Dental tattoos hit America Updated: 6/30/2008 4:00:33 PM Print Article Email Article           America has already seen all manner of oral piercings catch on among the nation's youth and now it looks like a new craze may be set to take hold - dental tattoos. According to tattoartist.com, it is normally the molar teeth at the back of the mouth that are tattooed, either on the cheek or tongue side, although some people also opt for their front teeth. Rather than the actual tooth itself being tattooed, a false crown that is implanted that features the inked-on design. Utah-based dental technician Steve Heward pioneered the technology, which he said can cost anything from $75 dollars for a simple etching to $200 for a more complex drawing, such as Abraham Lincoln's face, Dentistry.co.uk reports. He said there was "no secret" to his technique, adding that it is just "artistic ability". Responding to a suggestion that people may be having their healthy teeth pulled out in order to have a tattooed tooth implanted, Mr Heward commented: "I hope they wait until they need a crown, but I bet some people have them done just because they want a piece of artwork on their tooth." Although there has not been any medical research carried out on these new trend yet, scientists at the University of Tel Aviv recently found that people who have oral piercings significantly increase their risk of gum disease and tooth fractures. © 2008 Brafton Inc. Enter your ZIP code to compare the savings offered by the discount dental plans in your area. Take the first step toward a healthier smile and start saving today! > Find my dentist > Find a ZIP code             Additional Articles Best man teeth? Try Madison, Wisconsin f... California proposes massive cuts in dent... Poor economy increasing dental emergenci... Dentists donate 2 days of dental care fo... Dental care for woman who superglued her... Dental care for woman superglued her tee... Dentist: Yearly visit minimum for dental... Dentist: Teeth fall out with lack of den... Sugarless gum can help with dental healt... Straightened teeth can enhance dental he... Nonprofit offers free dental care to at-... Director: Fluoride could improve dental ... Tongue piercing may negatively impact de... Director: North Carolina has dental care... AGD: Tap water better for dental health Dentist clears up dental care myths on m... Study: Dental health important for HIV i... New surgical laser provides hi-tech dent... BBC: Number of children needing dental c... Completeness, not order, counts in prope...

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