The Hidden Dangers of Oral Piercing

There are plenty of horror stories telling the tale of a pierced tongue gone wrong. Infection, swelling, and tooth damage are just a few of the dangerous side effects of oral piercing.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some serious problems can occur with oral piercings. Of course, some people never have an issue, but do you really want to take that chance?

Although it may seem about as risky as getting your ears pierced, getting a hole in your tongue could have some serious side effects.

Common Problems

Infection, nerve damage, teeth and mouth injuries, swelling, periodontal disease, and irreversible nerve damage are just a few of the problems you can develop if you have your tongue, lip, or mouth pierced.

Those little barbells and studs may make you look cool, but accidentally bite down on one and you may have second thoughts about having your tongue pierced.

Infections: In a survey of college Students in New York, six percent of those who had oral piercings had a problem after the piercing. Some required a visit to the ER to treat infections with antibiotics. In addition, you will be left with a scar after you remove your stud or post. It may heal quickly, but you will be left with scar tissue.

Tooth Chipping: In one study, over half of the people who had long barbell piercings chipped their teeth. Those in the study who wore them for four years or more had chipping on their back teeth as well.

Gum Recession: Dentists are now discovering that your gums in the front of your mouth are twice as likely to recede after tongue piercing. Experts believe this is because the barbell or stud is constantly being forced against your front teeth. If you have gum recession due to oral piercings, your jawbone will reabsorb into your body. Once the bone is gone, there is nothing to hold your teeth. You may love the look of your pierced tongue, but it could eventually cause you to lose your teeth.

Dental Restoration Damage: If you have dental restorations, you are running the risk of damage. Your beautiful porcelain veneers that your insurance didn’t cover could be ruined with that gold barbell that you cannot get enough of.

If you insist on wearing oral jewelry, dentists recommend wearing acrylic barbells or acrylic balls to lessen the chance of tooth and gum damage.

Although lip, tongue and cheek piercing is all the rage, take a moment to consider what it is doing to the rest of your body. If you are thinking about having your tongue pierced, you may want to reconsider. Losing your teeth over a pretty little piece of jewelry really isn’t worth it.

Talk to a dentist who can help you understand the dangers of oral piercings. It just may change your mind. Call today. 

The Dangers of Missing Teeth

Your dentist will tell you that missing teeth will affect more than your self confidence and although that gap in the middle of your smile may not do much for your self-esteem, it isn’t doing much for your oral health either.

Your teeth are meant to be a team, and if one is lost because of gum disease, tooth decay or an accident, you need to bring in a replacement.

Although some people don’t take losing a tooth too seriously, the long-term consequence can be detrimental. If you have missing teeth the rest of your teeth are in danger as well.

Missing teeth not only show when you smile, but will also age you. Your face will appear gaunt because there is no cheek support. Your dentist explains that other problems that can occur because of tooth loss include periodontal problems, malocclusion, hypereruption, lost fillings, tooth fractures, speech defects, chewing problems and TMJ.

According to Web MD, your teeth will move freely until they come into contact with something. In other words, if you lose a tooth, your surrounding teeth may drift into the hole that was left by the missing tooth. The movement could be tipping or rotating and will eventually affect your bite. This is known as malocclusion. If this occurs, it could be putting a strain on your TMJ or jaw joints. Not only will this cause pain, but severe TMJ disorders can actually cause your jaw to lock into place.

Tooth loss hinders your chewing ability on the side where you lost the tooth because there is less chewing surface. When this occurs, you will naturally chew on the other side. This will result in additional force that could cause lost fillings and broken teeth.

If you have a tooth that normally touches the missing tooth when you put your teeth together, hypereruption can occur causing your tooth to protrude. So much so that your roots could begin to show. This will cause sensitive teeth, root decay and gum problems.

Although it is nearly impossible to prevent all types of tooth loss, good oral hygiene that includes brushing twice and flossing once each day can certainly help you keep your teeth. If you play sports, wear a mouthguard and don’t forget to schedule regular checkups with your dentist.

For more information regarding the dangers of missing teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.