Oral health: following social media advice can put you at risk

Oral health following social media advice can put you at

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    The French Union for Oral Health recalls in July that oral dental practices encouraged by social networks, often for aesthetic purposes, are not only non-compliant with practices, but also represent a risk for oral health. .

    Beautiful white teeth, regular and aligned, that’s what many young people (and not so young) dream of. But relying on the advice provided by social networks is not the solution, reminds the UFSBD (The French Union for Oral Health) which alerts this July 11 to the serious risks associated with certain practices touted online. . Many of them are thus motivated by advertising activities, encouraging non-professional orthodontic treatment.

    Tooth filing, alignment and whitening at the fingertips

    The recall notably targets several practices that can easily be seen being promoted when browsing online and on its networks, Facebook or TikTok, among others.

    • The UFSBD is particularly concerned with the promotion of dental cosmetic procedures for change the position of the teeth, which in reality are similar to dental mutilation, such as the filing or cutting of teeth. These practices aim to achieve a supposedly ideal dental aesthetics through the placement of dentures on healthy teeth. These non-medical indications are not only dangerous, but totally useless in certain cases;
    • Furthermore, the UFSBD draws attention to orthodontic treatments offered outside dental surgeries via the Internet, in particular for aligning teeth. Although these offers seem attractive because of their reduced price or promise of convenience, they carry significant risks;
    • Finally, the UFSBD warns against the use of lightening products products sold on the Internet whose composition does not comply with the regulations in force. These unregulated products may contain ingredients that are potentially harmful to oral health.

    Seeing a professional must remain the number 1 reflex

    “In an age of increased connectivity, social media is having a huge impact on our lives. Unfortunately, some online trends and challenges can have detrimental consequences for dental health” worries the release

    Oral health is a precious asset that deserves to be preserved and supported throughout life by professional support. Regularly consulting your dental surgeon, the only expert capable of providing safe and appropriate oral care and advice for everyone, is essential to guarantee long-term health and smiles. With one truth to keep in mind:

    “It is essential to be wary of misleading information and illusory promises conveyed on social networks or by unverified advertisements at the risk of putting your oral health at risk.”


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