The Beauty of Black Women Wearing Grillz
Karly Williams
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Posted Aug 13, 2025
As Dr. Lana Rozenberg's publicists, I worked with 21Ninety to lend Rozenberg's dental health expertise to Allen's article.
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When Nelly’s hit single “Grillz,” released in 2005, no one could’ve fathomed that the blinged-out mouth accessory would still be around almost twenty years later. Although not many people are designing their hardware as bulky as it was then, the trend is still going strong, particularly for Black women. Adding a grill to their ensemble takes the look to new heights.
When it comes to the safety and maintenance of grillz, it luckily isn’t a difficult process. However, you should make sure you know all that comes with wearing them.
“The American Dental Association (ADA) actually says no studies have shown grillz as harmful. But they also haven’t found any studies that have proven them to be safe either,” Dr. Lana Rozenberg, founder of Rozenberg Dental NYC, shared with 21Ninety. “Having said that, unfortunately, Grillz often prevent proper brushing and cleaning. Thus, they create an unhealthy bacteria-friendly environment in the mouth.”
Dr. Rozenberg underscores the importance of proper maintenance, recommending regular cleaning and minimal wear to prevent potential dental issues. According to her, anyone who has grillz should strive to take them off while eating, sleeping or chewing. By some of these recommended practices, Black women can enjoy the beauty of grillz while safeguarding their oral hygiene.
Grillz, once relegated to the realm of hip-hop culture, have evolved into a dynamic accessory embraced by Black women from all walks of life. Beyond just a fashion statement, grills serve as a celebration of individuality, adding a touch of glamour and confidence to any look. Erykah Badu, known for her eclectic style, often rocks intricate designs in her teeth to capture the true essence of her self-expression.
One of the most captivating aspects of Black women wearing grills is the sheer variety of designs available. From classic gold to intricate diamond-encrusted patterns, each grill is a work of art that reflects the wearer’s unique style and personality. Whether adorning a single tooth or covering an entire set, grills serve as a canvas for self-expression.
Georgia-based jeweler known as Grillz by Scotty, has worked with some influential Black women to create a look just for them. Recently, he did the above sets for Megan Thee Stallion and Issa Rae but has also created pieces for Kandi Burruss, Summer Walker and many more.
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Aside from celebrities, influencers and content creators have been documenting their experiences getting their grillz made. Makeup artist, @MakeupByEmani, detailed her experience going to Cherry Hill Mall in New Jersey to get her custom mouthpiece. She explained that in just two weeks she received her custom grillz, which were the perfect expression of her edgy style.
Some Black women have even made a girl’s grillz day out of the experience. TikTok user, @Sky2kThe Doll, shared her experience with her friends going to a flea market in Atlanta for their grillz. They each were able to get their accessories for around $160 and picked them up the same day.