Dental jewellery is part of the habits and customs of different peoples. In North America, the enthusiasm for this type of ornament has increased over the past fifteen years.

There are different types of jewellery and dental ornaments:

Dental tattoos

A pattern, personalized or generic, is printed directly on the tooth (temporary tattoo) or placed in a clinic on a dental crown.

The Twinkle jewel

It is a gold ornament, sometimes set with a gemstone or diamond, that is glued to a tooth.

Diamond or dental rhinestones

A small diamond or rhinestone is placed on a tooth, usually on an incisor or canine of the upper arch.

The grill

The grill is a decorative prosthesis worn on either the upper teeth, lower teeth, or both. It is made of metal (precious or not) and sometimes set with stones.

Lingual piercing

The tongue is pierced, and a “barbell” (a straight rod at the ends of which are screwed two balls used to hold the jewel in place) is installed.

Oral piercing

Most often, the piercing is located on the lip or cheek and a jewel is installed.

Only dental tattoos and ornaments (Twinkle, diamond or rhinestone) can be done in the dental office.

Dental tattoos

There are two types of dental tattoos:

• The first type of tattoo is to print a coloured image on an adhesive material specifically designed for dental products. The tattoo is temporary, can be ordered via the Internet and does not present any possible damage to the teeth;
• The second type of tattoo requires the services of an oral health professional since it involves having an image (personalized or not) placed on a dental crown. During the first appointment, the teeth are molded and the crown is then manufactured with a permanent image on its surface. During the second appointment, the crown is placed in the mouth.

The Twinkle jewel and the diamond or rhinestone

Twinkle, diamond and rhinestone can be applied in a dental clinic or an esthetics clinic. However, the installation in a dental clinic is an advantage because it ensures better resistance of the jewel and asepsis of the premises and instruments (absence of germs that can cause an infection). The installation of this type of jewelry requires very little time and is carried out in a few simple steps:

• The tooth is first cleaned and then dried out;
• An acid product is then applied to the tooth to make it stick (etching);
• The tooth is rinsed, then the jewelry is applied with a biocompatible glue.

Most dental and oral ornaments carry significant risks to the health of your mouth and teeth. In addition to dental tattooing, which is generally without consequences, the jewellery and ornaments mentioned above are likely to cause various problems, the severity of which varies according to the type of accessory chosen.

Twinkle and diamond or rhinestone

The installation of these ornaments requires the alteration of the tooth surface to ensure good adhesion. Also, since the jewel protrudes, the loss of the latter is possible. In addition, if you wish to have it removed, the dentist will have to cover the site with a thin layer of composite to preserve your tooth.

The grill

Grilling can have a significant impact on oral health. First of all, the wearing of this type of device causes a hygiene problem. The accumulation of food debris can quickly damage tooth enamel. Wearing a grill can also cause problems with speech, occlusion and frequent injuries to gum tissue.

Lingual piercing

Lingual piercing is strongly discouraged by the vast majority of dental health professionals. This can lead to an injury to the lingual nerve, which can cause paresthesia (numbness and loss of sensitivity). This type of ornament can also cause irreversible damage to teeth, such as premature wear, tooth mobility or fracture. Rubbing the object against the gums can similarly cause symptoms of gum recession.

Oral piercing

Oral piercing, like lingual piercing, is definitely not recommended by the Ordre des dentistes et des hygiénistes du Québec. This type of intervention is often performed by people who have no medical knowledge or skills, exposing their clients to high risks that they are unaware of. Infections, as well as the transmission of various systemic diseases such as tetanus, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are unfortunately possible consequences of piercing.

In addition, rubbing the jewel or poor chewing habits can lead to loosening and localized bone loss that can potentially lead to the loss of affected teeth. Dental fractures are also possible.

In short, before choosing a piercing, you must think carefully because the consequences can be significant and irreversible.

Despite the possible consequences listed above, if you decide to go ahead with a piercing or dental diamond project, certain precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of infection and/or various problems:

• Choose a qualified practitioner. Dental diamond placement is available in various dental offices. It is preferable to use an oral health specialist for all dental matters, including cosmetic additions;
• Ensure that the technician performing the procedure uses properly sterilized or single-use equipment;
• Also make sure that the piercing site is well disinfected before the procedure begins;
• If in doubt, ask your dentist for advice. You will then get the facts straight.