An Australian dentist is raising concerns about a viral social media trend that poses potential health risks for children and adolescents.
Dr. Maheer Shah, a dentist from Australia, has expressed that one of the most challenging aspects of his profession is dealing with “fixing bad dentistry,” which is often linked to beauty trends popularized on platforms like TikTok.
“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.”
A notable trend identified by Dr. Shah is the use of tooth gems and grills, which are removable pieces of jewelry that fit over the teeth.
These are typically personalized with gems or precious metals and frequently crafted from materials such as gold or silver.
North West, the daughter of Kim Kardashian, has recently been seen wearing a tooth grill, which raises concerns for Dr. Shah due to its potential influence on younger audiences.
His main worry is that it could encourage other young individuals to follow suit.
“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.”
Dr. Shah pointed out that while grills have their issues, they may be safer than DIY tooth gems.
The risk of toxicity from metals like nickel or copper is significant, especially for children with existing metal fillings, which can lead to a “battery” effect in the mouth. “That’s usually the concern,” he stated.
He recounted an incident where a parent brought her daughter into his clinic after a trip, during which she had her teeth covered in unsafely applied tooth gems.
Dr. Shah noted that the adhesive used was not applied properly, with the ‘glue was everywhere’.
For those who want such dental accessories, he emphasized the importance of having them applied by professionals to reduce risks.
The American Association of Orthodontists has outlined the dangers of tooth gems, indicating that they can cause significant harm and even lead to 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.”