{"id":720063,"date":"2026-06-07T01:08:29","date_gmt":"2026-06-07T01:08:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/720063\/"},"modified":"2026-06-07T01:08:29","modified_gmt":"2026-06-07T01:08:29","slug":"after-north-west-debuts-blackened-teeth-experts-reveal-what-many-people-dont-know-about-black-grills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/720063\/","title":{"rendered":"After North West Debuts ‘Blackened Teeth,’ Experts Reveal What Many People Don’t Know About Black Grills"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the past few months, North West drew plenty of attention after appearing in social media videos with blackened teeth that many viewers initially mistook for a permanent dental change.<\/p>\n

The look became one of several fashion choices that sparked debate around the 12-year-old, alongside faux piercings, designer grillz, and other unconventional accessories.<\/p>\n

HighlightsNorth West sparked intense online debate after debuting a “blackened teeth” look that many viewers initially mistook for a permanent dental alteration.Dental experts clarified that black grills are actually removable decorative accessories that do not permanently damage or alter the tooth structure.While custom grills are safe for occasional use, dentists warned that poorly fitted or low-quality versions can trap plaque and cause gum disease.<\/p>\n

While the discussion largely focused on her appearance, it also raised questions about black grills themselves and whether they can affect oral health.<\/p>\n

To better understand the trend, Bored Panda spoke with dental experts, who explained what black grills are, how they differ from permanent dental procedures, and what people should know before wearing them.<\/p>\n

Experts explained that black grills are removable accessories, not permanent dental work<\/p>\n

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Image credits: kimandnorth\/TikTok<\/a><\/p>\n

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Image credits: SandraDrysdale5<\/a><\/p>\n

North first showed off the blackened teeth<\/a> look in TikTok videos shared through the joint \u201cKim and North\u201d account in January 2026. Many viewers initially believed her teeth had been permanently altered, as reported by Bored Panda.<\/p>\n

However, dentists told us that grills are usually removable accessories<\/a> designed purely for aesthetics.<\/p>\n

\u201cBlack grills are removable decorative dental accessories that fit over the teeth, similar to jewellery<\/a>,\u201d explained Dr Arantxa Villegas.<\/p>\n

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Image credits: kimandnorth\/TikTok<\/a><\/p>\n

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A twelve year old in the 80s could not even conceive of Kim Kardashian\u2019s daughter, North West.<\/p>\n

I would have been so confused by the blue hair, black nails, the teeth, the smartphone, the jewelry, the music. Even now I\u2019m a little confounded how this is still a child. pic.twitter.com\/ogvZCoA7fo<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dr. Jebra Faushay (@JebraFaushay) May 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

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She added that, unlike veneers, crowns, or other permanent procedures, grills<\/a> \u201cdo not permanently alter the tooth structure and can be removed at any time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr Margot L\u00f3pez shared a similar explanation, describing grills as \u201cremovable prosthetics<\/a>\u201d used for cosmetic purposes.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnes that are well made should be able to be taken on and off without problem since the teeth should not be worn down to make them,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

Dentists further said properly made grills are usually safe, but poor-quality ones can create problems<\/p>\n

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Image credits: kimandnorth\/TikTok<\/a><\/p>\n

The viral conversation also triggered concern about oral<\/a> health, especially because North appeared to be wearing full-mouth black grills.<\/p>\n

According to Dr Villegas, grills themselves are not automatically harmful<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cCustom-made grills fabricated by qualified professionals are generally safe when worn occasionally and with proper hygiene<\/a>,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

She said one of the biggest misconceptions is that all grills ruin teeth<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Image credits: northwest\/Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u201cIn reality, the greatest risks<\/a> usually come from poorly fitted, low-quality, or overused grills rather than the concept of grills themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr L\u00f3pez agreed, explaining that professionally<\/a> made grills should not damage teeth because they attach mechanically rather than requiring tooth reduction.<\/p>\n

Still, both experts warned that improper use can lead to oral health issues.<\/p>\n

Dr Villegas said poorly fitted grills may trap plaque and food debris, increasing the risk of gum inflammation, cavities<\/a>, bad breath, and irritation.<\/p>\n

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Image credits: northwest\/Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n

Dr L\u00f3pez also noted that excessive use could potentially affect the temporomandibular joint, which controls jaw movement<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The dentists stressed that warning signs such as bleeding gums, sensitivity, redness<\/a>, pain, or difficulty removing the grill should never be ignored.<\/p>\n

North West\u2019s appearance has repeatedly sparked backlash online<\/p>\n

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Image credits: northwest\/Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n

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North West\u2019s new hair for Complex LA \ud83e\ude75 pic.twitter.com\/jomB3ToOxy<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 yzyupdates (@yzyupdates) May 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The black grills were far from the only part of North\u2019s<\/a> appearance that drew attention this year.<\/p>\n

The 12-year-old had already gone viral several times over experimental looks<\/a> involving faux piercings, gothic-inspired nails, blue hair, designer grillz, and dramatic fashion choices.<\/p>\n

In another viral moment, North showed off a manicure featuring spikes and piercing<\/a>-like embellishments, which quickly divided viewers online.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow does she wipe?\u201d one commenter asked after seeing the oversized nails<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Others questioned whether the looks were age-appropriate.<\/p>\n

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\u201cAt 12 years old, I was still playing with Barbie<\/a>!\u201d one person wrote.<\/p>\n

North had also previously sparked debate after showing off diamond \u201cshark\u201d grillz, turquoise hair<\/a>, and what appeared to be facial and dermal piercings.<\/p>\n

Some critics accused Kim Kardashian<\/a> of encouraging outrage and excessive luxury at a young age, especially after North appeared wearing a 106-carat diamond skull pendant.<\/p>\n

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\u201cYou would think after being robbed in the horrific way Kim was that she wouldn\u2019t want her kid flaunting diamonds<\/a>,\u201d one user wrote.<\/p>\n

Kim Kardashian has repeatedly defended North\u2019s style as self-expression<\/p>\n

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Image credits: kimandnorth\/TikTok<\/a><\/p>\n

Despite the criticism, Kim Kardashian has repeatedly defended her daughter\u2019s fashion<\/a> experimentation.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s really mature in one sense where she\u2019ll be like, \u2018Mom, I saw this, and I don\u2019t really care that they don\u2019t like \u2026 my blue hair or this or that,\u2019\u201d Kardashian said on the Call Her Daddy podcast.<\/p>\n

Kim also insisted that North follow the rules, even though fashion is one area where she is given more freedom<\/a> to express herself creatively.<\/p>\n

North herself directly addressed the backlash over her black teeth during an Instagram<\/a> Live session earlier this year.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are my teeth black? Are we okay? I could take them out,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

According to both experts, the continued popularity of grills comes down to visibility and self-expression<\/p>\n

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Image credits: kimandnorth\/TikTok<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cGrills have become a form of self-expression that blends fashion, music, luxury<\/a>, and personal identity,\u201d Dr Villegas explained.<\/p>\n

She added that their ability to generate reactions and attention is exactly what keeps them culturally relevant.<\/p>\n

Dr L\u00f3pez similarly noted that many people use grills to create a distinctive image and project status.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor fashion and aesthetics<\/a>, a lot of people like how they look and for their image to be distinctive,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is what happens when you are born in a cult,\u201d wrote one netizen<\/p>\n

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