Teens Filing Their Teeth for Cosmetic Purposes is an Alarming Trend that Can Have Harmful Long-term Consequences, says Dr. Bostani’s Advanced Dental


The dental office is based in Burbank, California.

Attempting to reshape teeth at home is a disaster waiting to happen.

A September 22 article on Inside Edition reports on a disturbing trend disseminated via TikTok that has users of the popular social media app using a common nail file to reshape imperfections in their front teeth. Inside Edition interviewed one teen who found that her teeth are now “extra sensitive to cold drinks and ice cream.” The article notes that the practice can severely and permanently damage tooth enamel. Burbank-based dental center Dr. Bostani’s Advanced Dental says that attempting to reshape teeth at home is a disaster waiting to happen and that the permanent consequences range from an increased risk of tooth decay to broken teeth.

Dr. Bostani’s Advanced Dental says that the only safe way to make cosmetic changes to one’s teeth is by visiting an actual, licensed dentist – and particularly a dentist who regularly performs cosmetic procedures. The center notes that any attempt to perform aesthetic changes to the teeth or gums at home or through an unlicensed individual is highly likely to result in severe side effects and even permanent damage. Among many other issues, a nail file is apt to leave the surface of the tooth rough and porous, which will make it especially easy for plaque and tartar buildup to occur.

Dr. Bostani’s Advanced Dental says that increased buildup heightens the chances for tooth decay and other serious ailments. The dental center says that there is a real chance that the teeth in question could be structurally compromised as a result of the filing – another serious concern – bacteria and plaque may have an easier time reaching more vulnerable areas, like the pulp. This can expedite a harmful process that usually requires time before the consequences become irreversible requiring extraction.

The good news, Dr. Bostani’s Advanced Dental says, is that if a patient is not happy with the way their teeth look they can do something about it without putting their oral health at risk. It might cost more in the short term but it will likely save vast amounts of both money and heartache in terms of avoiding complicated dental repairs. The dental center notes that in beauty-centric Southern California, there is no shortage of safe and viable methods to improve the aesthetics of one’s teeth. This can range from teeth whitening procedures that reverse discoloration and remove stains to the installation of dental veneers that hide deformities behind a beautiful layer of natural-appearing ceramic. Also, once teeth have already been damaged, dentists may often be able to at least partially repair the damage or replace compromised teeth with implants, but no one should use that as an excuse to risk damaging their teeth.

The point here, Dr. Bostani’s Advanced Dental notes, is that a professional dentist with decades of experience and education can safely and effectively achieve the aesthetic changes that patients are looking for – not a teenager with a nail file.

Readers can learn more about Dr. Bostani’s Advanced Dental as well as the office’s cosmetic dentistry options by visiting their website at https://drbostani.com/ or calling (818) 975-3073.

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