In the ever-evolving world of beauty and self-expression, dental trends have become a unique and popular way for individuals to showcase their personalities. From tooth tattoos to tongue alterations, these dental beauty trends offer a canvas for creativity. However, the question that looms large is, how safe are these trends for your oral health? Our dentist in Mission, BC, is here to offer his expertise and guidance.
Before you explore a new dental beauty trend, ask our dentist in Mission, BC, if it’s safe for your smile. You can reach Dr. Amol Shergill at Wren Street Dental by dialing (604) 820-8702 now.
Tooth Tattoos
Tooth tattoos (also known as tooth art or dental ink) are a fun way to jazz up your smile. However, the name is a little misleading.
Rather than applying ink directly to teeth, an artist can create custom-made dental crowns with interesting designs or depictions. Then, a dentist can place these crowns over select teeth to create an artfully head-turning smile.
However, placing these customized crowns on healthy teeth means that a dentist must alter the structure of the natural tooth. This alteration is permanent, which means that the tooth must always be protected by a crown, tattooed or otherwise.
Tooth Gems
Tooth gems are becoming more and more popular, as they add an extra touch of sparkle to one’s smile. However, there are some safety factors to consider.
Dental gems require the removal of some tooth enamel and a strong dental adhesive to stay stationary. While a piercing expert or tattoo artist may claim to be proficient in applying these gems, it should only be carried out by a trained dental professional, like our dentist in Mission, BC. Otherwise, you may risk permanent damage to your teeth.
Another factor to consider is oral hygiene. Tooth gems give oral bacteria a place to hide and thrive, which could lead to painful cavities.
Grills
Grills (sometimes seen as grillz) are custom-made decorative covers for teeth. They often require the expertise of both a dentist and jeweler, as grills require dental impressions before an expert can craft them from metals like gold or silver.
While they can be a bold fashion statement, wearing grills for extended periods may contribute to plaque buildup and increase the risk of tooth decay. If you want a grill, then your dental hygiene practices should be meticulous. Be sure to remove grills regularly for cleaning to mitigate potential oral health issues.
Oral Piercings
Oral piercings (including lip, cheek, and tongue piercings) are a common dental beauty aesthetic. However, the risks associated with oral piercings are well-documented.
With oral piercings, the potential for chipped teeth, gum damage, and infection is very high. Regular dental check-ups with our dentist in Mission, BC, are key for monitoring any adverse effects.
Tongue Alterations
Tongue alterations (such as splitting or bifurcation) involve surgically dividing the tongue to create a unique, snake-like appearance.
Apart from the obvious pain and potential complications of the procedure itself, individuals with tongue alterations may face challenges in speech and oral function.
Our dentist in Mission, BC, strongly cautions against such extreme alterations due to the increased risk of infection, scarring, and long-term functional issues.
Have a question? Ask our dentist in Mission, BC!
While dental beauty trends offer a platform for self-expression, it is best to exercise caution. When in doubt, always ask a professional. If you’d like to ask Dr. Shergill a question, contact Wren Street Dental at (604) 820-8702 or send our team a message here.
