Tooth Piercing: The Trendy Way to Add Sparkle to Your Smile

What Are Tooth Piercings?
How Is the Procedure Done?
Who Is Popularizing Tooth Piercings?
What Are the Risks Involved?
How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy with Piercings
What If You Want to Remove the Tooth Gem?
Conclusion

In recent years, a new trend has been sparkling in the world of fashion and personal style. This trend involves adding tiny gems to your teeth, commonly known as tooth piercings or tooth gems. The idea is simple. A small decorative jewel is bonded to the surface of a tooth, adding a touch of sparkle to your smile. While this is a fun and trendy way to stand out, it’s essential to fully understand what tooth piercing involves, the procedure, and the risks before making the decision to get one. In this blog, we’ll go into all aspects of tooth piercing, from the procedure and safety concerns to the celebrities who are popularizing the trend.

What Are Tooth Piercings?

Tooth piercings are small decorative pieces like gems or crystals that are attached to the surface of a tooth using dental-grade adhesive. These gems come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to express your unique style. Some people choose to add a gem to a single tooth, while others opt for multiple tooth piercings for an even more dramatic effect. This procedure can be done on almost any tooth in the mouth, but most people opt for the upper front teeth because they are most visible when smiling or talking.
While tooth gems are not permanent and can be removed, they offer a fun, temporary way to change the appearance of your teeth. The procedure itself is non-invasive and simple, which is one of the reasons for its growing popularity.

How Is the Procedure Done?

The process of getting a tooth piercing is relatively quick and straightforward. It typically takes about 30 minutes and is a pain-free procedure. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:

Consultation with a Dental Professional: Before proceeding, a dental professional will assess your oral health to ensure you’re a good candidate for a tooth piercing. They will check for any existing dental issues such as cavities or gum disease that could make the procedure risky.
Cleaning and Preparation: The selected tooth is thoroughly cleaned to remove any plaque or debris. This step is important because any particles left on the surface of the tooth could affect the bond of the gem.
Applying the Gem: A special dental adhesive is applied to the tooth, and the gem is carefully placed in the desired position. The dental professional will adjust the gem to ensure it’s perfectly aligned.
Curing the Adhesive: A curing light is used to harden the adhesive, securing the gem in place. Once the adhesive has set, the tooth gem is fixed, and the procedure is complete.

While the process is straightforward, it’s important that the application is done by a professional to avoid any complications.

Who Is Popularizing Tooth Piercings?

Tooth piercings have gained much popularity due to the influence of celebrities and fashion icons. Singers like Rihanna and Billie Eilish, along with models and influencers like Hailey Bieber and Lisa from Blackpink, have been seen sporting tooth gems. These high-profile personalities have played a key role in making tooth piercings a sought-after fashion statement. Their influence has encouraged many young people to try out this trendy look and make it their own.

Also Read – The Sparkling Trend of Diamonds in Teeth

What Are the Risks Involved?

While tooth piercings may seem harmless, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and complications. Let’s take a closer look at some of the issues you may encounter:

Tooth Damage: One of the biggest concerns with tooth piercings is the risk of damaging your tooth. If the gem is applied incorrectly or if it’s too large, it could cause the tooth to crack or chip.
Increased Risk of Cavities and Gum Disease: The presence of the gem on your tooth can make it more challenging to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Infection: Just like any body modification, there is always a risk of infection with tooth piercings.
Allergic Reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to the materials used in the tooth gem, such as nickel.

How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy with Piercings

Brush and Floss Regularly: Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly to remove plaque.
Use Mouthwash: Rinsing with mouthwash can help kill bacteria and keep your mouth fresh.
Avoid Hard Foods: Be cautious when eating hard or sticky foods as they could damage or dislodge the gem.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your oral health is not being compromised by the gem.

What If You Want to Remove the Tooth Gem?

If you decide that a tooth gem is no longer for you, the good news is that removal is possible. However, it’s important to have it done by a professional to avoid damaging your tooth. Your dentist will carefully remove the gem and any leftover adhesive without causing harm to your enamel.

In some cases, removing the gem may leave a small mark on the tooth. If you experience any discomfort or complications after removal, it’s crucial to contact your dentist for advice.

Conclusion

Tooth piercings are a trendy and unique way to add some sparkle to your smile. While the procedure is generally safe when done by a professional, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Always make sure that your tooth piercing is applied by a qualified dental professional, and take extra care in maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent complications. With the right precautions, you can enjoy your tooth gem and add a touch of personality to your smile.

So, if you’re considering a tooth piercing, remember to weigh the pros and cons, and make an informed decision.

Written by DR. PUNEET KATHURIA B.D.S., M.D.S., F.I.C.O.I. (USA)