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Safe Smiles: The Health Risks of Tooth Jewellery | Glow Dentistry

You are here: Glow Dentistry Blog | Safe Smiles: The Health Risks of Tooth Jewellery | Glow Dentistry

Safe Smiles: The Health Risks of Tooth Jewellery

4/11/2022

tooth jewellery

If you like the idea of a sparkle every time you smile, then your dentist can help you achieve natural gleaming white teeth. The fashion for achieving a twinkle by glueing jewels onto your teeth enamel is something we will never recommend. A jewel stuck onto the surface of your tooth can cause serious damage.

Plaque trap

The area of the tooth underneath the stuck-on gem is impossible to clean and can become damaged. Without daily cleaning, a ‘plaque trap’ can develop, leading to a build-up of bacteria in the mouth that can damage all of your teeth and gums. Over time this could even cause tooth decay and tooth loss.

Even when carried out by a fully trained dental professional (and many practices including ours do not offer this service) there are still risks associated with having tooth jewellery glued in place. The treatment could make it more difficult for you to maintain the health of your mouth and leave you with long-lasting or permanent damage.

Two main types of tooth jewels

  • Twinkles: A collection of yellow and white gold jewellery with some including gems such as diamonds.
  • Dental gems: A range of glass crystals fixed to the tooth.

Removing tooth jewellery

Tooth jewellery can feel uncomfortable, and it may rub against the lips, cheeks, or gums.

If you are in discomfort or pain because of your tooth jewellery, it is a sign that you might need to have it removed.

The General Dental Council (the UK’s dental regulator) views the application of tooth jewellery as the practice of dentistry. This means that anybody carrying out tooth jewellery treatments is acting against the law if they are not registered with the GDC. Unfortunately, illegal application of tooth jewellery is all too common and something which is not safe for your smile.

Making the safe choice

Any form of DIY dentistry should be avoided, and it is important that tooth jewels are never applied at home. Although it is unlikely that your tooth jewellery has been applied by a dental professional, you will certainly need one if you ever want to remove it.

Never attempt to remove a tooth jewel on your own. The glue attaching the gem to your tooth will be extremely strong and attempting to remove it without dental supervision could cause permanent and painful side effects.

If you would like to remove your tooth jewellery, make an appointment with Glow. We’ll ensure that the jewellery is removed safely and the tooth beneath properly cleaned. To book an appointment, call our flagship Hampstead clinic on 020 7433 3252 or our boutique clinic in Mill Hill on 020 8906 7676. Alternatively, you can email info@glowdentistry.co.uk

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