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Oral Piercings Pose Significant Risk to Oral Health

While in our society piercings may be used as a type of self-expression, oral piercings pose a risk to overall oral health.  Not only can they interfere with speech, chewing, and swallowing, but they can injure the gums as well as crack or create sensitive teeth and damage fillings. Common symptoms after piercing include pain, swelling, and an increase in saliva.  Although not common, serious infections due to the piercing may occur, including hepatitis and endocarditis (which is an inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart).

Oral piercings may increase the risk for other problems as well.  The individuals who pierce have no standardized and may have little to no knowledge of anatomy and physiology, leaving the potential for the piercing to hit a blood vessel or a nerve.  If this happens, uncontrollable bleeding or nerve damage may result. Even after the piercing has healed, the presence of the jewelry can still effect oral health. 

Metal jewelry in the mouth can create sores on the surrounding tissue which may pose a serious risk for those with metal allergies. The metal jewelry also may crack, scratch, or cause teeth to become sensitive.  There are plastic jewelry substitutes and while that may reduce the risk, it cannot eliminate it entirely. The damage done to the gums and other tissue from the jewelry moving back and forth can be quite extensive and may require the need for reconstructive surgery to correct it.  Additionally, the damage caused by the oral piercing may result in tooth loss.

If you have an oral piercing, it is imperative that you check the tissues that come in contact with the piercing on a regular basis. It is also suggested that individuals consult with a dentist before getting an oral piercing so he/she may be fully informed before committing to the decision. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, flossing once, avoiding sugary drinks, and maintaining regular dental checkups are all increasingly important for those with oral piercings. 


Source:http://www.dentaltribune.com/articles/news/usa/13693_california_dental_association_says_oral_piercings_pose_significant_dangers_to_oral_health.html


R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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