image provided by Daedong Hospital
A trend known as tooth gems has taken off among the younger generation. This involves attaching cubic zirconia or similar gems to the surface of one’s teeth. The term tooth gem is a combination of tooth and gem. While this style was once mainly seen among hip-hop artists, it has now been popularized by famous girl groups and influencers, making it a trend among the general public.
Jang Ji Hyun, the head of the dental department at Daedong Hospital, advised, “People often casually try tooth gems, thinking they can easily remove them later. However, our teeth can be difficult to restore once damaged. It is recommended that a medical professional do the procedure and that it be properly removed at a dental office once the recommended period is over. There are various ways to express one’s individuality, so choosing a safer method is better.”
Tooth gems are attached to the tooth surface using etching gel, dental adhesive, and resin. Although it may seem simple, attaching metal or non-metal accessories to teeth is a medical procedure that should only be performed by qualified professionals using medical equipment.
Etching gel on teeth should be carefully considered and only used for treatment purposes under the supervision of a medical professional. If misused by non-medical personnel, it can damage the enamel on the tooth surface and lead to tooth decay.
Furthermore, if the resin used to attach the gem is misapplied, it can create a gap between the tooth and the gem, leading to cavities. Hard food or external shocks can cause the tooth gem to fall off, potentially leading to tooth fractures if the tooth’s hard tissue is damaged.
If a tooth gem falls off for any reason, it should not be ignored. Since firmly attaching it involves multiple steps, it is essential to visit a dentist to have any unseen adhesive thoroughly removed. Removing it yourself could damage the tooth, so caution is advised.
