A dental grill, often called “grillz” or “fronts,” is a decorative, typically removable covering made from precious metals like gold or silver that snaps over one or more teeth. These items are worn for self-expression, but introducing a foreign object into the mouth complicates basic oral functions, including smoking. While smoking is physically possible with a grill in place, the practice is widely discouraged by dental professionals and jewelers alike. Smoking while wearing a dental grill significantly accelerates the likelihood of oral health problems and irreversible damage to the jewelry itself.
Physical Reality of Smoking While Wearing a Grill
While it is mechanically possible to smoke with a grill, the experience is uncomfortable and inadvisable. The metal acts as a heat conductor, retaining the warmth of the smoke more than natural tooth structure would. This increased heat retention can cause immediate discomfort to the gums and soft tissues lining the mouth.
Airflow is naturally restricted by the presence of a grill, which makes drawing smoke more difficult than usual. The risk of accidental thermal injury or deformation is present, as gold is a relatively soft metal that can be affected by the heat of a lit cigarette. Ash or tobacco could also become lodged between the grill and the tooth, potentially posing a choking hazard.
Exacerbated Oral Health Risks
Wearing a dental grill already creates a breeding ground for bacteria by shielding teeth from the natural cleansing effects of saliva. When smoking is introduced, smoke residue and tar become trapped in the tight space between the grill and the tooth’s surface. This trapped particulate matter significantly increases the rate of plaque and tartar buildup, as the grill acts as a “plaque trap.”
This bacterial accumulation, fueled by smoke residue, accelerates the risk of dental issues. The acids produced by the bacteria cause tooth decay, leading to cavities beneath the grill. The constant irritation and moisture from the grill and smoke heighten the risk of gingivitis and severe periodontal disease. Chronic inflammation and recession of the gum tissue can occur due to the trapped bacteria and the physical irritation of the grill’s edges.
Damage and Discoloration of the Grill Material
Smoking causes immediate and potentially permanent aesthetic damage to the grill material itself. Smoke contains various chemicals and tar that react with the metal, leading to tarnish and dulling of the surface finish. This discoloration is especially noticeable on white gold or silver grills, which can take on a yellowish or brownish hue.
Even high-karat gold can become coated in a sticky film that significantly dulls its luster. If the grill is gold-plated rather than solid, the chemicals in the smoke can damage the delicate plating, exposing the base metal underneath. Heat stress can also compromise the setting of any affixed diamonds or gemstones, potentially causing them to loosen. The resulting discoloration and film buildup often require intensive cleaning to restore the grill’s original shine.
Essential Cleaning and Maintenance
For those who choose to smoke while wearing a grill, immediate and rigorous cleaning is necessary to mitigate damage. The grill should be removed and rinsed under warm water immediately after smoking to flush away loose residue. A light cleaning routine involves soaking the grill in lukewarm water and mild dish soap, followed by a gentle scrubbing with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Harsh abrasives, such as certain toothpastes or jewelry cleaners, should be avoided as they can scratch the metal or contain toxic chemicals. For deeper disinfection, soaking the grill in a mouthwash or a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution can help kill trapped bacteria. After cleaning, the grill must be thoroughly dried with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent oxidation and maintain its polish.