If you're a hip-hop fan or have been following hip-hop trends since the early 2000s, you've most likely seen teeth grillz at least once. The metal studs that were popularized by rappers like Lil Wayne and Sean "Diddy" Combs are now an alternative to wearing chains or jewelry. But what exactly is a grillz? And how do they affect your teeth?

What are Teeth Grillz?

Grillz are small, metal covers that you can wear on the upper or lower front of your teeth. They look like jewel-coated covers and are quite attractive, especially among the youth. The covers are removable, but some wearers even go the extra mile and have their teeth encrusted with permanent gold or silver crowns that resemble grills.  

Now, let's talk about what teeth grillz can do to your teeth. 

Gold vs. Silver Luxury Grills: Which Is the Safer Option?

Gold and silver grills are a great way to add some style to your smile. They're affordable, so you can get a stunning look for much less than you may think. But gold grillz are safer because, unlike silver grillz, they are not acidic. They’re therefore not likely to damage your enamel or leave you with gum disease. 

Are Luxury Grillz Bad for Your Teeth? 

Grillz can be good or bad for your teeth. First off, grillz are cosmetic - they're made of gold, diamond, silver, or a blend of other materials. They enhance your smile and get people to notice you.

Depending on the type of grillz, there may be some risk factors and hygiene issues. Remember, grillz, luxury or not, are just foreign objects that snap onto your teeth. You may hit them whenever you try to close your mouth, which can affect your bite. Another issue is that they may not fit well, especially if you have them made by an inexperienced jeweler. 

Grillz can also apply unnecessary pressure on your teeth, leaving you feeling uncomfortable throughout the period you'll be wearing them. There's also the issue of hygiene; grillz usually extend into the gum tissue, which can cause inflammation and thus possible bone loss. 

To avoid the problems that come with wearing grillz, do the following things: 

Have a Dentist Look At the Grillz
Before you insert luxury grillz, be sure to have a dentist check them. The dentist will check whether the grillz are safe, comfortable, hygienic, and durable enough. Your dentist may even offer suggestions on how to use the grillz in your mouth so that you get the most out of them.

According to this dentist who does high-quality dental crowns in Tallahassee FL, seeking professional advice from a dentist is crucial for preventing potential oral health issues. Improperly fitted grillz can lead to gum irritation, enamel erosion, or even infections if not properly cared for. A dentist can provide guidance on how to clean and maintain your grillz, helping to avoid these complications. Professional advice ensures that you not only protect your teeth and gums but also enjoy your luxury grillz without compromising your oral health. 

Clean Your Grillz Regularly
To keep teeth clean and shiny, use a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove plaque, dirt, and food particles from the surface they collect from your teeth. You can also use mouthwash to rinse away bacteria and avoid bad breath. 

If you have a special cleaning solution, apply it directly onto the surface of your grillz before cleaning them using a regular brush or cloth. This will help remove any remaining grime that might be lurking inside them. But always ensure the cleaning solutions you use are safe for the mouth.

Avoid Sharing Grillz
Don't share your luxury grillz with others, and never use a set of grillz that don’t belong to you—you could be putting yourself at risk for health issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

Only Wear Them For Special Occasions
Luxury grillz are not a good choice for everyday wear. They're expensive and need regular cleaning, which is why they're used when you want to look fancy or have an event that requires a bold aesthetic. But if you're going to wear grillz regularly, ensure that your teeth are in good shape. Even then, you’ll likely feel uncomfortable around your teeth after wearing them longer than you need to.

Remove Grillz Before Eating or Sleeping
It's best not to wear grillz while sleeping because they can cause irritation and discomfort. They may also trap bacteria, trigger plaque formation, and eventually cause gum disease and tooth decay. Also, wearing grills to the bed can leave you with damaged enamel and serious allergic reactions.

Eating while wearing grillz can also cause some of these problems. In that regard, adopt the habit of removing them before eating. Remember to clean your teeth and the grillz separately to get rid of all food debris.

Conclusion

While luxury grillz can be fun and attractive, they may not be good for your teeth, especially if you don’t get them fitted properly and cleaned regularly. They could also damage your teeth and lead to serious oral health issues if you wear them longer than you need to, or if you eat or sleep while wearing them. We hope this article has given you a better understanding of how grillz work and how you can use them safely.