The newest viral trend on TikTok is reshaping your teeth with a nail file and dentist are urging people to stop.
The videos depict various people attempting to fix their uneven smiles by using a nail file to sand their teeth down to size.
Aside from giving me major chills thinking about this it's actually really damaging according to dentists.
This is a common procedure called enameloplasty but if not done properly and safely could potentially remove vital coating, causing the tooth to become hypersensitive or even die.
Dr. Chad Evans, co-founder of Texas-based Smile Magic Family Dental, says, “You’re doing irreparable damage and destruction to your teeth."
Evans recalled one video in which a woman with a chipped tooth filed down her two front teeth to match her imperfect tooth’s length.
“Essentially, what she’s doing is she’s shortening the lifespan of her teeth. They are now compromised, and it’s just a matter of time before she starts developing serious issues.”
Another expert advised that people leave the operation to an expert who knows “exactly how much enamel to take off to be healthy for the teeth.”