Tooth Piercing or Dental Piercing

What is Tooth piercing?

Tooth piercing, or dental piercing, is a special kind of body art. It involves creating a small hole in a tooth, typically a front one. Into this hole, a decorative piece is inserted. This could be a gem or a tiny metal stud. This process transforms a regular tooth into an eye-catching piece of art.

This trend offers a distinctive way to adorn your smile, giving it a sparkle or a distinctive look. 

Unlike traditional piercings on skin or cartilage, tooth piercing doesn’t involve pain or blood since teeth don’t have nerves on the surface. This fact is one of the reasons for its popularity.

Scroll down to know everything about tooth piercing including how long it takes to heal, how you should take care of the piercing, and what jewelry should you wear for it.

Diamond Tooth Piercing
Diamond Tooth Piercing

Is It Weird to Get Tooth Piercing?

Well, it really depends on the different perspectives. In some circles, tooth piercings are a trendy and unique form of self-expression, similar to other body piercings or tattoos.

In others, it might be unconventional or unusual. The key is that beauty and style are subjective, and what matters most is how you feel about the piercing. If it reflects your style and you’re comfortable with it, that’s what’s important.

Let us give you some examples of celebrities having tooth piercings as they have certainly played a role in popularizing this trend.

Stars like Pink, Kesha, and Halsey have been known to sport tooth bling, bringing attention to this unique form of body art. These celebrities often influence fashion and beauty trends, and their adoption of tooth piercings has helped normalize and bring visibility to this form of self-expression. 

What Are The Complications of Tooth Piercing?

Although tooth piercing doesn’t involve bleeding or hurting too much, there are still some complications that you should be aware of before getting the piercing.

Tooth Damage: Drilling a hole into a tooth can weaken its structure. This could lead to cracks or fractures, especially if the tooth is subjected to stress, like biting hard foods.

Infection: Any piercing poses a risk of infection. Since the mouth is full of bacteria, an improperly done tooth piercing or poor aftercare can lead to bacterial infections.

Gum Damage: The jewelry attached to the tooth can rub against the gums, potentially causing recession or injury to the gum tissue.

Tooth Wear: The constant contact between the piercing and adjacent teeth can cause wear and tear on the enamel, leading to sensitivity or even cavities.

Allergic Reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions to the metal used in the piercing, which can cause discomfort and other oral health issues.

Swallowing or Choking Hazards: If the jewelry becomes loose, there’s a risk of swallowing it or choking on it, which can be dangerous.

Interference with Dental Care: Piercings on teeth can interfere with routine dental care, making it difficult to clean teeth properly or even hindering professional dental treatments.

Also Read: Uvula Piercing: Should You Get a Uvula Piercing?

Gem Tooth Piercing
Gem Tooth Piercing

How Is Tooth Piercing Done?

The tooth piercing procedure is relatively straightforward but must be done by a trained professional for safety. Here’s a general overview of the process:

Consultation: The first step is consulting with a dental professional or piercer. They check your oral health and discuss the placement and type of jewelry you want.

Choosing Jewelry: You need to choose the right jewelry, usually a small, lightweight piece like a gem or a metal stud. Make sure it’s made from biocompatible materials to avoid allergic reactions.

Preparation: The professional cleans the tooth and the surrounding area thoroughly to reduce infection risk. You might also need to use a mouth rinse.

Marking: They mark the exact spot on the tooth for the piercing. This ensures precise placement.

Piercing: The professional then creates a tiny hole in the tooth’s enamel. This part is usually painless since there are no nerves in the enamel. They take care not to drill too deep to avoid damaging the tooth’s inner layers.

Inserting Jewelry: The professional inserts the decorative piece into the hole. They make sure it fits well and doesn’t damage the tooth.

Jewelry Options You Can Explore for Tooth Piercing

Tooth piercing offers a variety of jewelry options, each providing a unique look. When choosing jewelry for a tooth piercing, it’s essential to consider both style and safety. Here are some popular choices:

Twinkles: These are tiny gems or stones that add sparkle to your smile. They come in various colors and shapes, like diamonds, stars, or hearts. Twinkles are often made of gold, crystal, or other precious materials and are popular for their subtle yet elegant appearance.

Grills or Grillz: Grills are decorative covers that snap over one or more teeth. They are usually made of gold, silver, or jewel-encrusted metals. Grills can cover the entire front surface of the tooth and are removable.

