Dentists issue warning over harmful TikTok braces trend
Dentists have issued a warning over the safety of a new trend that has gone viral on TikTok.
Dental professionals have responded to videos on the social media platform, which show people removing braces with a spoon or a fork. The clips show users how to take braces off simply by using a household utensil, like a spoon.
Many users have commented on the viral videos, praising them for showing people how to save money on going to the dentist, but the platform has also attracted the attention of dental experts. Dentists have highlighted the risks of DIY dentistry, suggesting that taking your own braces off can cause significant damage to the teeth and leave residue behind. There is also a high chance of the teeth moving out of position once the braces have been removed, meaning that further treatment will be required to straighten the teeth in the future.
DIY brace removal is the latest in a long string of dental trends, which have provoked negative reactions among trained dentists. While some accounts are very helpful and provide accurate, useful dental care tips and hacks, others spread information that could be harmful and potentially dangerous. Previous examples of trends include DIY tooth bleaching and trimming and shaping the teeth using devices similar to nail files. DIY whitening carries a high risk of enamel wear and damage to the gums and tongue, especially when using chemical agents that are bought online. Some people have experienced chemical burns as a result of bleaching their teeth at home.
The advice from dental professionals is to check with a trained, qualified dentist before attempting any kind of DIY dentistry.
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