What do Maya jade inlays and modern tooth gems have in common? More than you think. Explore the ancient techniques that still shape how we see cosmetic dentistry today.
By Genni Burkhart
Tooth gems glittered through TikTok trends, celebrity selfies, and even dental chair discussions a few years ago. While modern wearers may think they're pioneering something edgy or new, adorning teeth with gems actually dates back more than 1,000 years. In 2022, archaeologists discovered that ancient Maya used natural adhesives to cement jade, turquoise, and hematite into the teeth of elites for more than simple aesthetics. In addition, these ancient cosmetic choices may have helped prevent tooth decay.
As tooth gems and grillz see a resurgence in today's pop culture, the connection between past and present offers more than historical curiosity. It also raises important questions about the role of cosmetic dentistry in oral health.
The Innovation of Ancient Dentistry
Maya obsidian and ancient teeth.
Excavations of Maya remains in recent years have uncovered remarkable evidence of early dental art. Inlays of jade and other semiprecious stones were embedded into the front teeth of high-ranking individuals. According to research published by Science, these stones were held in place by a natural adhesive made from plant resins, including pine sap, mixed with crushed minerals and organic ingredients. What’s striking is that these materials likely had antibacterial properties as well.
Scientists analyzing the sealant found residues of sclareolide and carvacrol, both known today for their antimicrobial effects. This discovery suggests that, intentionally or not, the Maya may have created a bioactive barrier that reduced plaque accumulation and decay. This ancient approach combined aesthetics with function, which is something modern dentistry strives for.1
Safety First
Fast-forward to the 21st century, and tooth ornamentation is popular once again. Social media and celebrity influence have made tooth gems and grillz trendy accessories. After seeing influencers do it, some patients arrive at the dental office wanting a gem applied. Others may request safe removal or ask about the long-term effects.
It's important to understand these trends and your role in educating and communicating with patients who are serious about "tooth art." Many over-the-counter kits and unlicensed applications pose risks, from enamel damage to bacterial growth beneath the adhesive.
Rather than preaching or deciding for them, start a conversation that meets patients where they are. Ask thoughtful questions and share clear, relatable pros and cons so they can make an informed choice about tooth ornamentation. Aim to educate, not persuade.
While most state boards have no specific regulations on tooth gems, professional organizations increasingly stress the need for patient education. A key concern is whether the adhesive is dental-grade, biocompatible, and removable without permanent damage. As with whitening and veneers, a safe and ethical approach to cosmetic procedures should take precedence.
Learning From the Maya
What’s most compelling about the Maya example, aside from their technical skill, is their holistic approach. Their dentistry reflected cultural values, social status, and even spiritual beliefs. At the same time, the Maya used materials that protected their oral health without formal scientific knowledge, yet with remarkable insight.
For today’s practitioners, this is a reminder that aesthetics and function don’t have to be at odds. As modern dentistry moves toward more integrative, patient-centered care, the ability to blend aesthetics with oral health is becoming less of a luxury and more standard practice. Whether offering laser whitening, same-day crowns, or cosmetic options, the goal should be to align treatment with the patient's long-term wellness goals.
Connecting Past and Present Cultures
As Big Think notes in its coverage of Maya dental artistry, the inlays weren’t just aesthetic but potentially therapeutic.2 The combination of tradition, observation, and science points to a larger theme: dentistry has always been about more than just function. It’s about the connection of identity, expression, and health.
The parallels between ancient and modern dental trends provide an opportunity for reflection and a chance to reframe conversations about aesthetics through a health-forward approach. Furthermore, they allow dental professionals to reclaim a role in guiding patients toward safer, more informed cosmetic choices.
Interestingly, the Maya were not alone in adorning their teeth. From the gold-adorned Bolinao Skull in the Philippines to Viking warriors filing grooves into their teeth, cultures worldwide have long used teeth as a canvas for art, power, and meaning. Each practice reflects a timeless connection between oral health and self-expression.
Today's trends are just the latest chapter in that story. As dentists and hygienists, embracing that history offers a new way to connect with patients. Whether a teen asks about tooth gems or an adult is curious about a new cosmetic procedure, compassion and clarity are key. Listen first, offer facts that resonate, and help patients find their balance between beauty and wellness.
Science may be more advanced now, but the heart of dentistry is still the patients' health, their choices, and the stories our teeth tell.
References
1. Gibbons, Ann. “Ancient Maya Tooth Sealant Glued Gemstones in Place—and May Have Prevented Tooth Decay.” Science, April 17, 2024. https://www.science.org/content/article/ancient-maya-tooth-sealant-glued-gemstones-place-and-may-have-prevented-tooth-decay. Accessed May 1, 2025.
2. Hendricks, Scotty. “Ancient Maya Installed Gemstones in Their Teeth. It Wasn’t Just Fashion.” Big Think, June 20, 2022. https://bigthink.com/the-past/maya-dental-gemstone/. Accessed May 1, 2025.
Photo Credit: Images source, Wikimedia Commons
Author: With over 15 years as an award-winning journalist, editor, and writer, Genni Burkhart has covered everything from news, politics, and healthcare to finance, corporate leadership, and technology. As editor-in-chief of The Incisor newsletter and blog and features writer at DOCS Education, she brings a refreshing insight and a passion for storytelling to the world of sedation dentistry.
