A growing trend on social media involves attaching tooth gems to teeth. These cosmetic adornments are affixed to teeth with dental-grade adhesive and are typically made from precious gems and metals.
Shayna Sengewalt, DDS, Assistant Professor in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, detailed that tooth gems exist at the intersection of personal esthetics and oral health, according to a press release from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
“If somebody came into the office and asked for veneers, I understand that I will need to remove enamel to achieve their cosmetic goals. Within certain parameters, I can manage the associated risks,” Dr. Sengewalt explained. “Tooth gems can have a relatively low risk if done professionally, but I think many dentists are caught off guard by the topic or have concerns from a liability standpoint,” she added.
The cosmetic appeal of tooth gems resonated with Madeline Geist, a first-year CU dental student. After recently having two tooth gems placed, she found the experience aligned with her passion for blending art and science in dentistry.
“I think dentistry satisfies both of those likings in my life—art and science,” Ms. Geist indicated. “I want to help people overcome any confidence issues they might have, and I think dentistry is a good way to do that,” she noted.
Dr. Sengewalt stated that anecdotally, tooth gems have been gaining popularity in the United States over the past decade, although they are more common in Europe. In Germany, for example, some dentists even place them on children’s teeth to encourage good oral hygiene, she says. The practice of decorating teeth isn’t new, she added, noting that ancient Mayan dentists attached jewels using plant sap, and similar customs exist in Japan and within hip-hop culture.
Individuals should consult their dentists before getting a tooth gem, Dr. Sengewalt and Ms. Geist suggested, advising against using do-it-yourself (DIY) kits. “If your tooth has decalcified, electively etching it prior to bonding a tooth gem could damage it and make it more challenging to clean,” Dr. Sengewalt stressed. “If you have crowns or veneers, a tooth gem won’t last as long and poses a higher swallowing or aspiration risk, if it even bonds at all,” she continued.
By discussing their interest with a dentist, patients can ensure a more durable and safer application, Dr. Sengewalt advised. “In Germany, only a dentist is permitted to place tooth gems. I wish it were this way in the [United States], to protect patients,” she revealed.
“At first, I was a bit hesitant to get mine, because I didn’t understand what tooth gems entailed and the possible effects they might have. But I got mine done at a professional dental office. The placement of my tooth gems followed a simplified order of steps to a composite filling. They cleaned and polished the tooth surface first; then, an etchant was used, followed by the bonding agent and light curing,” Ms. Geist said.
As for DIY kits, Dr. Sengewalt explained that most kits include an acid etchant and bonding agents meant for intraoral use, similar to orthodontic procedures. When handled correctly, she suggested they can be safe, “but an inexperienced user could over-etch a tooth by exposing the enamel for too long or chemically burn soft tissue,” she warned. She also cautioned that there is a potential risk of gem aspiration, which would require immediate medical attention.
Ms. Geist advised that home kits can use unknown chemicals, whereas dental offices employ ADA-certified materials that ensure safety.
Dr. Sengewalt reminded potential tooth gem patients that while this oral “bling” trend may be fashionable, a tooth gem can be a potential health risk. “Dental decay, enamel defects, decalcification, and poor hygiene can be exacerbated by the presence of a tooth gem. It will accumulate more plaque and bacteria than a smooth surface,” she underscored, adding that the longevity of a tooth gem depends on the application method/ For instance, some online DIY kits may use weaker materials, leading to shorter lifespans—often just 2 weeks. “When it comes time to remove a tooth gem and the bonding material, many companies recommend contacting your dentist,” she informed.
Ms. Geist, who maintained that her two tooth gems were a way to express herself, like wearing jewelry, makeup, or having removable tattoos, affirmed that the gems were “very secure on my teeth, most likely because I had them done at a dental office and maintained proper hygiene,” she revealed. She eventually decided to have them removed when it was time to get her professional headshot photographs. “It’s just another creative form of self-expression,” she concluded.
For those considering tooth gems, both experts agreed that while they can be a fun form of self-expression, safety and professional guidance are paramount.
