Tooth gems have become a growing trend in recent years, with more people adding a bit of sparkle to their smile. From celebrities to beauty influencers, rhinestones on teeth are popping up everywhere. But while they may look great, many people ask the same question: is it safe to apply rhinestones to teeth?

The answer is yes – when done properly, using the right materials and applied by a trained professional, tooth gems can be a fun and safe form of self-expression.

What Are Tooth Gems?

Tooth gems are small decorative crystals applied to the surface of a tooth using a dental-grade adhesive. They're not permanent and don't involve any drilling or damage to the enamel. Most tooth gems stay on for a few weeks to a few months and can be safely removed at any time by a professional.

They're particularly popular in the beauty and fashion world and are often used by nail artists, beauticians, and even hairdressers looking to expand their services.

Can You Use Any Rhinestone for Tooth Gems?

This is where safety becomes really important. Not all rhinestones are suitable for use on teeth. Many cheap or low-grade rhinestones are made from plastic or resin and can contain harmful chemicals, including lead or cadmium.

For tooth gems, only high quality crystals made without toxic materials, such as Preciosa and Swarovski rhinestones, should be used. Rhinestones must have a completely smooth foil backing, have no sharp edges, and be small enough to sit comfortably on the tooth. In general, stone sizes from 1.5mm (ss3) up to 3mm (ss10) are used, this allows you to create patterns with multiple gems or just to add subtle sparkle with a single crystal. Tooth gem kits are popular for people who are looking to try different designs.

Why Preciosa is a Trusted Choice for Tooth Gems?

Preciosa is one of the leading European crystal brands and is known for its exceptional quality and safety standards. Their rhinestones are made from precision cut glass and do not contain lead, making them a much safer option for crystal tooth art.

Why Cadmium-Free Crystals Are Important for Tooth Gems

When it comes to applying anything to your teeth – especially something that stays in your mouth for weeks or months – safety is key. Many rhinestones on the market contain small amounts of heavy metals, like cadmium, which can be harmful if used near the mouth.

Cadmium is a chemical element that's sometimes added to glass or ceramic to create bright and vibrant colours, particularly yellow, orange and red. While it does bring intensity to those colours, cadmium is considered toxic in larger doses and isn't something you'd want anywhere near your teeth.

That's where Preciosa has stepped up. Known for their high-quality, responsibly made crystals, Preciosa has developed a special cadmium-free range, offering safer options for those looking to wear tooth gems without compromising on colour or quality.

They've managed to create four beautiful cadmium-free colours that are completely safe for decorative use on the body, including the teeth. These colours, Mesmera, Red Velvet, Vivid Siam and Acid Yellow still offer the same sparkle and intensity, but without any of the risks associated with heavy metals.

What Size and Shape is Best?

For comfort and safety, stick to small round flatbacks – usually between SS3 and SS7. These sit comfortably on the tooth without causing irritation. We also offer crystal shapes in smaller size, ideal for tooth decoration, currently the trending shape is the Swarovski heart, which is available in pink or AB.

Clear and AB (Aurora Borealis) are the most popular colours, but with Preciosa's wide range of safe colours – including their cadmium-free shades – you've got plenty of choice. Preciosa tooth gems are also popular as they can now be purchased in small quantities, so you can try a few different sizes, shapes and colours at affordable prices.

Swarovski tooth crystals also offer small sizes in a range of colours, though they are more costly than Preciosa.

How to Apply Tooth Gems Safely

Tooth gem application should always be carried out by a trained professional. It's not something to try at home – using the wrong glue or applying it incorrectly could damage your tooth enamel.

Here's what a typical safe application involves:

• The tooth is cleaned and dried.
• A small amount of dental-grade adhesive is applied.
• The rhinestone (usually an SS3–SS9 flatback crystal) is placed onto the tooth.
• A curing light (UV lamp) is used to set the adhesive.

The whole process takes around 10–20 minutes and is completely pain free.

Aftercare Tips for Tooth Gems

Looking after your new tooth gem is easy if you follow a few simple rules:

• Avoid eating hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours.
• Don't touch or play with the gem.
• Brush your teeth as normal but be gentle around the area.
• If the gem falls off, don't try to reapply it yourself – contact your technician.

Is It Safe for Everyone?

Tooth gems are suitable for most people with healthy teeth and gums. They aren't recommended if you:

• Have active dental problems (like cavities or gum disease)
• Wear braces or retainers
• Have a history of enamel sensitivity

If you're unsure, check with your dentist before going ahead.

Final Thoughts

Tooth gems can be a brilliant way to add personality to your smile – and when done professionally using the right crystals, they're perfectly safe.

At Crystal Parade, we're proud to stock Preciosa's cadmium-free, lead-free rhinestones, making them one of the best options on the market for tooth gem technicians and beauty professionals.

If you're looking to try out this trend safely, make sure you use trusted brands like Preciosa or Swarovski, and always leave application to the experts.