Your teeth, gums and oral tissue are designed by nature to fit your unique smile. While it may be tempting to try embellishing your mouth or teeth with tattoos, jewelry or grills, these changes can upset the natural balance of your mouth. How?

Ouch! Mouth piercings, unnecessary drilling or adding grills could damage your smile by:

• Chipping or breaking your teeth

• Cracking your crowns

• Making deep cuts in the soft tissue of your gums and mouth

• Creating traps for bacteria

• Increasing the chance of infection

This possible damage, along with the potential for gum disease and bad breath, means it’s probably best to let your natural smile speak for itself.

It’s true that ancient populations viewed dyeing and drilling their teeth as a symbol of beauty and status. However, dental science has come a long way since then. Today, we’re able to avoid many of the oral health problems people experienced in years past.

So, skip the teeth embellishments and avoid unnecessary pain, complications and costs. If you really want to make your smile shine, keep it healthy! Brush your teeth twice each day, floss daily and remember to visit your dentist for regular checkups.