After Tooth Jewelry: Caring for Your Gem

First 24 Hours

The bonding agent used to attach your gem needs a short curing period to reach full strength.

• •Avoid eating for 1 hour after your gem is placed to allow the adhesive to fully set.
• •Do not touch or probe the gem with your tongue or fingernail for the first few hours.
• •Avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks for the first 24 hours.
• •Do not brush directly over the gem on the first day — brush around it gently.
• •Avoid mouthwash containing high concentrations of alcohol for the first 24 hours.

Keeping Your Gem Sparkling

• •Brush gently around the gem twice daily with a soft toothbrush — avoid pressing hard directly on the crystal.
• •Floss normally — the gem is bonded to the front surface of the tooth and does not interfere with flossing.
• •Use a fluoride mouthwash daily to protect the enamel underneath the gem.
• •Avoid biting hard foods directly with the tooth that has the gem — bite with back teeth instead.
• •Avoid strongly pigmented drinks (turmeric-based drinks, red wines, dark sodas) in large quantities, as they can stain the bonding around the gem over time.

What to Avoid

• •Do not try to remove the gem yourself — the adhesive is strong and attempting to pry it off can scratch the enamel.
• •Avoid chewing on the gem side with hard items — ice cubes, hard candy, raw carrots.
• •Do not use abrasive or whitening toothpastes directly on or around the gem, as they can dull the crystal's shine.
• •Avoid using your tongue to constantly press or wiggle the gem — this can weaken the bond over time.

How Long Will It Last?

With proper care, tooth gems typically last 6 months to over a year. The exact lifespan depends on placement, your diet, and oral hygiene habits.

• •If the gem falls off, do not swallow it — collect it and bring it to your next appointment for re-bonding.
• •The gem coming off does not harm your tooth — the enamel underneath is completely intact.
• •We can re-apply the gem or replace it with a new one at any time.
• •Visit us for a routine checkup every 6 months to ensure the bonding margin remains healthy and plaque-free.

When to Contact Us

• •Sensitivity or pain around the gem that doesn't resolve within a few days.
• •The gem feels sharp or rough — it may need polishing or re-seating.
• •Gum swelling or soreness near the gem that persists beyond a week.
• •You want the gem removed — we can remove it quickly and painlessly at any appointment.