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Grillz, Gems, and Tooth Tattoos: The New Trend Worrying Dentists
You've surely noticed those little jewels sparkling on the teeth of celebrities and trendy teens. Gold grillz, sparkling gems, temporary or permanent tattoos... Dental ornaments are all the rage, especially among the younger generation. But what are these accessories really worth from a dental perspective? We'll break it down for you.
Tooth Gems: A Discreet Look That Can Last for Months
The tooth gem is by far the most popular dental jewelry, especially among singers and actresses. It's a small diamond or imitation, glued to the visible surface of a tooth using a special adhesive identical to that used for orthodontic braces.
The advantage is that the gem is easily removable and does not damage the enamel if applied correctly. It can stay in place for several months before coming off naturally. But like any foreign object in the mouth, it promotes plaque buildup around the jewel, which increases the risk of cavities and gingivitis.
Another small drawback is that when it finally falls off, it sometimes leaves adhesive residue on the tooth that is not always easy to remove on your own. A trip to the dentist is then necessary.
Finally, be cautious in case of accidental detachment, as the gem can be swallowed or inhaled by mistake!
Twinkles: More Noticeable Jewelry in Shapes like Stars or Hearts
Close cousins of gems, Twinkles are dental ornaments in the shape of small motifs: stars, hearts, moons, dolphins... Some are even set with a precious stone for an even more "bling" effect.
The application and removal of these jewels are strictly reserved for dentists. Because their larger size compared to gems increases the risks of damage to the gums and the inside of the lips.
Furthermore, Twinkles can interfere with speech and eating if they are poorly positioned. Again, ultra-rigorous dental hygiene is essential to avoid any problems.
The Tooth Tattoo: Temporary or Permanent Depending on the Technique
A big difference from a traditional skin tattoo is that a tooth tattoo is never done with a needle! The enamel would not withstand such a treatment. Two options are available to sport a nice design on your teeth:
- The temporary tooth tattoo: the design is printed on a special adhesive backing that is applied to the tooth and wears off naturally after a few weeks. But beware, like any accessory that remains in the mouth, it traps plaque and can irritate the gums.
- The tattoo on a crown: the dental technician creates the tattoo directly on a crown before it is placed on the tooth. The result is permanent but requires grinding down the tooth, which is an irreversible act!
In both cases, the result is purely aesthetic. Dentists may therefore refuse to perform a tattoo if they judge that it brings no medical benefit to the patient (unless the crown is necessary for other reasons).
Grillz: Blinged-Out Prosthetics That Pose Hygiene Problems
You've surely seen those famous gold or silver teeth in the mouths of your favorite rappers. Halfway between jewelry and fashion accessory, a grill is a removable prosthesis that covers part of the dental arch, often encrusted with precious stones.
The problem is that this metal plating on the teeth prevents proper hygiene and can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, with a high risk of cavities and gum infections. Not to mention potential injuries from the metal's sharp edges!
Wearing a grill for extended periods and without precautions is therefore strongly discouraged by dentists. This expensive accessory should, at best, be reserved for special occasions...
Our Take on These Trendy Dental Jewels
While they may seem harmless, these tooth ornaments are not without risk to oral health. Here are some basic rules to follow if you decide to take the plunge anyway:
- Only entrust the application and removal of your dental jewelry to professionals (dentists for gems and Twinkles, prosthodontists for grillz). Do not try to glue them on yourself!
- Ensure that the equipment used is single-use or sterilized, and that the operator wears gloves and a mask (respect for hygiene rules).
- Avoid eating, chewing gum, and brushing your teeth immediately after application. Wait at least a few hours.
- Be very rigorous with your dental hygiene (gentle brushing, flossing, mouthwash) to remove plaque around the jewelry.
- Regularly check that the jewel is still securely in place to avoid the risk of swallowing it.
| Jewelry Type | Characteristics | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth Gem | Small crystal bonded to the tooth | Plaque buildup, detachment, ingestion |
| Twinkle | Larger jewel in a specific shape | Same as above + gum and lip lesions |
| Tooth Tattoo | Temporary or permanent design on the tooth | Plaque retention, irritation, irreversible on a crown |
| Grillz | Removable precious metal prosthesis | High risk of cavities and infections with poor hygiene |
Conclusion: Better to Think Twice Before Falling for These 'Tooth Jewels'!
Despite their stunning results and fun aspect, these dental ornaments are discouraged by most dentists. Why? The risks to teeth and gums are real if the necessary precautions are not taken.
In case of a problem (cavity, inflammation, injury), do not hesitate to consult a professional quickly. A dental jewel is not trivial; it deserves your full attention!
So, if you really want to customize your smile like your idols, do it smartly. Preferably choose discreet accessories applied by professionals, limit their wear to short periods, and be extra vigilant with hygiene. With a little common sense, the dream of a "stylish" set of teeth is not incompatible with a healthy mouth!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Jewelry
How long can you keep a tooth gem?
A gem properly bonded by a professional can last several months, up to a year or two. But beware, just because it's still in place doesn't mean it shouldn't be changed! After 6 months, it's better to have it removed to clean the tooth thoroughly and check that it's healthy.
How to remove a tooth gem yourself?
It is strongly advised not to try to remove a tooth gem on your own. You risk damaging your tooth or swallowing the jewel. Only a dentist can gently remove the ornament without leaving adhesive residue.
What are the risks of infection with a jewel on the teeth?
Any foreign object in the mouth (jewelry or piercing) is a breeding ground for bacteria. Even with impeccable hygiene, the risk is never zero. Hence the importance of being regularly monitored by a dentist to catch any problems early.
Can you have a dental X-ray or a CT scan with ornaments on your teeth?
Grillz and other metal jewelry must be removed before any radiological examination, just like piercings. The metal creates artifacts that degrade the quality of the image. However, gems and tattoos do not interfere.