Getting a tooth gem is the fun part. Keeping it looking good and staying put requires a bit of attention on your end. The aftercare is not complicated, but there are definitely some things you need to do (and avoid doing) to make sure your gem stays sparkly and your tooth stays healthy underneath it.
The First 24 Hours
Right after you get your tooth gem applied, the adhesive needs time to fully cure and bond with your tooth enamel. Most dental professionals will tell you the first 24 hours are when the bond is most vulnerable. During this period, you will want to baby that tooth a bit.
Avoid eating anything for at least two hours after application; your dentist or technician might recommend waiting longer depending on the specific adhesive used. When you do eat, stick to soft foods that do not require much chewing: yoghurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, that sort of thing.
Do not touch the gem with your fingers or tongue obsessively. It feels weird and shiny and new, but constantly messing with it can prevent proper bonding. Some people find they unconsciously run their tongue over it constantly for the first few days, which usually stops once the novelty wears off.
Skip any whitening products for at least a week after application since the chemicals can interfere with the adhesive bond. You will also want to avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes initially because they can weaken the bond before it is fully set.
Daily Oral Hygiene with a Tooth Gem
Your regular brushing and flossing routine does not really change much. You just need to be a bit more careful around the gem itself. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently over the gem rather than scrubbing aggressively at it.
The key is to keep the area clean without applying too much pressure that might dislodge the gem. Bacteria love to accumulate around any surface irregularity in your mouth, and a tooth gem definitely qualifies. Make sure you are brushing twice daily and getting right up to the edges of the gem where plaque tends to build up.
Flossing stays important too, especially if your gem is near the gum line or between teeth. Use gentle pressure and do not snap the floss against the gem: ease it in and out carefully.
Some people like using a water flosser around their tooth gem since it is less likely to catch on the crystal. The pulsing water does a good job of cleaning around the gem without risking any accidental pulls. If you go this route, use a medium or low pressure setting rather than blasting it at full power.
Foods and Drinks to Watch Out For
Hard, crunchy foods are your tooth gem's enemy. Things like hard candies, ice cubes, nuts and unpopped popcorn kernels can put pressure on the gem and potentially pop it loose. You do not have to avoid these foods entirely forever, but be mindful of where you are chewing.
Sticky foods are also problematic: caramel, taffy, gummy sweets and even chewy bagels can grab onto your gem and pull it off when you bite down or chew. The same goes for sticky meat like beef jerky: the repetitive tugging motion as you chew can gradually weaken the adhesive bond.
Extremely hot or cold foods and drinks will not necessarily damage the gem itself, but they can cause the adhesive to expand and contract rapidly, which might affect longevity over time. Let your coffee cool down a bit before sipping, and ease up on the ice-cold smoothies for a while.
Acidic drinks like soda, citrus juices and even kombucha can potentially break down the adhesive over time. They are not great for your tooth enamel anyway, so cutting back serves double duty. If you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterwards to neutralise the acid.
Regular Dental Checkups Still Matter
Your tooth gem does not get you out of regular dental appointments. If anything, they become more important for extending the lifespan of tooth gems and making sure nothing problematic is happening underneath the adhesive.
Let your dental hygienist know about your gem before they start cleaning. They will need to be extra careful around it with their tools. Most professionals who regularly see patients with tooth gems know how to work around them, but it does not hurt to mention it upfront.
Your dentist can also check that the gem is still properly bonded and that there is no decay developing around the edges. Catching problems early means you can address them before they turn into bigger issues requiring more invasive treatment.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
If your gem feels loose or you notice it shifting when you press on it with your tongue, do not try to push it back into place yourself. That is a good way to either swallow it or damage your tooth. Call your dental professional and schedule an appointment to have them assess whether it needs to be removed or re-bonded.
Any pain, sensitivity or swelling around the gem site needs attention too. These symptoms could indicate that bacteria has gotten under the adhesive or that the gem is irritating your gum tissue. Do not wait and hope it resolves on its own: get it checked out.
If the gem does fall off (which happens sometimes despite best efforts), save it if you can and bring it to your dentist. They might be able to reapply the same gem if it is still in good condition, though they will need to make sure your tooth enamel was not damaged when it came off.
