Your teeth, gums and oral tissue are designed by nature. They are perfectly suited for you as they are. So while it may be tempting to try embellishments such as tooth tattoos, tooth jewelry or grills, these changes can upset the natural balance of your mouth.

Here are just a few of the ways you could damage your smile by piercing your lip or tongue, drilling unnecessary holes in your teeth or adding a dental grill:

• Chipping or breaking your teeth

• Cracking your crowns

• Making deep cuts in the soft tissue of your gums and mouth

• Creating traps for bacteria

• Increasing the chance of infection

While you may be tempted to decorate your teeth, this possible damage, along with the potential for gum disease and bad breath, means it’s just not worth it.

It’s true that ancient populations did a lot of dying and drilling of their teeth as a symbol of beauty and status. But dental science has come a long way since then. Today, we’re able to avoid a lot of the oral health problems people had in years past.

So don’t mess with nature. Skip the teeth embellishments and avoid unnecessary pain, complications and cost.