TikTokker used nail glue to attach her Shein grills. Picture: TikTok screenshot
If there’s one thing the internet loves, it’s a good deal — and Shein delivers. From affordable fashion to trendy accessories, the brand has become a go-to for people looking to stay on trend without breaking the bank.
And let's be honest, who doesn’t love finding a cute pair of earrings or a statement accessory for less than the price of your daily coffee?
But sometimes, things don’t go as planned recently when a TikTok user learned the hard way that not all deals are worth the trouble when her Shein R7 grills (yes, R7!) got stuck in her teeth for days.
What started as a fun night out turned into a viral cautionary tale about health risks, product quality, and a little too much DIY spirit.
The viral Shein grills saga
The unfortunate saga began when a woman known as Mis. dq excitedly ordered a pair of shiny grills from Shein for a mere R7.
Grills, decorative dental accessories embraced by celebrities like Rihanna, ASAP, and South African icons such as the late rapper AKA, Maglera Doe Boy and Dee Koala have taken social media by storm
But when her package arrived, the glue meant to attach the grills was nowhere to be found. Not one to let a little missing glue ruin her plans, she improvised — using nail glue (yes, the same glue used to stick fake nails onto fingers) to secure her new accessory.
@mis.dq ♬ original sound - Mis.dq🦋
The night went as planned — she enjoyed her time with friends, feeling fabulous with her shiny new grills. But the trouble started when she tried to remove them.
No matter what she tried — drinking water, wiggling them back and forth, or using home remedies — those grills weren’t budging.
She even took to TikTok to share her ordeal, where the internet wasted no time offering advice and, of course, cracking jokes.
One user commented: “Please say ‘Young Mula Baby’ for us 😭🤣🤣🤣.”
Others tried to help, offering practical (and not-so-practical) solutions:
“Use nail remover since you used nail glue.”
“I think you should see a dentist. Grills aren’t supposed to stick!”
@mis.dq 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
♬ original sound - Mis.dq🦋
And while the situation was amusing to some, it also raised some serious questions about health and safety when it comes to inexpensive products and DIY fixes.
The problem with cheap accessories
Grills, decorative dental accessories that fit over your teeth, have been a fashion statement for years.
While they might look cool, they’re not without risks, especially when purchased from budget retailers or used improperly.
Materials matters
High-quality grills are typically made of gold, silver, or platinum and designed with your dental health in mind.
Budget versions, however, are often made with lower-quality metals that can irritate your gums, cause allergic reactions, or even damage your enamel.
According to dental experts cheap grills can harbour bacteria and lead to infections if they’re not made with proper materials or fitted correctly.
In the case of the TikTok user, the grills were not only budget-friendly but also improperly applied, which brings us to the next point.
DIY isn’t always the answer
Using nail glue to attach an accessory designed for your teeth might seem like a quick fix, but it’s far from safe.
Nail glue contains cyanoacrylate, a chemical that can irritate soft tissues and cause long-term damage to your gums if applied incorrectly.
Dental adhesives are specifically designed to be safe for oral use, whereas nail glue is meant for external use only.
Using the wrong adhesive can result in chemical burns, gum damage, or even tooth loss in severe cases, according to Dentaltix.
What to do if you’re in a sticky situation
If you find yourself in a similar predicament, here’s some professional advice instead of relying on TikTok’s comment section:
Don’t panic: First things first, stay calm. Trying to yank the grills out or force them loose can damage your teeth and gums.
Soften the adhesive: In the TikTok user’s case, nail glue was the culprit. Nail glue can sometimes be softened with acetone-based nail polish remover, but be cautious, acetone is not safe for ingestion.
If you attempt this, use a cotton swab to dab the acetone on the glue, ensuring it doesn’t touch your gums or lips. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Consult a dentist
If home remedies don’t work, it’s time to see a professional. Yes, it might feel embarrassing, but dentists have seen it all before. It’s better to seek help than risk permanent damage to your teeth.
While Mis.dq’s tale offers plenty of laughs, it serves as a reminder that not all affordable products are created equal, especially those intended for our bodies.
After several days in a dental predicament, she ultimately managed to remove the grills, but the experience left her — and many others — pondering the hidden costs of low-priced fashion statements.