Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper has found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy after sharing a video of his morning routine on TikTok. In the clip, captioned "Moring Y’all," Harper squeezes toothpaste directly into his mouth instead of onto his toothbrush, a technique that has left many viewers shocked.
The Viral Video
The video, posted to Harper's more than 600,000 followers, quickly went viral, amassing over 2.7 million views on Jomboy Media alone. Social media users were quick to criticize the unusual oral hygiene method, with one follower calling it "actually diabolical toothpaste application." The San Diego Padres even poked fun at Harper during a game, displaying a "fun fact" on the videoboard that read: "SQUIRTS TOOTHPASTE INTO HIS MOUTH INSTEAD OF ONTO A TOOTHBRUSH WHEN BRUSHING HIS TEETH."
Harper's Response
Harper, a two-time National League MVP, defended his technique in an interview with Phillies Nation. "It kind of happens when you post a little bit, right?" he said. "But yeah, I’ve done it forever." He added that he was happy the video went viral, saying, "It always helps with my videos when it goes viral, so if that’s what makes it go viral, then I’ll take it."
Dental Experts Weigh In
The American Dental Association (ADA) has advised against Harper's method. Ohio dentist Andrew Zucker, a consumer advisor for the ADA, explained, "It is not suggested to do it that way." He noted that the only outcome is wasting toothpaste and recommended using a pea-sized amount on the toothbrush. Dr. Maria Ryan, chief clinical officer at Colgate-Palmolive, expressed concerns about hygiene, stating, "You have a lot of germs in your mouth. When you’re putting your mouth on the toothpaste tube, you get those germs on there."
A Positive Spin
Despite the criticism, Ryan acknowledged a silver lining: Harper is promoting the importance of brushing teeth. "I was glad he was brushing his teeth," she said. "It’s good he’s telling people you need to brush your teeth, which is very important for preventing cavities and gum disease." Harper, known for his 376 career home runs and eight All-Star appearances, remains unapologetic, stating, "If I help half a person a day, changing an ingredient or letting them know there are better quality products out there that they can use or that’ll make them feel better, then I won that day."
While Harper's technique may be unique, dental experts agree that the traditional method of applying toothpaste to the brush is safest and most effective.
