Grillz are removable decorative dental jewelry, typically crafted from metals like gold, silver, or platinum, and sometimes adorned with precious stones. These accessories are designed to snap over one or more natural teeth, becoming a prominent fashion statement. While they offer a unique aesthetic, dental professionals agree that grillz pose significant risks to oral health if worn improperly or for extended periods. The primary danger comes from the physical presence of the grill, which alters the oral environment and complicates necessary hygiene practices.
Compromising Oral Hygiene and Promoting Infection
The design of a dental grill creates a physical barrier that traps food particles and saliva against the tooth surface, creating an environment for bacterial growth. This trapping action accelerates the formation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that produces acid. When a grill is worn frequently, the inability to clean the underlying tooth surfaces effectively leads to rapid demineralization. This is the first stage of tooth decay and cavity formation.
The presence of the grill near the gumline can lead to gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, and inflamed gums, as the trapped plaque irritates the tissue. If left unaddressed, this irritation can progress to periodontal disease, which damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. The warm, moist environment underneath the accessory, lacking proper airflow, increases the potential for oral infections, including Candida (yeast) overgrowth. Persistent bacterial activity often results in chronic bad breath, or halitosis.
Physical Damage to Teeth and Existing Dental Work
A primary concern is mechanical harm caused by the jewelry. Poorly fitting or non-custom-made grillz can constantly rub against the enamel of adjacent teeth and the opposing bite. This friction, known as abrasion, can lead to premature wear, chipping, or fracture of the enamel, which is irreversible once lost. The pressure from ill-fitting grillz can also irritate the gums, potentially leading to gum recession over time.
The bulk of the grill can interfere with the normal occlusion, the way the upper and lower teeth meet when biting. This bite interference places uneven stress on the jaw joints, possibly leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort, jaw pain, or headaches. For individuals with existing dental work, such as fillings, crowns, or veneers, snapping the grill on and off carries a risk of damaging these restorations. Unregulated grillz can be made with base metals that may leach into the mouth, causing allergic reactions, oral sores, or sensitivity in the surrounding tissues.
Reducing Risks Through Proper Care and Fit
To minimize the risks associated with wearing grillz, the most important step is ensuring the accessory is professionally made and custom-fitted from a precise dental impression. Customization ensures the grill conforms accurately to the contours of the teeth and gumline, reducing friction and the gaps where bacteria can accumulate. Wearing grillz should be limited to short durations, such as a few hours at a time, and never overnight.
It is advised to remove the grillz before eating, sleeping, or drinking anything other than plain water to prevent trapping food debris and subjecting the metal to acidic exposure. The grill itself requires a dedicated cleaning routine, involving gentle brushing with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap or a non-abrasive cleaner after each use. Crucially, the natural teeth underneath must be meticulously brushed with fluoride toothpaste and flossed daily before the grill is reinserted. Scheduling regular professional dental check-ups is necessary to monitor for early signs of gum irritation or enamel wear.