Celebrities have a knack for introducing bold style trends to the masses. Sometimes, it is for better and sometimes it is far worse. One recent trend that has started to catch on in some niche areas is jewelry for your teeth. This cosmetic accessory can take several forms and does not always require a dentist be involved in the application.
Individual Decorations
The most basic form of tooth jewelry is a small gem or icon that is affixed to a single tooth. This is generally done using a dental cement or other form of adhesive. The primary possible negative effect of doing this is that there can be localized demineralization of the tooth at the site, which can damage tooth enamel, affect oral health, increase the chances of gum disease, and lead to tooth decay. If the adhesive material contains any toxic or damaging ingredients this is even more of a possibility. Having tooth jewelry affixed to the tooth can also invite food and debris to hang around if not brushed properly. Again, this can lead to the breaking down of tooth enamel, gum disease, and potential cavities. If you play a contact sport or are at risk of being hit in the face, having a hard item affixed to your teeth can magnify the force of the impact and end up chipping or
Even if there is no structural damage done to the tooth,
If you still feel the need to glue some gems to your teeth, then it is highly recommended that you attach it to a veneer or a crown instead of your actual tooth. This mitigates much of the risk of long-term damage, though plenty of the warnings listed here can still apply. No matter where they are installed jewels can also irritate the inside of your mouth and be uncomfortable in general.
Grills
A grill is a molded cover for your teeth that is made from a base metal which may also have jewels encrusted for design purposes. They usually only cover a few visible teeth but can cover the entire row if desired. In some cases, wearers will have a gold crown permanently attached and may modify the crown with jewels as well. One should never attempt to attach a removable grill with dental glue since these are not designed for permanent installation and can damage the teeth and surrounding tissue.
While there is technically no long-term study
Having a grill in your mouth can drastically alter your bite which can be uncomfortable and also damage to your teeth. Your jaws are aligned in a way that lets the bottom and top teeth contact each other in the most optimal way. Suddenly changing this bite means that your teeth may be contacting in sub-optimal places like weak spots or high spots that then experience more pressure than normal, leading to premature wear and tear. For this reason, it is recommended that the grill is not worn in excess and it certainly should not be worn while eating.
Soft Tissue Jewelry
Though not technically teeth jewelry, oral piercings such as those through the lip, tongue, and cheek should also be discussed for those looking to add some bling to their mouth. If not performed and cared for properly, these piercings can easily become infected when they are first obtained. The long-term wearing of oral jewelry can also pose several risks for your mouth.
Piercings can make speaking, chewing, and swallowing difficult, especially if they become infected. They can cause
Conclusion
In general, the American Dental Association has not issued any guidelines specifically for teeth jewelry but they do