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Topics: Health, Social Media, Viral, News
Lucy Devine
A dentist is warning children and parents about a viral social media trend that could lead to concerning health issues.
Australian dentist Dr Maheer Shah has revealed that the most difficult part of his job is 'fixing bad dentistry' - and one of the issues he encounters stems from social media and TikTok beauty trends.
“The hardest part about my job is fixing bad dentistry,” Dr Shah told news.com.au.
“We’re seeing less decay and fewer of those normal problems, but more problems that come with badly done dentistry.”
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One trend that Dr Shah has noticed is tooth gems and grills, which are a type of removable jewelry that snap over the tooth.
They are often customized with gems or precious metals and are usually made from gold or silver.
Kim Kardashian's eldest daughter, North West, has recently been sporting a tooth grill, which Dr Shah is concerned could have a widespread impact.
In fact, he's particularly worried it could influence other young people to do the same.
“For a young child, if you’re doing grills, the problem is that they’re going to grow and their teeth are going to shift. So often, I find if they’re really young, the grills just stop fitting after a couple of months,” he added.
“The teeth they finish high school with are the teeth they’ll have for the rest of their life...any damage done now is damage they’ll carry for decades.”
However, Dr Shah explained that grills are a better option than gems, especially when it comes to DIY styles.
Not only is there a risk of toxicity from nickel or copper, but they explained that for kids with metal fillings in their mouth already, 'you can get like a little battery forming with the two metals'. "That’s usually the concern," he said.
Dr Shah explained that one parent recently rushed into his clinic with her daughter, who had come back from a trip covered in tooth gems.
They hadn't been applied in a safe way, with Dr Shah explaining the 'glue was everywhere'.
The dentist explained that if kids really want to have accessories applied to their teeth, it's important that it is done in a professional setting to minimise the dangers.
The American Association of Orthodontists explains some of the dangers associated with tooth gems in particular, revealing they can cause long-term damage and even periodontal disease.
"Tooth gems may seem like a fun and fashionable way to accessorize your smile, but they can come with serious consequences for your oral health," they explain.
"Unlicensed and unqualified individuals apply the gem, using a strong adhesive that requires roughening the tooth’s protective enamel surface. Once enamel is altered, it can’t grow back, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and long-term damage. Even if the gem is removed later, the enamel won’t return to its original state.
"Another problem with tooth gems is that they create small crevices where plaque and bacteria can accumulate.
"... Over time, these hidden bacteria can lead to decay, gum irritation, or even periodontal disease if not properly managed."