Fijian dentists warn of beauty salons offering cheap dental work using hardware-store glue and imitation jewellery

Fijian dentists warn of beauty salons offering cheap dental work using hardware-store glue and imitation jewellery
  • PublishedJanuary 12, 2024

The Fiji Dental Association (FDA) said the illegal practice was extremely concerning, pointing the finger mainly at beauty salons that offer the procedures at unrealistically low prices.

FDA president Parikshath Naidu said some businesses were advertising what were purported to be 22-karat gold caps for just $FJ5 ($3.30).

He said they used hardware store super glue to attach imitation gemstones intended to be used to decorate fingernails.

“The procedures were being done in unhygienic conditions,” Dr Naidu said.

“They were using toxic epoxies within patients’ mouths.

“The metals they use started to corrode because the mouth is a moist environment.”

An ad for imitation dental jewellery.
An ad for imitation dental jewellery.(Supplied)

Dr Naidu estimated the number of victims to be in the thousands.

“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,” he said.

“The metal was corroding, causing the teeth to start having massive amounts of decay.

“We have heard rumours that some of the patients had teeth operated on — that the beautician used a filing instrument to chip off a tooth just before they put a nail art on.”

Dr Naidu said registered dentists in Fiji had experienced an influx of patients presenting with serious problems after having the cosmetic work done.

“When things went haywire, the patients would go down to a dentist with a complaint that ‘this is what happened … can you please fix me up’,” Dr Naidu said.

He urged unlicensed operators to stop offering dental services.

“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 and what sort of materials you should be using and what you shouldn’t be using,” he said.

DIY dentures sold online

The ABC has also seen evidence of people in Fiji selling do-it-yourself dental implants online.

When contacted by the ABC, one business operator denied selling the products, saying he was listing the items on behalf of a friend.

He said the false teeth were designed to last a week.

“Just for cosmetic wear,” he said.

“Hot water to melt, and water to make it white and hard. No medication used there.”

The FDA has written to the national regulatory body, the Fiji Dental Council, calling on it to intervene.

“This situation not only endangers public health but may also deter individuals from seeking proper dental care when needed,” the letter states.

The ABC contacted the Fiji Dental Council for comment but did not receive a response.

R&B bling or family heirloom?

Dr Naidu said patients in Fiji were chasing a certain look.

“Our culture here is very similar to the Afro-Caribbean culture that they have. Yes, the R&B music industry you see celebrities with grills and gold in their teeth,” he said.

But for others, dental accessories have deeper significance.

For her 16th birthday, Tongan woman Adelaide Akauola had a dental crown made from a gold chain that belonged to her father.

She said the procedure was done by a registered dentist and was painless.

“I was really happy that I got my golden tooth,” she said.

Tongan rugby league player Jason Taumalolo also has golden caps on his front teeth, reportedly made from his parents’ wedding rings.

“It’s a tradition that Tongans have done for a while now,” he told Triple M.

‘Prioritise health’ 

Dr Naidu said there was nothing wrong with getting cosmetic procedures done by a professional dentist, but urged people to consider other aspects of their oral health first.

“I try and tell people the first thing that you need to have is good healthy teeth,” he said.

“Having check-ups with a dentist, brushing at least twice a day with good fluoride paste.

“Once you have ticked the check box and you have good healthy [teeth], then you can place tooth jewellery on them.”

SOURCE: ABCNEWS

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