Social media platforms like TikTok have now turned celebrity snacks into viral obsessions, whether they are healthy or not. From dirty sodas to pickle snow cones, fans and followers love copying their favorite stars’ crazy food combos, regardless of their own personal needs. But it is important to note that while these snacks may look fun, they can seriously damage your tooth enamel.
In this article, Dr. Chris Freeman, a Board-Certified Orthodontist, published author, and a sought-after speaker on orthodontic technology, multidisciplinary treatment, teledentistry, and children’s orthodontics, breaks down the biggest celebrity food TikTok trends and the hidden risks they pose to your smile.
1. This Drink Gives Comfort to Olivia Rodrigo, But a Nightmare to Orthodontists
Popular in Utah long before TikTok, dirty soda, or swamp juice (a mix of soda, flavored syrups, and sometimes cream) exploded when Olivia Rodrigo made it her go-to comfort drink. Fans loved the “DIY coffee shop” vibe and aesthetic drink shots.
- The dental downside: The fizzy base lowers your mouth’s pH, syrups and cream add even more sugar, and slow sipping keeps teeth bathed in acid for longer.
- Expert take: “Every sip pushes your teeth into acid territory. Once you drop below pH 5.5, enamel starts to dissolve, and dirty soda gets you there fast”
2. Hailey Bieber’s Pizza Toast: TikTok’s Chic Breakfast with a Not-So-Chic Side
When Hailey Bieber shared her “pizza toast” on TikTok (sourdough piled with burrata, tomato, and olive oil), it quickly became the it-girl breakfast. Fans loved the gooey cheese and the satisfying crunch.
- The dental downside: The hard crust of pizza toast can crack teeth or damage braces, while the acidic tomato sauce wears down enamel.
- Expert take: “Hard textures and acidic sauces pose major challenges for teeth – combined, they create a snack that’s especially tough on enamel.”
3. Dua Lipa’s Viral Ice Cream Hack Tastes Sweet – Until the Bill Arrives
Dua Lipa surprised fans when she topped her ice cream with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. The chef-inspired twist quickly went viral, with fans calling it a “gourmet upgrade” to a simple dessert and flooding TikTok with recreations.
- The dental downside: Ice cream contains high sugar levels that mouth bacteria turn into acid, lowering pH and weakening enamel. While olive oil and sea salt enhance flavor, they offer no protection.
- Expert take: “When sugar mixes with fat, it tends to stay on teeth longer, giving bacteria more time to break down enamel.”
4. Selena Gomez’s Pickle Snow Cone: Cool on TikTok, Rough on Enamel
Selena Gomez made waves when she shared her love for pickle snow cones (an icy carnival treat drenched in pickle juice. The unusual combo caught on fast, and TikTok turned it into a viral summer obsession.
- The dental downside: Pickle brine is loaded with vinegar and citric acid, both of which are harsh on enamel. Eating a snow cone slowly keeps your teeth under acid attack the entire time.
- Expert take: “It’s basically the same effect as sipping soda, steady acid exposure that eats away at enamel. And once that protective layer is gone, it doesn’t grow back.”
Celebrity Culture
It is important not to blindly copy celebrity trends seen on social media platforms like TikTok because they often promote unrealistic standards, stifle personal authenticity, and can be detrimental to your mental, physical, and financial health. Celebrities are often in a world of luxury and have access to funding and resources—like personal trainers, stylists, and filtered photos—that are not accessible to the average person.
For some, admiring a celebrity can escalate into an obsessive fascination known as “celebrity worship syndrome.” This can negatively impact one’s mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and a greater desire for fame.
Copying someone else can hinder your potential for growth by not exploring what genuinely makes you feel confident and comfortable. To find your own style, it’s better to emulate the qualities of a role model that you admire—like their confidence—rather than directly copying their specific outfits and possibly unhealthy food habits.
Don’t fall for the TikTok trap and ignore your own unique needs; diet, exercise, and even fashion should be tailored to your individual needs, not based on what works for someone else with a different body type, genetic makeup, or access to funding and resources.
Dr. Freeman concludes: “Celebrity snacks are tempting, but your teeth always pay the price. The real danger isn’t trying them once – it’s constant sipping and snacking that keeps your enamel under attack. Protect your smile by keeping treats to mealtimes, rinsing with water after, and avoiding all-day snacking.”
This article was created at the WHN News Desk using some of the information that was provided by Lillian Cook on behalf of Freeman Orthodontics, delivering personalized orthodontic care with a commitment to excellence to residents of Fort Lauderdale and nearby communities, by creating tailored treatment plans for patients of all ages.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
