self-treatments using baking soda, ash and hydrogen peroxide provided online with no dental experience, can strip tooth enamel and cause lasting damage to the gums, experts cautioned.

There are treatments available including medication and self-help groups for all manner of phobias, but anyone fearing they may have a problem should see a GP first for proper diagnosis.

In contrast, TCM treatments are based on functional analysis of the patient's entire body, and use the body's self-healing abilities along with drugs and other medications.