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A dentist has revealed the most “horrifying” images he has seen inside his patients’ mouths, including a man who used a plaster mesh and dental glue to stop his teeth from falling out.
Dr Sam Koh, who runs Dental Boutique in Victoria, has treated thousands of patients with rare ailments throughout his career.
The dentist revealed that he had a case where a patient had “plaque, tartar and cavities everywhere” and several loose teeth held together with building materials.
Dr Koh’s patient had been using the home treatment for 12 months and was only eating using two back molars before finally visiting a professional.
“The patient was in constant pain. As he grew older, he suffered from infections and abscesses. He would burst them and never receive treatment,” the dentist said. 7NEWS.
The professional also treated a 22-year-old man who needed all his teeth extracted.
“She was constantly on painkillers and antibiotics because most of her teeth were infected,” the dentist said. “I had to extract all her teeth and put in new implants.”
Dr. Koh emphasized the importance of taking dental health seriously.
Australian dentist Dr Sam Koh has revealed that one of his patients used plaster mesh and dental glue to stop her teeth from falling out.
“Teeth are the first thing people notice when they see them. They play a crucial role in our quality of life, from preventing toothache to improving our ability to enjoy food,” she told FEMAIL.
He further explained that dental health is closely linked to overall health, and that the mouth often serves as an indicator of overall well-being.
Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, cardiovascular disease, problems during pregnancy and even pneumonia can be associated with poor dental health.
Dr Koh concluded: “Even if you think your teeth are healthy, regular visits to the dentist are essential. They allow us to prevent problems before they arise and provide us with guidance on proper dental care techniques.”
Dentists have warned the general public about the dangers of DIY dentistry.
From filing your teeth down to a “perfect” shape to using a magic eraser to remove tough stains, there seems to be a trick for every cosmetic dental problem.
But most cheap tricks will actually ruin your teeth and could cost thousands of dollars to fix, veteran dentist Dr Heath Fraser previously told FEMAIL.
‘In recent years, worrying dental health trends have been posted on TikTok and seen by millions of users – these include teeth whitening with toxic cleaning products, DIY tooth modelling and users being encouraged to self-medicate with cosmetic procedures after seeing ‘great’ aesthetic results from other users on the app,’ she said.
Adding that anyone who follows trends is not only putting their smile at risk, but in many cases their overall health.
Dr Fraser has worked in the dental industry for over 15 years and wants people to understand that the treatments used in clinics are rigorously tested and continually updated to ensure they are safe and effective.
People are taking to TikTok to share their DIY dental hacks, including filing their teeth and using rubber bands to “straighten” them, but experts warn it could cause lasting damage.
Trick to shape your nails with a file
In a video, a woman can be seen saying “no” over and over again while filing her teeth.
She went on to claim that the video was filmed two years before she uploaded it to TikTok and that she “loves her smile” and hasn’t had any negative side effects from the DIY job.
Dr. Fraser analyzed the trend and said that while people were initially satisfied with the results, over time they complained of tooth sensitivity.
This is because they wear away the enamel, which ultimately leads to increased cavities, discoloration, and tooth damage including chips and cracks.
“Using any object to intentionally erode the surface of a tooth is highly irresponsible; once tooth enamel has been removed, it is impossible to regenerate it,” he said.
Even when performed in the dental chair by a professional, patients run the risk of eroding tooth enamel.
‘Patients who attempt to shape their teeth on their own may require invasive procedures such as fillings, crowns, veneers and even root canals to resolve the erosion problem.’
Using TikTok tricks is more likely to cause serious long-term dental problems, including permanently stained and cracked teeth.
Brushed with raw charcoal
Many TikTok users have detailed their experience using activated charcoal to whiten their teeth, showing significantly brighter before and after results.
‘Ironically, while initial results may reveal whiter teeth, using highly abrasive surfaces against the teeth will wear away the enamel and expose the yellow dentin underneath, making them look permanently yellower,’ she said.
Some people have turned to magic erasers to achieve a pearly white smile, but Dr. Fraser says this too will only destroy your teeth in the long run.
Using a magic eraser
A video showing the magic facilitator’s trend garnered 400,000 views in a matter of hours, with dozens of people commenting that they planned to try the trick at home.
Dr. Fraser said using something like a magic eraser may seem to work, but in the long run it causes yellowing.
After trying it out, many more commented, praising the trick and saying they “didn’t regret” using the eraser on their teeth.
“Similar to charcoal brushing, the Magic Eraser wears away a stained layer of enamel with a highly abrasive surface, and while this may initially make teeth appear whiter in a short TikTok video, the long-term consequences of enamel wear can result in discolored, sensitive, and in rare cases, cracked or chipped teeth,” she said.
Brushing with peroxide
This became a huge trend after a TikTok influencer bought the chemical from the supermarket and applied it directly to her teeth.
The woman said the chemical is often found in dentist-approved whitening kits, implying that it is safe. But Dr. Fraser says that is far from the truth.
“Using high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide on teeth and gums poses an irreversible risk to dental health and can cause tooth sensitivity, sore gums and lips,” he said.
“Having whiter teeth does not necessarily correlate with healthy teeth, and patients should prioritize the health of their mouths to avoid painful consequences,” she added.
Handmade rubber suspenders
He understands that having straight teeth is a priority for many Australians, but says it should always be left to a professional.
Dr. Fraser says the rubber band trick has become popular because of the high cost of braces, but adds that it will likely cost more in the long run.
One such video showed a man gluing traditional braces to his teeth using Gorilla Glue.
The video was viewed by more than ten million people, showing how quickly “misinformation” can spread on the platform.
Some people use at-home appliance kits, but Dr. Fraser says these kits are only effective when used by a professional and should never be placed with Gorilla Glue.
“The thin, tight elastic bands used by users on social media can penetrate the gum, severely damaging the soft tissue of the mouth, which can ultimately lead to serious irreversible damage, including the tooth falling out from the root,” he said.
And while your teeth will likely move, Dr. Fraser says the result won’t necessarily be better, cosmetically speaking.
Gorilla Glue Is ‘Next Level’ According To Dentist
“Using toxic substances and trying to fit one’s own braces can also have serious health consequences, such as severe poisoning and tooth loss,” he warned.
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