A new reason to smile

While the trend of dental tattoos caught up in the US earlier this year, it made in-roads in Hyderabad only a few months ago in shapes of flowers, flags, sun signs, half-moons etc.

We spoke to the “front-runners" of dental tattoo owners in the city to ask what got them to ink their tooth?

Syeda Shaila Sana is a 24-year-old mother who loves bright colours. So, when her cousin in the US mentioned “dental tattoos", the former dentist got curious, took to Google and found out ways to brighten her smile. Next she was sitting in Dr Sameena Ali's clinic getting a red tulip with green leaves and a stalk inked on her front tooth. “I'm loving the tattoo and honestly, it's not awkward. These days I spend more time appreciating my tooth than the gloss on the lipstick," says Syeda.

Mohd. Azharuddin, 25, came across an article on the latest trend -the dental tattoo. He found it so interesting that he's already got tattoos done twice.

Yes, if you don't want to risk a wrong tattoo, you can go for the temporary ones that last for a week or two. The permanent ones can last for a couple of years.

Unlike Azharuddin's previous tattoo of a sun, the present one is an Indian flag of edible dyes and a crystal. “Smile is an important part of beauty. I have a dimpled smile, and these tattoos add to it, I think. It's not ajeeb," he says.

Unlike Syeda and Azharuddin who flash their tattoos without a thought, there are others who are in two minds to show their tattos off. Microbiologist Resma Rajan, who got a tattoo, had to get rid of it for a conference recently. “I thought it would be seen as unprofessional and out-of-place in the conference. So I took it off. I will get it done again, for sure."

Sara Khan, a professor of computer architecture intentionally avoided the tattoo on her front teeth. So why get it done if you can't flash it? “I got it done because my friend would always flaunt her body tattoo. Now, I think I am better I competition to her (laughs). Since it's a permanent one, I i thought I should get it done inwards in my mouth."

Dental tattoo know how

Is the procedure painful?
"No. It takes 20-25 minutes. And we use permissible food dyes imported from Japan. These are standard colors that can stand the wet environment of saliva for a long time."

How long do they last?
"Temporary ones usually last for 1-2 weeks. The permanent ones can last for 1-2 years. It depends on how you take care of the tooth. You must use a soft bristle toothbrush. Use of fingers is the most preferable."

How much do they cost?
"Temporary ones can come for Rs1000 to Rs1500. The longer lasting ones are between Rs5000 and Rs20,000 depending on the quality."

- Dr Sameena Ali, Doctor