Tooth Jewellery - a fashion statement originally started in the 90s, is now back with a bang. According to fashion brands and predictions, the trend is going to dominate in 2022.
Just like body jewellery, tooth accessories also come in a variety of styles and colours. Many celebrities, including Rihanna and Kendall Jenner, are sporting the look. Hence, it is only a matter of time till the fashion statement seeks the light of the day in Gen-Z and Millennials.
History of Dental Jewellery
Dental Jewellery has had significant success in pop culture fashion statements. While the practice dates back to ancient civilisations, it wasn't until the 80's that the trend picked up in American pop culture. Metal grills and caps rose to fame with the emergence of hip-hop culture. However, in 2005 the trend of grills went mainstream with the release of Nelly's music video 'Grillz'. Ever since then, mouth Jewellery has become more widespread and more and more designs and trends have started to emerge.
Many celebrities, including Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, and Katy Perry, welcomed the trend with open arms on different occasions. However, the latter holds a Guinness world record for wearing a gemstone-and-diamond-encrusted grill that cost a whopping US$1 million.
The fashion statement also caused quite an uproar on social media for being tone-deaf.
The Procedure
While tooth Jewellery is an art offered at tattoo parlours, it is now offered at specific dental clinics. The procedure starts with cleaning the tooth surface to make it easier for the stone or grill to attach. Once the enamel surface is clean and etched, the jewels are stuck to the teeth with the help of a bonding agent.
The entire process is painless and generally takes minutes to hours. The jewels last for as long as six months without falling off the teeth.
Risk Factors
According to dental experts, it is best to stay away from the emerging trend. The entire procedure damages the tooth since it puts the surface of the enamel at risk of erosion, leading to an increased chance of caries.
Maintaining oral hygiene also becomes very difficult with such accessories. The small nooks and corners of the stones give access to bacteria and food impaction. Meanwhile, making it difficult for the brush to reach those surfaces increases the chances of tooth decay and infection.
Trauma to the tooth due to impaction is another risk factor for the chipped tooth surface.
The dental Jewellery trend might seem tempting, but the risk outweighs the fashion statement. Many dentists have also warned about the possibility of long-term staining and enamel damage. Hence, it is best to avoid and let those pearly whites shine.
