Also called grillz or fronts, grills are a decorative accessory used to cover teeth. These can be made of various metals and jewels that let your smile sparkle, but can grills create problems for your teeth? Though there is not enough evidence to support that grills cause severe harm to the mouth, there is also no evidence that they are completely safe to wear as well.
When worn in excess, grills can trap the plaque bacteria which causes bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Grills can also irritate the tissue in the mouth, especially if an individual experiences an allergic reaction to the metal in the grill. Grills can also cause damage to the jaw because they affect how you bite down. Additionally, the hard material of a grill can shift, wear, and fracture teeth.
How can you keep your teeth safe while wearing grills? Following good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing your teeth is a good step to take. Also be sure to clean your grills as well; though don’t use jewelry cleaners because they can harm the body. Additionally, do not wear grills frequently, for long periods of time, or while eating.