The dangers of social media and DIY orthodontics amidst COVID-19

Abstract

Social media poses new dangers for many young aged dental patients having concern about their aesthetics. Growing up in a digital era where social media is part of our daily routine, everyone is just a click away from all the information be it a fact or myth in almost every domain. Persistently being exposed to highly idealized images, many adolescents try to achieve such standards by trying all sorts of treatments at home, including dental treatment. Dentists need to be aware of these important issues in order to help younger generation to avoid various dangers and to help safeguard their longer term dental health. This article aims to provide orthodontist about the dangers of spurious claims about 'do-it-yourself' dentistry, helping them avoid destructive or unstable treatments, especially those of the 'quick fix' variety during times of COVID-19.