Lifestyle Adjustments
If you play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard becomes non-negotiable. A tooth gem can be a weak point that concentrates impact force, potentially causing more damage than you would get without one. Custom mouthguards from your dentist fit better around gems than generic ones.
Grinding your teeth at night (bruxism) can significantly shorten your gem's lifespan. All that pressure and friction will eventually work the adhesive loose or even crack the crystal. If you are a grinder, talk to your dentist about getting a night guard before you get a tooth gem applied.
Smoking is not great for tooth gems either since tar and nicotine can discolour the adhesive over time, creating a yellow ring around your sparkly crystal which defeats the aesthetic purpose. Vaping has similar effects, though usually less severe.
Long-Term Maintenance
As your gem ages, the adhesive might start to yellow slightly or accumulate stains from foods and drinks. This is normal and does not necessarily mean the bond is weakening. Your dentist can sometimes polish around the gem to refresh its appearance.
Most tooth gems last somewhere between six months and three years depending on placement, care and how much wear they get. When yours eventually does come off or need removal, have a professional handle it rather than trying to pry it off yourself. They have the right tools to remove it safely without damaging your enamel.
When you are ready to replace your gem or upgrade to a different style, see our guide to choosing the right tooth gem for material, size and placement guidance. For a comparison of tooth gems against other dental jewellery options, see our tooth gems vs grillz guide.
The Real Talk on Aftercare
Taking care of a tooth gem is not complicated. It mostly comes down to being gentler with that part of your mouth than you might naturally be otherwise. The habits you develop in those first few weeks usually stick, and then it just becomes second nature to avoid biting down on that side with hard foods or being careful when you brush.
Think of it like having braces lite: there are some minor inconveniences and adjustments, but nothing that drastically changes your daily life. Pay attention, keep things clean, and avoid anything that would make your dentist concerned.
As an Authorised Swarovski Distribution Partner, we supply genuine Swarovski tooth gems alongside a wider range of dental-grade tooth gem options. Browse our Swarovski tooth gems collection or our complete tooth gems collection for replacement stones and new applications.
FAQs
How long should I avoid eating after getting a tooth gem applied?
Wait at least two hours after application before eating anything. When you do eat, stick to soft foods that do not require much chewing for the first 24 hours. Your dental professional may recommend longer waiting periods depending on the specific adhesive used. The first 24 hours are when the adhesive bond is most vulnerable.
What foods should I avoid with a tooth gem?
Avoid hard crunchy foods (hard sweets, ice cubes, nuts, unpopped popcorn kernels) that can pop the gem loose, and sticky foods (caramel, taffy, gummy sweets, chewy bagels) that can pull the gem off when you chew. Be cautious with extremely hot or cold foods, and rinse with water after acidic drinks that can break down the adhesive over time.
Do I still need regular dental checkups with a tooth gem?
Yes, dental checkups become more important with a tooth gem, not less. Your dentist can check that the gem is still properly bonded and that no decay is developing around the edges. Let your hygienist know about the gem before cleaning so they can use appropriate tools and techniques around it.
What should I do if my tooth gem falls off?
Save the gem if you can find it and bring it to your dental professional. They may be able to reapply the same gem if it is still in good condition. Do not try to reapply it yourself with household glues. Have your dentist check the tooth enamel was not damaged when it came off and discuss whether to re-bond or replace the gem.
Will a tooth gem affect contact sports or teeth grinding?
Yes. Contact sports require a properly fitted mouthguard because a tooth gem can concentrate impact force on that area. Custom mouthguards fit better around gems than generic ones. Teeth grinding (bruxism) significantly shortens gem lifespan by gradually loosening the adhesive: discuss a night guard with your dentist before getting a tooth gem if you grind.
How long does a tooth gem last with proper care?
With proper aftercare, most tooth gems last between six months and three years. Longevity depends on placement (canines last longer than chewing surfaces), care habits (gentle brushing, avoiding problem foods), lifestyle factors (grinding, sports, smoking) and the skill of the original application. When the gem eventually comes off or needs removal, have a professional handle it rather than removing it yourself.
