Recently, a craze called 'Byuldakku', which means decorating all sorts of things, has been sweeping through the younger generation.
As a way to express their preferences or values, young people are decorating their diaries ('Dakku'), phones ('Phonekku'), bags ('Baekku'), and shoes ('Shinkku'), showing off their unique style instead of using the same items as everyone else.
Lately, this trend has expanded beyond objects to include 'Chikku', which involves attaching rhinestones or similar decorations to the surface of one's teeth. This is called 'Tooth Gem', a combination of 'tooth' and 'gem'. In the past, it was mainly seen among hip-hop artists, but now it is popularized by famous girl groups and influencers, making it a trend among the general public as well.
Unlike piercings or tattoos, which are permanent, tooth gems are attached for about one to two months, making them more accessible. However, they can have negative effects on dental health, so caution is needed.
For tooth gems, a combination of etching agents, dental adhesives, and resin is used to attach the rhinestones to the tooth surface. Although it may seem simple, attaching metal or non-metal accessories to teeth is considered a medical procedure and requires medical equipment, so it should never be performed by unqualified individuals.
The use of etching agents on teeth should be carefully managed and only used for treatment purposes under the supervision of medical professionals. If used incorrectly by non-professionals, the enamel on the tooth surface can be damaged, leading to dental caries.
Additionally, if resin is improperly used to attach the rhinestones, gaps can form between the tooth and the accessory, resulting in cavities. Hard foods or external impacts may cause the tooth gem to fall off forcibly, potentially leading to tooth fractures and damage to the dental hard tissue.
When a tooth gem falls off for any reason, some people leave it as is. However, since several steps are involved to ensure strong adhesion, any remaining adhesive that is not visible should be removed by visiting a dentist for proper cleaning. Removing it yourself can cause cracks or other damage to the teeth and should be avoided.
Jang Jihyun, head of the dental department at Daedong Hospital, advised, "Many people try it casually, thinking it's just a temporary decoration, but once our teeth are damaged, it is often irreversible. Therefore, the procedure should always be performed by a medical professional, and when the recommended period is over, it should be removed cleanly at a dental clinic." He added, "There are many ways to express your individuality, so I recommend choosing a safer method."
During the period when a tooth gem is attached, pay extra attention to oral hygiene. If you notice any abnormal symptoms in your gums or teeth, visit a medical institution promptly.
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