The Irish Dental Association has highlighted today an emerging trend among Irish Teens of ‘TikTok Teeth Shaving’ by filing down their teeth with a nail file.
This practice is very damaging to the hard outer layer of the teeth – the enamel.
Why does enamel matter?
Enamel protects the softer inner tooth called dentine. Damaging it increases the risk of decay, cracked teeth and very sensitive/painful teeth. ‘Shaving’ or Filing the teeth irreversibly damages tooth enamel as it does not grow back, and you may need to attend your dentist to help repair the damage.
Enamel is in fact the hardest substance in the body, and it plays an important role in keeping your teeth healthy. It helps to protect the teeth against sugar and acid which cause tooth decay. The enamel also acts as a protective shell for the tooth pulp which contains the nerves and blood vessels.
The Dental Health Foundation advises that there needs to be an increased focus on improving oral health rather than just the appearance of teeth.
The best thing that everyone can do for their oral health is to brush them twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, reduce the number of sugary snacks and drinks consumed, eat lots of fruit and veg, and drink water and milk. By doing these simple things every day you will increase your chance of hanging on to your teeth for as long as you can.
There is nothing like having your own teeth.