Grillz, sometimes known as fronts or slugs, are decorative covers that snap over one or more teeth for aesthetic and fashion purposes. Crafted from precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum, they are often adorned with gemstones. Grillz are a form of dental jewelry, not a functional prosthetic. They are generally removable, though some individuals opt for permanent gold crowns for a similar look.
The Direct Answer: Eating Solid Foods
The definitive advice from dental professionals is to remove grillz before consuming solid foods. Chewing with them in place is highly discouraged due to risks to both the jewelry and oral health. The primary danger is mechanical damage to the custom-fit accessory, as softer metals like gold are easily scratched, dented, or bent by chewing hard or crunchy items.
Hard foods like nuts, ice, or crunchy snacks compromise the metal’s integrity, while sticky foods like caramel may cling and be difficult to remove. Chewing forces can also cause the grillz to shift or loosen, damaging the custom fit. If the grillz feature gemstones, chewing can dislodge the stones or their prongs, risking accidental ingestion or scratching the underlying tooth enamel.
The jewelry alters the natural bite surface, interfering with the proper mechanics of chewing. Repetitive stress from eating can compromise the snug fit necessary to protect the underlying teeth, even if the grillz are not visibly damaged. The safest approach is to always remove the accessory to preserve its condition and minimize dental trauma.
Handling Liquids and Soft Items
Consuming liquids and soft, non-chewable foods shifts the focus from mechanical damage to chemical and biological concerns. While items like water or soft soups will not physically bend the grillz, many beverages contain sugars and acids that threaten the underlying teeth. Sugary drinks, including sodas and fruit juices, feed oral bacteria, which then produce acids.
When grillz are worn, they create an enclosed space that traps these acidic and sugary residues against the tooth surface. This creates a high-risk environment for enamel erosion and cavity formation. The prolonged contact time accelerates decay because the saliva’s natural ability to neutralize acid is hindered. Hot liquids like coffee or tea can also cause discomfort or loosen temporary adhesives.
If non-water liquids are consumed, remove the grillz immediately afterward for a thorough cleaning, or at least rinse the mouth vigorously with water. Using a straw can help reduce the direct contact of liquids with the metal and underlying teeth. However, the general recommendation remains to remove the accessory before consuming anything other than plain water to protect both the jewelry and the enamel.
Dental Health and Hygiene Considerations
Wearing grillz significantly increases the risk of long-term dental health issues. Food particles and debris become easily trapped in the small space between the grillz and the tooth surface, creating an environment for bacterial growth and the buildup of plaque and tartar. This retention of debris is the main cause of potential complications, including gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
The acidic byproducts of trapped bacteria lead to accelerated tooth decay and the formation of cavities beneath the jewelry. Poorly fitting grillz or those made from base metals can also irritate the surrounding soft tissues, causing gum inflammation or allergic reactions. This chronic irritation can progress to more serious periodontal issues if the accessory is worn for extended periods without meticulous hygiene.
To mitigate these risks, a diligent hygiene protocol is necessary, even if the grillz are removed before meals. This involves thoroughly brushing the natural teeth and flossing daily, emphasizing cleaning the areas the grillz cover. The removable grillz must also be cleaned regularly—ideally daily—using a soft brush and mild soap or a specialized solution. Regular dental checkups are advised to monitor the condition of the teeth and gums beneath the jewelry, ensuring early detection of decay or irritation.