Mouth bling, such as tooth gems and mouth piercings are becoming increasingly popular. But are there potential risks, and how do you ensure they don’t compromise your oral health?
Can mouth bling affect your oral health?
While professionally installed mouth bling is generally safe, any body modification comes with potential risks. As The Journal of The American Dental Association (JADA) points out, even a small gem can disrupt the natural interaction between your tongue and teeth, causing injuries or irritation. To help you make an informed choice, here are the unique risks associated with each.
Mouth piercings:
- Non-sterile equipment can cause infection.
- Tongue piercings can make swallowing, chewing and talking more difficult.
- Biting down on jewellery can lead to cracks or chips in the teeth.
Tooth gems:
- Non-dental safe adhesive glue can cause allergic reactions.
- Loose gems can become a choking hazard.
- If not removed properly, the enamel can be stripped, leaving teeth vulnerable to cavities.
Understanding these risks before making a decision is important to minimise harm and recognise when something is wrong.
Why professionally installed tooth gems are safer
While adding a little sparkle to your smile with gems is a fun trend, taking a budget-friendly shortcut can lead to expensive health complications, such as enamel damage or short lasting results. The benefits of choosing a professional dentist to install your tooth gems include:
- Safe, dental grade glue, which keeps your crystals and diamontes on for longer.
- Professional removal to protect teeth from enamel damage.
- Sterilised instruments to avoid infection.
- Reassurance that gems are placed on areas where minimal damage will occur.
By having your mouth bling installed by your dentist, you ensure your gems last for longer and your teeth remain healthy, saving you money in the long run.
How to protect your teeth when using mouth bling
Mouth bling can be a fun way to express yourself, but it’s important you take the steps to protect yourself from potential damage. If you do choose to get mouth bling, it’s important to:
- Take general care of your teeth, including brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste.
- If you’re getting a piercing, consult your local dentist before and after to ensure everything is in good health and healing well.
- For mouth gems, ask your dentist to install them for you with dental safe adhesive. Also consult your dentist when you want to remove your gems.
Protect your smile with Gosford Family Dentist
If you’re considering mouth bling, keep your teeth and gums healthy in the process with Gosford Family Dentist. Contact us on 4325 3221 or visit our website to book your appointment today.
