The “tooth gem” trend is taking the K-Pop world by storm, with stars like BLACKPINK’s Lisa,HyunA, and Lee Young-ji leading the way. This fashion statement, where small jewels or cubic stones are glued to teeth, adds a playful and bold touch to their smiles. However, while it’s growing popular among idols and fans, experts are raising alarms about possible risks to dental health. Here’s everything you need to know about this dazzling trend.
What Are Tooth Gems and Why Are They Popular?
Tooth gems are tiny decorations, like synthetic diamonds or colorful stones, attached to the surface of a tooth with dental adhesive. They come in different shapes and colors, offering a fun way for K-Pop idols to show off their unique style. Unlike grillz—removable metal covers popularized in hip-hop—tooth gems are semi-permanent, lasting from one month to six months. The procedure costs around 100,000 won (roughly $75 USD), making it an affordable way for stars to stand out.
The trend kicked off in the early 2000s and made a big comeback in 2021 among celebrities. In K-Pop, it’s now a hit with the MZ generation—young trendsetters born between the early 1980s and early 2000s. Idols love how it adds a hip, personal flair to their looks, whether on stage or at events.
BLACKPINK’s Lisa Leads the Charge
BLACKPINK’s Lisa has been a major face of the tooth gem trend. She first rocked a silver tooth gem in 2020 for the “How You Like That” music video, pairing it with her fierce concept. Fans went wild over how it sparkled with every move. Then, on June 28, 2023, at a Bvlgari event in Seoul, Lisa turned heads again. Wearing a stunning white gown, her heart-shaped tooth gem gleamed every time she smiled, perfectly matching her glamorous vibe. Her bold choice even sent hashtags like #LISAatSerpentiExhibition trending worldwide on Twitter.
Lisa’s influence is huge—she’s a global ambassador for Bvlgari, and her tooth gem moment helped make the brand the most-talked-about name that day. Fans praised her for pulling off the look with such confidence.
Other K-Pop Stars Join the Trend
The tooth gem craze isn’t just Lisa’s game. Lee Young-ji, a rising rapper and MZ generation icon, sported a cherry-shaped gem during “Earth Arcade 2” in 2023. The show’s producer, Na PD, jokingly asked if it was a cavity, showing how new the style still feels to some. On her YouTube show “No Prepare,” Lee Young-ji suggested IVE’s Ahn Yujin try an “IVE” lettered gem. Ahn Yujin replied,
“Tooth gems don’t seem bad. I’ll do it on one of my canines so it shows when I smile.”
Meanwhile, HyunA and Choi Yena are also in on the action. HyunA’s gems add to her edgy, hip charm, while Choi Yena’s playful style shines through her unique designs. Even aespa’s Ningning jumped in, revealing she got a tooth gem for the “Life’s Too Short” music video after wanting one for years. These stars are proving tooth gems are a quick, eye-catching way to express themselves.
A Trend with Roots in Grillz
Tooth gems evolved from grillz, a hip-hop staple since the 1980s symbolizing wealth and status. BIGBANG’s G-Dragon brought grillz into K-Pop’s spotlight, wearing Chanel-logoed ones at a 2021 cruise show. Unlike grillz, which cover teeth and can be taken off, tooth gems are lighter and glued on directly. They’re less about flexing riches and more about adding a cute, aesthetic vibe—perfect for K-Pop’s playful energy.
Hidden Risks Worry Experts
While tooth gems look cool, they’re not without problems. Dentists warn that the adhesive process can harm teeth and gums. To attach a gem, the tooth surface is treated with an acidic solution to help the glue stick—similar to prepping a wall for a sticker. Removing it later can also damage enamel, the tooth’s protective layer. Once enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back, raising the risk of cavities or sensitivity.
In Korea, concerns are growing louder. The Korean Dental Association reported in 2024 that unqualified people—not dentists—have been doing these procedures, breaking medical laws. One non-medical person in Seoul even taught others how to apply tooth gems for a fee since 2021, leading to a police complaint. Experts say improper techniques or materials could make things worse, and there’s little research on long-term effects.
What Fans Are Saying
Fans are split. Many love how tooth gems make their idols stand out. One netizen gushed,
“Lisa’s smile with that gem is everything—she owns this trend!”
Others worry about the risks. A comment on X said,
“It’s cute, but I hope they’re careful. Teeth aren’t accessories you can replace.”
