Warning Issued as Unlicensed Practitioners Offer Risky Cosmetic Dentistry in Fiji

Dentists Alarmed by Imitation Dental Work with Toxic Consequences

FIJI: Dentists in Fiji are sounding the alarm as unlicensed operators provide cosmetic dentistry services using phoney false teeth and imitation dental jewellery that can corrode and become toxic in patients’ mouths.

Unrealistic Prices and Unhygienic Practices

The Fiji Dental Association (FDA) is expressing grave concern about beauty salons offering these procedures at unrealistically low prices. Some businesses are advertising purported 22-karat gold caps for as little as $FJ5 ($3.30), utilizing hardware store super glue to attach imitation gemstones intended for decorating fingernails.

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FDA president Parikshath Naidu warns about the unhygienic conditions in which these procedures are conducted, stating, “The procedures were being done in unhygienic conditions. They were using toxic epoxies within patients’ mouths.”

The use of corroding metals and toxic materials in these procedures poses serious health risks, including rapid tooth decay and other complications. Dr. Naidu estimates that thousands of individuals have fallen victim to these risky cosmetic dentistry practices.

“We have heard reports where the gum tissue was burned, the gum and the lips were stuck together, and when they peeled off, it created blisters and ulcers,” Dr. Naidu explains.

Urgent Call for Intervention

Registered dentists in Fiji have seen an influx of patients with severe problems resulting from these cosmetic procedures. Dr. Naidu urges unlicensed operators to cease offering dental services, emphasizing their lack of proper training and knowledge.

“These beauticians haven’t had any proper training or knowledge on the human physiology, the human anatomy, and no understanding of how the oral environment works,” he says.

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The FDA has written to the national regulatory body, the Fiji Dental Council, urging intervention to address this illegal and dangerous practice. The ABC reached out to the Fiji Dental Council for comment, but no response was received.

Dr. Naidu acknowledges the cultural influence on people seeking a certain look, citing similarities to the Afro-Caribbean culture. While some seek cosmetic dental work for cultural reasons, he emphasizes the importance of prioritizing oral health and seeking professional dental care.

“I try and tell people the first thing that you need to have is good healthy teeth,” Dr. Naidu advises. “Once you have ticked the check box and you have good healthy [teeth], then you can place tooth jewellery on them.”