Dental Grill: The New Trend Affecting Dentistry And The Health Of Your Teeth

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

There are barbeque grills. Automobile grills. Bar and grills. And then there are dental grills. Popular. Trendy. Shiny. It's easy to see why you'd want to upgrade your smile with a few more carrots, er carats. The American Dental Association (ADA) actually says no studies have shown grills as harmful. But they also haven't found any studies that have proven them to be safe either. So if you're considering adding a bejeweled accessory to your mouth, get all the facts first to make sure this bling is for you.

What Are Teeth Grills?

Sometimes referred to as fronts or "grillz" as they're widely shared, dental grills came onto the popular culture scene thanks to hip hop artists and famous athletes donning them out in public and social media. Often removable, grills are:

Made from gold or silver
Encrusted with jewels
Fitted over a single tooth or snap over multiple teeth
Sometimes mistaken for crowns that resemble grills.
Usually constructed by your dentist.
Found online or at jewelers as a more affordable DIY option

If you're serious about getting fit for teeth grills, see your dentists for their expertise.

What Are The Dental Risks with Teeth Grills?

There are a variety of risks that you take on should decide to get teeth grills.

Food, debris, and bacteria: They can all be tightly packed and trapped between your teeth and grill, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath
Glue: Any glue adhesive containing certain chemicals needed to attach a grill to your teeth could cause harm to your teeth and gums
Abrasion: Grills could easily scrape away the enamel needed to keep your teeth healthy
Allergies: You may be allergic to the metal and other materials that make up your grill
Chewing and speaking: A large grill in the wrong position could negatively affect your chewing and speaking.

How Do You Care for Your Teeth Grills

You can take a few steps to make sure your grills and mouth are both clean and healthy.

Remove your grill before eating and cleaning your teeth.
Along with thorough brushing, floss daily to help remove trapped food and plaque.
Clean your grill daily to rid it of bacteria and debris
Wear your grill sparingly as needed
Follow the advice your dentist has on your grill materials, allergic reactions, and cost.

They say, 'trends come and go, but style is forever.' So is your beautiful smile. Make sure, with your dentist's blessing, that you're confident a dental grill is right for you and your smile.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.