Dentists are calling for a ban and removal of do-it-yourself braces tutorials posted on Youtube.
The calls come amid fears they are encouraging children to try ‘DIY braces’ and causing lasting damage.
Some of the videos posted on the video streaming site have received thousands of views.
‘Orthodontics requires great skill and understanding,’ Joe Noar, British Orthodontic Society (BOS) director of clinical governance, said.
‘Attempts to straighten teeth without the supervision of a suitably qualified dental practitioner could lead to future problems with the bite and damage to teeth.’
‘Scary’
Dentists quoted in The Telegraph describe the videos as ‘scary’, while others believe viewers are looking for a ‘Love Island‘ smile.
Youtube has been under fire recently for failing to remove extreme content aimed at children.
‘If this was any other sort of practice that was potentially mutilating or causing serious health issues, then that obligation (to remove tutorials) would be there,’ Eddie Crouch, vice-chair of the BDA, said to The Telegraph.
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