Oral piercings like tongue, lip, and cheek piercings are becoming more and more common. It’s important to think about the possible concerns they represent to your dental health, even though they could have a trendy and distinctive appearance. Complications from infections to irreversible nerve damage can arise with oral piercings. This blog post will discuss some of the most prevalent problems connected to oral piercings and explain why they might not be the best option for your teeth and gums.
Infections
The possibility of infection is one of the most pressing issues with oral piercings. The mouth is a high-risk region for infections after a piercing since it is home to millions of bacteria. If piercing equipment isn’t sterile or basic hygiene isn’t maintained, infections may develop at the piercing site.
Some examples of infection symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Redness and Inflammation
- Pain or Sensitivity
- Pus or Discharge
Tooth and Gum Damage
Your teeth and gums can suffer serious harm from oral piercings. Since tongue and lip piercings frequently come into contact with your teeth, damage from tongue piercings is not uncommon. Some possible problems include :
- Chipped or cracked teeth can result from metal jewelry repeatedly coming into touch with your teeth. The restoration of this damage can be expensive and necessitate procedures like veneers or dental crowns.
- Gum Recession: Gum recession might result from the piercing’s continuous rubbing against your gums. This exposes your teeth’s roots, increasing their susceptibility to sensitivity and deterioration.
- Wear of Enamel: Metal jewelry can erode your teeth’s enamel, which acts as a barrier and raises your risk of cavities and increased sensitivity.
Allergic Reactions
The materials used in oral piercings can cause adverse responses in certain people. Common elements like nickel can cause allergic reactions, which might manifest as the following symptoms:
- Rash or itching
- swelling in the vicinity of the piercing
- Peeling or burning skin
Selecting hypoallergenic materials, such as titanium or surgical steel, is essential if you’re thinking of getting an oral piercing in order to reduce the possibility of adverse responses.
Nerve Damage
One particularly worrying complication of tongue piercings is nerve injury. The tongue is an extremely sensitive and vascular region that has many nerves that could be harmed during the piercing procedure. Nerve injury symptoms can include:
- Numbness: A momentary or permanent lack of sensation in the tongue can impair your ability to taste and talk normally.
- Loss of Mobility: Damage to the nerves may cause the tongue to become partially or completely immobile, which might interfere with eating and speaking.
- Chronic discomfort: It might be challenging to alleviate chronic discomfort that some people may have at the piercing site.
Protecting Your Dental Health
It is crucial that you take precautions to safeguard your dental health whether you currently have an oral piercing or are thinking about obtaining one:
- Keep Up Perfect Oral Hygiene: To avoid plaque accumulation around the piercing, brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
- Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash: To lower the chance of infection, rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Select Hypoallergenic Materials: To reduce the possibility of allergic responses, use premium materials such as titanium, gold, or surgical steel.
- Keep an eye out for complications: Keep an eye out for any damage or indications of infection at the piercing site, and see a dentist if you see any.
- If required, take the piercing out: To preserve your oral health, you might want to think about getting the piercing taken out if you continue to have issues.
Conclusion
Although oral piercings can be a way to express yourself, there are serious hazards to your dental health associated with them. The possible side effects might range from nerve damage to infections and can be quite significant and protracted. It’s important to balance the cosmetic attractiveness of oral piercings against the risk of damage to your teeth and gums if you’re thinking about getting one. When making a decision, always get advice from a qualified piercer and your dentist. If you decide to proceed with a piercing, be sure to take good care of your oral health.
Make wise decisions about oral piercings and practice good oral hygiene to safeguard your smile. Do not hesitate to seek individualized guidance and treatment from your dentist if you have any concerns about the state of your oral health.
