Dental health professionals tend to stay out of discussions that are centered around fashion or the latest trends. However, as oral piercings continue to be popular amongst teenagers and young adults, it’s important to discuss the associated risks. In reality, oral piercings aren’t as harmless as they seem. They can lead to serious hazards to both your teeth and tissue in the mouth. To make sure you have enough information prior to deciding, you need to understand the risk of oral piercings.
The Risks of Lip and Tongue Piercings
Every time your skin is punctured, there are risks. This is true regardless of if you get injured, pierce your earlobes, or find yourself with a new lip or tongue ring. The primary cause for concern in these situations is infection. When the wound is not taken care of properly, bacteria can grow and spread. You may also have an allergic reaction to the metal, or your body might not heal well after the initial shock. Some of the biggest risks with oral piercings in relation to your oral health include the following:
Fidgeting Causes Damage
People with oral piercings tend to fidget with them using their tongue. This often leads to the metal clinking against teeth, which can cause cracks or chips. Over time, this can even lead to damaged fillings and soft tissue injuries across your gums, lips, and even the tongue itself. While you might think you won’t fidget, it tends to be a common habit for those with oral piercings.
Risk of Nerve Damage
During the piercing process, a misplaced needle on the tongue can lead to both temporary and permanent nerve damage. This will then affect speech and the process of chewing and digesting. In certain instances, improperly handled tongue piercings have also resulted in a change to the way you taste things. If you notice any numbness or difficulty speaking, see an oral health professional immediately.
Potential Gum Recession
Even if you’re not fidgeting, the natural friction of a piercing against your gums or oral tissue will lead to recession over time. Gum recession can in turn expose roots and increase your risk of tooth decay.
Oral Health and Infections
As we mention, oral piercings increase the risk of infection simply because they puncture the skin. However, there are millions of bacteria living inside your mouth that can lead to problems with cleaning and keeping infections at bay. This makes oral piercings far more difficult to keep healthy and clean. If you notice any signs of an infection—pain, swelling, inflammation, fever, chills, shaking, etc.—contact your dentist or doctor immediately.
If you decide to move forward with getting an oral piercing, at least wait until you’ve had your braces removed. The risks discussed above are more serious when combined with braces, especially since the piercing itself can get stuck, tangled, or the hardware required for braces can rip the piercing out. This can create serious injuries that raise more than simple cosmetic concerns.
While oral health professionals do not recommend getting oral piercings, it’s an individual choice. If you get your lip or tongue pierced, make sure that you take proper care of it to reduce your risks and keep your oral health in good condition. Always clean the piercing site after eating or drinking anything other than water. Make sure that you remove any piercings during high-impact sports and ensure that your piercing is secure when you put it back in. If you notice any signs of infection, see your dentist immediately and continue to practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
At Artistic Dental, we’re committed to providing the best services for our patients, with or without oral piercings. If you notice any sign of infection, want to learn more about how oral piercings affect your health, or want to come in for a cleaning, call us today at 602-840-5400.