Dentists warn of the dangers of DIY brace videos on YouTube
Dentists have issued warnings over the safety of DIY brace videos published and shared on social media sites like YouTube.
Eddie Crouch, vice chair of the British Dental Association, said that the videos can be incredibly harmful, as poorly-fitted braces can cause the teeth to fall out. Some of the DIY tutorials that have been posted online have received thousands of hits, and dentists are worried that people will take unnecessary risks in a bid to achieve perfect smiles seen on programmes like Love Island.
One video, which has now been viewed over 180,000 times, shows a woman making a makeshift brace from clay and glue and telling subscribers that she wears the appliance at night to straighten the teeth. Dentists have described such footage as “scary” and warned people about the potential dangers of attempting DIY treatment. Braces are specially designed, advanced dental appliances, which should only be fitted by trained, qualified, experienced dentists and orthodontists.
Mr Crouch has appealed to YouTube to remove the videos, suggesting that the channel has an obligation to control content, which could have damaging effects on the health and wellbeing of those that use the platform.
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