editor
A troubling trend has started to gain traction, particularly among young women, where people are having their jaws wired shut as a way to lose weight.
The method, which is gaining popularity through social media, involves using dental wires to connect the upper and lower jaws, making it difficult to open the mouth wide enough to eat solid food. As a result, people who go through with this procedure are forced to stick to liquid diets.
This practice, which is gaining a following in Kenya, is being seen by some as a cheaper and less invasive alternative to other weight loss methods, such as gym memberships or expensive procedures like stomach surgeries. At an estimated cost of around Sh348,000, some people believe it’s a more affordable option to curb their appetite and reduce face fat.
However, experts are raising red flags about the dangers of this practice. Dental professionals warn that it poses serious health risks, particularly when carried out by unqualified individuals in poorly regulated or inadequately equipped spaces.
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They are also concerned about the complications this procedure can cause when it comes to oral hygiene. With the jaws wired shut, it’s nearly impossible for individuals to properly clean their teeth or remove food particles, which can lead to plaque buildup, gum disease, and cavities.
While the procedure may seem like a quick fix, health professionals urge caution, advising against this risky weight-loss method. They recommend safer, more sustainable ways to manage weight that don’t put people’s overall health, especially their dental health, in jeopardy.
