What is it?
A decorative addition, rather than necessary dental treatment.
← All explanationsTooth jewellery
Are bonded tooth gems harmless?
Tooth jewellery consists of decorative elements placed on or around teeth, such as bonded gems. It provides no medical benefit. Plaque can collect around bonded edges, and placement or removal can affect the tooth surface. Professional placement therefore does not make tooth jewellery risk-free.
For training & practice ↓
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Jewellery remains an added object
A bonded gem changes the tooth surface. Its edges must remain accessible for cleaning; it is not a protective filling.
Consider plaque and the surface
Plaque can remain at difficult-to-clean edges, potentially contributing to decay and gum problems. Removal must also take the tooth tissue into account.
Do not glue or scrape it yourself
Craft glue and home scraping do not belong on teeth. Existing jewellery that is loose or bothersome should be assessed by a dentist.
At a glance
What should be checked?
Tooth surface, bonded edges, cleaning and any symptoms.
What if jewellery is already present?
Have looseness, irritating edges or symptoms assessed; do not work on it yourself.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
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Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Jewellery remains an added object
A bonded gem changes the tooth surface. Its edges must remain accessible for cleaning; it is not a protective filling.
Consider plaque and the surface
Plaque can remain at difficult-to-clean edges, potentially contributing to decay and gum problems. Removal must also take the tooth tissue into account.
Do not glue or scrape it yourself
Craft glue and home scraping do not belong on teeth. Existing jewellery that is loose or bothersome should be assessed by a dentist.
Often confused
Jewellery or filling?
A filling restores a defect. Tooth jewellery is placed for decoration and does not serve that medical purpose.
Quick answers
Is tooth jewellery recommended prevention?
No. It neither prevents decay nor strengthens the tooth. The American Dental Association advises against tooth jewellery because of possible health consequences.
Are grillz the same as bonded gems?
No. Grillz are decorative covers, often removable, while gems are bonded to the surface. Both can affect cleaning and tooth surfaces.
Can I remove a gem myself?
Do not lever, scrape or dissolve it with unsuitable products. A dental examination can establish how jewellery and adhesive may be removed with care for the tooth.
At the practice
For a personal conversation
An editorially suggested question for a conversation with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Does my tooth jewellery interfere with cleaning or affect the tooth surface?
Existing tooth jewellery is bothersome or difficult to clean? The tooth surface can be examined at an appointment.
Have the tooth surface checkedAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Plaque retention
- Biofilm collecting and remaining in hard-to-clean areas.
- Bonded area
- The area where a material is attached to the tooth surface.
- Hard tooth tissue
- The firm tissues of a tooth, particularly enamel and dentine.
Make the distinction
A filling restores a defect. Tooth jewellery is placed for decoration and does not serve that medical purpose.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.