstly, he shows how much toothpaste is put on the toothbrush in the commercials. Spoiler alert: it's way more than we actually need.
In it, Dr. Gao compares how much toothpaste people use in the ads
Image credits: Dr. Gao
Dr. Gao then goes on to show the actual amount of toothpaste that must go onto a toothbrush. And apparently, for kids under 3, it’s such a small smear, it’s hardly visible in the video! As for anyone older, the viral TikTok dentist recommends the amount of the size of a single pea.
And the actual amount that children under 3 should use
Image credits: Dr. Gao
Dr. Gao points out that the damage that comes with using too much toothpaste is the biggest for children whose adult teeth are still developing under their gums. The dentist explains that fluoride, when ingested in large amounts, can cause dental fluorosis on the teeth that are still developing. The cosmetic damage can range from mild discoloration to stains and pits in the teeth.
And the amount that anyone older should use
Image credits: Dr. Gao
When it comes to kinds of toothpaste itself, Dr. Gao writes on his Instagram: “Even if the toothpaste contains fluoride, the concentration of fluoride matters. Some [kinds of] toothpaste do have slightly different ratios of ingredients depending on their use. [For example], whitening toothpaste is more abrasive, toothpaste for sensitivity contains potassium nitrate.”
His other videos include more tips for good dental hygiene
Image credits: Dr. Gao
“Given the wide range of toothpastes available in the market, consumers should face little trouble finding one that works for their specific teeth conditions and goals,” the dentist further told BuzzFeed.