Several trends with potential negative effects on oral health have gained traction on social media this year, prompting dentists and dental organizations to speak out against them.
Here are three trends to know:
1. In January, the American Association of Orthodontists warned against "Mewing," a social media trend to reshape the jawline and improve facial aesthetics.
The organization issued a warning that the unregulated practice, which calls for placing the tongue in a specific way, can have unintended and potentially harmful side effects, including dental issues and speech impediments, according to a Jan. 23 news release from the AAO.
The process is named after John Mew, an orthodontist who lost his license due to unsupported claims.
2. Several dentists have warned patients against getting treatment from "veneer techs" after the illegal techs gained popularity on social media.
Veneer techs are people who are not licensed to practice dentistry, but have instead completed a two-day training course to illegally place veneers on patients. Veneer techs often use nail supplies like acrylic to create veneers or buy kits off retail sites like Amazon because these sites do not check National Provider Identifiers.
Monica Davis, operator of The Veneer Experts, was recently charged with practicing unlicensed dentistry in Illinois. She is also facing unlicensed dentistry charges in Nevada.
Several dentists have spoken out against veneer techs on social media and have warned patients to only visit licensed dentists for treatment, and to report veneer techs to state licensing boards.
3. Nicotine pouches, including those from the band Zyn, have spurred warnings from dentists and other healthcare providers after becoming popular on social media. These pouches deliver nicotine into the bloodstream through the mouth's membrane lining, according to a March 8 article from The Hub.
In addition to cardiovascular issues and nausea, these products can also cause gum damage, although the extent of this damage is not yet known, according to an April 3 CNN article.
Several dentists have posted warning videos on social media alerting people to the dangers of using these products.