Tooth Tattoo: Sunshine in your smile?

Apparently skin is not the only place that can be decorated with a tattoo. Tooth tattoos form the latest trend in India. How could I ever think - whiter the teeth, better they look?! I still don’t see the attraction to have designs on your teeth…it would just look like someone hasn’t brushed their teeth to me. But, many others do seem to like it.

Getting back to the article - The teeth tattoo is as easily put on as it can be erased. Very cool, huh?

"Those who perceive having white teeth as “decent’ ‘ and anything else as “awkward’ ‘ would be amused to know that people spend Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 on teethtattooing . According to maxillofacial surgeon Dr Pooya, these tattoos can be retained as long as one wants and removed using special bur and polishing agent within two minutes."

It just seems like a waste of money to me. No one would even see it unless you had your smile plastered on you all the time! The article continues by listing the risks involved in getting one of these tattoos if it is not done correctly -

“The enamel of the tooth is a highly polished surface and if tattooing or stone-studding is not done professionally, it can cause dental caries around the margin of the teeth. But with good oral hygiene, this can be avoided. Repeated stone-studding on the same tooth, though, can damage the enamel,” says Dr K Nagesh, dental surgeon.

I wonder if the chemical used to add tattoo’s on your teeth is completely safe. I couldn’t find decent literature on it, but if dentists are the one’s applying the tattoo, I am sure it must be safe.

Editor's note: This story on Tooth Tattoo is presented for information purpose only, as the rest of the stories on this publication. We do not think Tooth Tattoo is safe. Please consult your dentist with all questions in regard to your dental care and health.