Charms: Tooth charms are small decorative pieces that can be bonded to the tooth’s surface. These can range from simple designs like tiny metal shapes to more intricate ones with embedded stones.

Bridges: A more complex option, bridges can span across multiple teeth, often with intricate designs or patterns. They are more noticeable and can make a bold statement.

Caps or Crowns: These are fitted over the entire tooth. While primarily used for dental restoration, they can also be customized for aesthetic purposes with unique designs or engravings.

Dental Tattoos: These are not piercings in the traditional sense but involve etching a design directly onto a crown or cap before it is placed over the tooth.

Material and Sizing Guide for Tooth Piercing

When choosing jewelry for a tooth piercing, the material and size are critical factors to ensure both the safety and comfort of the wearer. Here’s a guide to help you understand the best practices in terms of materials and sizing:

Materials

Gold: A popular choice due to its biocompatibility and low risk of causing allergic reactions. It’s also durable and resistant to corrosion and tarnish.

Surgical-Grade Stainless Steel: Widely used for its strength and hypoallergenic properties. It’s less expensive than gold but equally safe for dental use.

Titanium: Known for its strength and lightweight properties, titanium is highly biocompatible and ideal for people with metal sensitivities.

Dental Composite Materials: These are the same materials used for white fillings and are colour-matched to your teeth, providing a more subtle look.

Precious Stones: Diamonds, sapphires, or other precious stones are often used for their aesthetic appeal. They are usually embedded in gold or titanium for safe anchoring.

Sizing Guide

Weight: The jewelry should be lightweight to avoid putting pressure on the tooth and surrounding structures. Heavier pieces can lead to tooth damage or discomfort.

Size: Smaller pieces are generally recommended. Large jewelry can interfere with biting, speech, or oral hygiene practices. Typically, the diameter should not exceed a few millimetres.

Thickness: Thin jewelry is preferable as it minimizes the risk of it catching on lips, tongue, or food. This reduces the chance of accidental dislodging or swallowing.

Fit: The jewelry should fit snugly against the tooth without extending too far out. This helps in maintaining oral hygiene and reduces the risk of the jewelry getting caught or causing injury.

Aftercare Tips for Tooth Piercing

Here’s a list of aftercare instructions for you to get a pleasant piercing experience.

Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to keep your mouth clean. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing around the pierced area to avoid dislodging or damaging the jewelry.

Use Antiseptic Mouthwash: Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection. This is particularly important after eating, drinking, or smoking.

Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks: In the initial days after piercing, it’s wise to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could pull on or dislodge the jewelry. Also, steer clear of very hot or cold beverages, as extreme temperatures can cause discomfort.

Check for Looseness: Regularly check if the jewelry is becoming loose. If it does, visit your dental professional to get it tightened or re-secured.

Be Gentle: Avoid playing with or touching the piercing, as this can introduce bacteria to the area and increase the risk of infection.

Monitor for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye out for symptoms like excessive redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, which could indicate an infection. If you notice any of these signs, seek dental or medical advice promptly.

Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular visits to your dentist to ensure the piercing is not affecting your oral health. They can check for any signs of damage to your teeth or gums.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking can delay healing and increase infection risk, while alcohol can irritate the piercing site.

Cost Idea for Tooth Piercing

Although we can’t say the exact amount of money required to get a tooth piercing, here you will find an approximate price range for different steps of piercing.

Piercing Procedure: The cost of the actual tooth piercing procedure typically ranges from $50 to $200 or more. This cost may include the consultation, the piercing itself, and initial aftercare instructions.

Jewelry: The type of jewelry you choose plays a significant role in the overall cost. Basic options like gemstones or small metal studs can range from $10 to $50, while more elaborate designs or precious metal jewelry can cost $100 or more.

Consultation Fee: Some dental professionals may charge a separate consultation fee to discuss your options and assess your oral health before the piercing. Consultation fees can vary but are generally in the range of $25 to $50.

Wrapping Up

Tooth piercing involves placing small jewelry on a tooth, adding a touch of sparkle to your smile. 

However, it’s essential to consider the type of jewelry, materials, and proper aftercare. Tooth piercing can be safe and stylish if done by a trained professional and maintained with good oral hygiene.

Remember, consult your dentist, avoid damaging habits, and keep up with regular dental check-ups to ensure a healthy and dazzling smile.

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