Grills and Oral Health
Let’s talk about grills. Not the kind you cook a steak on, but the kind you can use to cover your teeth. These decorative covers can be make of gold, silver, or encrusted with jewels. However, as flashy as grills are, they may cause harm to your teeth.
Because there is not a lot of research on the effects of grills, it is hard to say whether they can cause severe dental problems. However, that doesn’t mean that they are safe to wear frequently either. Some problems they can cause to your mouth include:
- Irritation to oral tissue if the grill doesn’t fit well.
- An allergic reaction to the metal of a grill.
- Jaw problems (caused by strain if your bite is changed by a grill).
- Wear or chips to opposing teeth.
- Shifting of teeth.
- Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease (because food and plaque can become trapped between grills and teeth).
So how can you keep your teeth safe and healthy while still wearing a grill? Follow some of these tips to help:
- Brushing teeth twice a day.
- Flossing daily.
- Cleaning your grill at least once a day (but do not use a jewelry cleaner because it can irritate oral tissue or cause harm if ingested).
- Remove your grill before eating.
- Don’t wear a grill frequently for long periods of time.
