Dental Hygiene Tips for Your Dazzling Smile
Tooth gems have become one of the most popular ways to add sparkle and personality to your smile. These tiny crystals or precious stones are professionally bonded to the surface of your teeth, creating a dazzling effect that catches the light beautifully. At Dynamic Smile Design, we’ve seen a surge in patients interested in this fun cosmetic enhancement, and we’re always excited to help people express themselves through their smiles. However, while tooth gems are a fantastic way to accessorize your teeth, they do require some special attention when it comes to your daily oral hygiene routine.
If you’re considering tooth gems or already have them adorning your smile, maintaining excellent dental hygiene is crucial to keeping both your gems and your teeth in pristine condition. The good news is that with a few simple adjustments to your routine, you can enjoy your sparkly smile without compromising your oral health.
Brush with Extra Care Around Your Tooth Gems
When you have tooth gems, your brushing technique becomes even more important. You’ll want to continue brushing twice daily for two minutes each time, but pay special attention to the area around your gems. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions to clean around the gem without applying excessive pressure directly on it. At Dynamic Smile Design, we recommend holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to effectively clean along the gum line and around the gem’s edges where plaque can accumulate.
Be thorough but gentle. While tooth gems are securely bonded to your tooth enamel, aggressive brushing could potentially loosen the adhesive over time. Take your time to ensure you’re cleaning all surfaces of your teeth, including the backs and chewing surfaces, while being mindful of your decorative addition.
Flossing Is Non-Negotiable
Flossing remains essential when you have tooth gems. In fact, it becomes even more critical because the gem creates an additional surface where bacteria and food particles can hide. Use a gentle sawing motion to guide the floss between your teeth, and be careful as you approach the tooth with the gem. You don’t want to catch the floss on the gem and accidentally dislodge it.
If traditional flossing feels challenging around your tooth gems, consider using floss threaders or water flossers. Many of our patients at Dynamic Smile Design find that water flossers are particularly effective because they can clean around the gem without any risk of catching or pulling on it.
Choose the Right Products
Not all oral care products are created equal when you’re sporting tooth gems. Avoid whitening toothpastes or highly abrasive formulas that could affect the adhesive bonding your gem to your tooth. Instead, opt for a fluoride toothpaste with a low abrasivity rating. The team at Dynamic Smile Design can recommend specific products that work well with tooth gems.
Additionally, consider incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash into your routine. This helps reduce plaque buildup in those hard-to-reach areas around your gem. Just make sure to choose an alcohol-free formula, as alcohol-based mouthwashes can potentially weaken the bonding agent over time.
Watch What You Eat
While tooth gems are durable, certain foods and habits can put them at risk. Avoid biting directly into very hard foods like ice, hard candies, or nuts with the tooth that has your gem. Sticky foods like caramel or taffy can also pose problems, potentially pulling at the gem or creating cleaning challenges.
At Dynamic Smile Design, we always advise our patients to be mindful of their eating habits after getting tooth gems. This doesn’t mean you need to drastically change your diet, just exercise a bit more caution with particularly hard or sticky items.
Schedule Regular Check-Ups
Professional dental cleanings and check-ups are vital when you have tooth gems. Your dental hygienist can professionally clean around your gems and check that they’re still securely bonded. These appointments also give us the opportunity to catch any potential issues early, whether related to your gems or your overall oral health.
We recommend visiting Dynamic Smile Design every six months for routine cleanings and examinations. During these visits, we’ll assess the condition of your tooth gems and ensure that they’re not contributing to any dental problems like cavities or gum irritation.
The Bottom Line
Tooth gems are a beautiful way to enhance your smile and showcase your personality. With proper care and attention to your dental hygiene routine, you can keep your gems sparkling and your teeth healthy for months to come. If you have any questions about caring for your tooth gems or are interested in getting them, contact Dynamic Smile Design today to learn more about how we can help you achieve and maintain your perfect, personalized smile.