#VampireTeeth
In the fall of 2020, just before Halloween, a viral TikTok trend known as #VampireTeeth spread. Participants bonded toy fangs to their real teeth using glue like nail glue or superglue. The stunt drew attention online, but it was not widely popular or endorsed by dental professionals. For some, the attempt ended without incident; for others, it led to serious dental concerns and fear about removal.
There are numerous reports of users who could not remove the fangs themselves. Some documented tears and panic while trying to disentangle the glue. In several cases, people sought dental help after failed at-home extractions, encountering lengthy and uncomfortable procedures. Dental experts warned that the adhesive can be toxic and that removal methods chosen by amateurs can damage teeth and gums. The episode underscored the risks of DIY tooth modifications and the potential for lasting harm. [NBC News]
#SkullBreaker
Early in 2020, two hazardous TikTok challenges surged in popularity: #SkullBreaker and #TrippingJump. Both involved a setup where a participant is lured into jumping while companions tamper with the surface underfoot, causing a fall. The basic tactic was to create a video by inviting a friend to jump, then leaving one partner to disrupt the jump so the jumper lands on the ground or on an obstacle.
The challenges gained traction in schools across Miami, New Jersey, and Arizona, as well as in Brazil and Venezuela. Dozens suffered serious injuries, including skull fractures, neck problems, and long-term brain injuries. There have been reports of concussions, lingering health issues, and, tragically, at least one fatality in Brazil involving a 16-year-old participant. This tragedy highlighted the extreme dangers of social media dares that rely on regretful missteps or forceful actions. [BBC Health, 2020]
#blackout
Since 2022, a frightening trend known as #Blackout has drawn widespread media attention. The challenge asks participants to hold their breath or suffocate themselves until they lose consciousness, with videos capturing the moment of collapse. The aim is often to push personal limits for views or likes, but the consequences are severe.
Young viewers have attempted the stunt, sometimes placing objects against the nose and mouth to intensify the effort. In many cases, the outcome has been dangerous. A notable incident involved a 12-year-old who slipped into a coma after suffocating with a phone charger cord; medical teams fought to preserve brain function, and the child was eventually taken off life support months later. The incident added to a growing list of underage victims linked to dangerous Internet challenges. [Kaiser Family Foundation, 2022]
#FrozenHoney
Honey is usually seen as a healthy staple, but the #FrozenHoney trend turned it into a risky experiment. The idea was to mix honey with maple syrup or starch and water, freeze the mixture, and squeeze out a dense, honey-like dessert. The appeal was novelty, but consuming these frozen concoctions could backfire. Excessive intake can lead to severe digestive upset, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance, especially in children. Reports described stomachaches, and at least one participant required medical care for gastric issues. [NBC News]
The broader warning is clear: scrolling feeds may tempt young people into trying things that look exciting on screen but carry real health risks. Parents and educators emphasized caution around culinary stunts that involve heavy sugar loads or unusual textures.
#Corncob
Sometimes viral dares reach celebrities, amplifying risk. In May 2020, American rapper Jason Derulo joined a #Corn_cob challenge that involved gnawing a corncob as quickly as possible. Derulo attempted the stunt publicly and stopped after a few seconds due to pain. He discovered that two front teeth on his upper jaw were damaged in the process. The incident drew media attention and served as a cautionary tale about imitating risky challenges seen online.
Derulo was not alone in this experience; other participants had reported dental injuries or dental work needed after similar dares. The episode underscored the message that even seemingly playful challenges can have serious consequences for oral health. [Rolling Stone, 2020]
#Benadryl
During the spring and summer of 2020, the #Benadryl challenge spread on TikTok. The premise involved ingesting large quantities of allergy medicine and then discussing the experience. By September, outlets reported cases of serious overdoses and hospitalizations, including a teenage girl in Oklahoma. The dose-dependent risks of antihistamines can trigger cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and loss of consciousness, with potential for life-threatening outcomes. Health officials urged caution and advised against experimenting with over-the-counter medications for social media notoriety. [CDC Alerts, 2020]
Experts remind the public that consuming medications beyond labeled directions can have severe health consequences. The takeaway: never attempt drug-related challenges for entertainment or online engagement.
#Fire
About a year ago, the #fire challenge drew attention across TikTok and other platforms. The trend involved drawing symbols or words with flammable liquids and then setting them alight in a dark space. The visual effect attracted viewers but produced numerous injuries. Reports from several states described adolescents and adults sustaining first- or second-degree burns after failing to extinguish flames with available resources. Fire-related stunts carry immediate physical danger and the risk of lasting scars or disability. [ABC News, 2021]