Exercise caution before embracing the fashion trend grillz. Dr. Penelope Drayer, clinical associate professor in comprehensive dentistry at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, said the flamboyant fashion jewelry – also known as grills to anyone over 40 reading this – can damage teeth and gums if wearers aren't careful.  gums if wearers aren’t careful. 

“They may look pretty, but those dazzling grillz, often made of silver, gold and jewel-encrusted metals, can trap food and bacteria if worn too long,” Drayer said. “Grillz, even if removable, increase wearers’ chances for tooth decay and cavities and enamel erosion.” 

Wear grillz for only a few hours at a time and avoid eating or drinking in them, she said. 

The American Dental Association stated the long-term effects of wearing grillz haven’t been studied. However, it warned that nonprecious metals could cause irritation or allergic reactions and bacterial buildup could lead to bad breath. 

Wearers should be especially diligent in brushing and flossing to prevent problems, ADA stated. Clean grillz daily to remove food and debris, and don’t use jewelry cleaners or other products that are dangerous to ingest. 

Both Drayer and ADA also cautioned against altering teeth with gold crowns to resemble grillz or adopting other permanent options. ADA stated that some people attached their grillz with glue, which is not intended for internal use. 

“The best fashion accessory is a beautiful, healthy smile – no glitter needed,” Drayer said.