“Say Cheese” is Passé, “Say Bling” is Here - The Evolution of Dental Jewelry: A Review

Abstract

Man has tried innumerable ways to adorn and beautify himself and this thirst seems unquenchable. Piercings, tattoos, body paintings, haircuts, and scarifications are some of the various ways man has been trying to beautify and make himself unique. Of these, dental alterations remain the most frequent of all body modifications. Dental modification is an ancient practice that has existed throughout history and is still practiced today in many parts of the world. Dental jewelry was used earlier as a part of the religious rituals and traditions, but today it is used for fashion and it is gaining popularity among adolescents and young adults. The last two decades have seen the advent of dental jewelry that is flaunted in the visible anterior part of the dentition for several reasons. The trend in India can be expected to see an increase. These include tooth diamonds, gold crowns, dental grills, tooth tattoos, tooth rings, tooth piercings, and oral piercings. Although worn in the fashion context, dental jewelry may lead to increased plaque levels, gingival inflammation and/or recession, caries, diminished articulation, and metal allergy. Information campaigns regarding safe and sterile employment of jewelry by dentists as well as the risks and care involved for patients are necessary, in which the dentist must play a significant role. This review embarks on a journey from the past to the present, to understand the evolution of dental jewelry and the possible underlying reasons for its persistent presence in the society. Implications for further research in this domain are also discussed.