"Please Don't Try This at Home": Doctors Alarmed by Controversial Habit and the Reason Behind the Outcry

Squeezing Toothpaste Directly Into the Mouth, Not on the Toothbrush
Experts Warn: "Hygiene Concerns—Do Not Imitate"

Bryce Harper, a leading slugger in Major League Baseball (MLB), the premier professional baseball league in the United States, has become the center of attention for his unique tooth-brushing habit. While he is a feared opponent for pitchers on the field, this time he has emerged as a "person of interest" among dentists.

On May 29, Yonhap News reported, citing the Associated Press and the New York Post, that Harper has become embroiled in unexpected controversy after posting a video of his morning routine on his TikTok account.

Bryce Harper, a leading slugger in Major League Baseball (MLB), the premier professional baseball league in the United States, has become the center of attention for his unique tooth-brushing habit. Jomboy Media

The problematic scene was captured in a hotel bathroom in San Diego. Harper appeared with a greeting of "Good morning," and instead of the usual way of squeezing toothpaste onto the toothbrush bristles, he brought the toothpaste tube straight to his mouth and squeezed it directly onto his tongue.

Although it was a brief moment, the reaction was overwhelming. Online users commented, "This is truly a devilish way to use toothpaste," and "I've never seen this method before." The video quickly spread through baseball-related social media accounts. According to the Associated Press, the scene garnered over 2.7 million views on Jomboy Media, a baseball-focused media outlet. Even the opposing team took notice.

On May 27, during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at their home stadium, Petco Park, the San Diego Padres introduced Harper on the scoreboard with the phrase, "When brushing his teeth, he squeezes toothpaste directly into his mouth instead of onto a toothbrush." Harper's unique habit instantly became a subject of amusement both inside and outside the stadium. However, true to his status as a two-time National League Most Valuable Player (MVP), Harper did not seem to mind. In an interview with local media, he explained that he has been brushing his teeth this way for a long time and welcomed the attention the video received.

The issue was the response from dental professionals. Dr. Andrew Zucker, a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association (ADA), told the Associated Press, "This method is not recommended," and pointed out, "There is no benefit and it only wastes toothpaste." He advised that toothpaste should be applied in small amounts onto the toothbrush.

The problematic scene was captured in a hotel bathroom in San Diego. Harper appeared with a greeting of "Good morning" and, instead of the usual way of squeezing toothpaste onto the toothbrush bristles, brought the toothpaste tube to his mouth and squeezed it directly onto his tongue. Jomboi Media

Dr. Maria Ryan, Chief Clinical Officer at oral care brand Colgate-Palmolive, also raised hygiene concerns. Since the mouth contains various bacteria, placing the tip of the toothpaste tube directly into the mouth can transfer bacteria. This risk of cross-contamination is even greater if the toothpaste is shared with family members or colleagues.

However, experts did acknowledge that it is positive Harper brushes his teeth regularly. In fact, oral health is an important public health issue in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that cavities and gum disease cause pain and disability for many Americans and also result in significant social costs. According to the CDC, one in five American adults aged 20 to 64 suffers from untreated tooth decay, and nearly half of adults over 30 show signs of gum disease.

The basic principle emphasized by the dental community is simple: apply an appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste to a toothbrush and brush twice daily, and do not place the toothpaste tube directly in the mouth. The ADA stresses the importance of fluoride when selecting and using toothpaste, and recommends age-appropriate amounts for children.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.