In a world increasingly influenced by social media, the realm of dentistry is facing an unprecedented challenge, particularly when it comes to the dental health of children and adolescents. Dr. Maheer Shah, a dentist based in Perth, Australia, offers a stern warning to parents: the allure of trendy oral accessories—like tooth gems and grills—could jeopardize their children’s smiles for a lifetime.
Dr. Shah’s practice is evolving, shifting its focus from traditional concerns like cavities to the complications arising from poorly executed cosmetic procedures. “The hardest part about my job is fixing bad dentistry,” he reveals, reflecting on a troubling trend that is becoming all too common. While there is a noticeable decline in traditional dental issues, the rise of poorly applied cosmetic dental trends, often propagated by platforms like TikTok, is alarming.
A recent example that has caught the attention of both fans and dental professionals alike is the viral moment when North West, the daughter of celebrity Kim Kardashian, showcased a black grill on her teeth. This moment drew mixed reactions online but also raised red flags for Dr. Shah, who fears it may inspire similar behavior among impressionable young fans. “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,” he explains. This shift can render grills ill-fitting within months, leading to potential dental issues that could persist for decades.
However, Dr. Shah contends that grills may be the lesser of two evils when compared to the rapidly growing trend of tooth gems. Children are increasingly turning to cheap DIY kits to apply these gems, often without any professional oversight. “You have risks of toxicity from things like nickel or copper,” he cautions, highlighting the potential for reactions with existing dental work, such as metal fillings. The very act of adhering these gems often involves a hazardous process that begins with an acidic gel designed to etch the tooth’s surface, removing essential minerals and leaving it rough—a recipe for disaster.
The adhesive used in these DIY kits is composed of microplastics, and the curing process with low-powered lights is far less effective than professional methods. Dr. Shah states, “With the lights they give you in these little kits, it would probably be 20 or 30 percent of it actually getting converted,” resulting in a dangerously incomplete bond that could lead to further complications.
The repercussions of these trends are already evident in Dr. Shah’s clinic. He recounts a recent incident involving a mother who was alarmed when her daughter returned from a trip with poorly applied tooth gems. “The glue was just everywhere, and it was covering her gums,” he said, noting the irritation and plaque buildup that ensued. The removal process was labor-intensive and fraught with risk. “It took me about 45 minutes just to clean the glue off and flick each little gem away,” he lamented, underscoring the difficulty of rectifying these DIY disasters.
As the landscape of dentistry continues to evolve, Dr. Shah anticipates a growing demand for professionals to address the fallout from these viral trends. Yet, he is not entirely opposed to tooth accessories; rather, he advocates for a balanced approach. “I never want to be the kind of person to say just don’t do it,” he asserts. Instead, he encourages parents to engage in open dialogues with their children about safe practices. “Do your research. If one of your children really wants to do it, join in the research with them,” he advises, emphasizing the importance of informed decisions.
In an age where social media heavily influences youth culture, the onus is on both parents and dental professionals to navigate these trends wisely. The message is clear: while the desire for a trendy smile may be strong, ensuring that those smiles are healthy should always take precedence. By fostering communication and understanding, parents can guide their children toward safe and responsible choices in their pursuit of dental aesthetics.
