From tongue piercings to lip piercings, there are a plenty of ways to make a statement with an oral piercing. This day and age, piercings have become more and more common. Sure, piercings are a great form of self-expression or a great option for a fashion statement, but they can be particularly dangerous for your oral health. For a lot of people out there, getting a piercing can be a spontaneous decision, but we encourage you to really weigh out the pros and cons of getting an oral piercing and what it could mean for your oral health. There have been plenty of instances where oral piercings have lead to tooth decay, enamel erosion, and eventual tooth loss. If you find yourself in this predicament, don’t panic. Dental implants are an amazing option to restore any missing teeth, but it is important to be aware of the possible negative outcomes to best protect your smile. Dr. Altschuler of Altschuler Periodontic & Implant Center is blogging to explain piercings and oral health for his patients in Gainesville, FL.
Dangers of Oral Piercings
The consequences of an oral piercings can range from minor issues to serious health complications. Oral piercings are most commonly piercings of the tongue, lip or cheek.The best way to avoid some of these issues is by being aware of the possible problems that can occur. Here are the most common oral health issues that people deal with because of a piercing:
- Infection of Piercing Area: This can occur because of unsanitary piercing practices or improper cleaning during the first few weeks. An infection of the piercing can affect the entire mouth and put the health of your teeth and gums at stake.
- Chipped or Fractured Teeth: Piercing jewelry can do some serious damage to your teeth if you accidentally bite down on it. Tongue piercings are most commonly the culprit of chipped or cracked teeth.
- Receding Gums: The metal piercing can also rub up against gums and cause damage. If this occurs enough, your gums can start to recede, leaving your teeth more vulnerable.
- Trouble Talking or Eating: Oral piercings have been known to cause excessive saliva, which can affect your ability to speak or eat like normal.
- Numb tongue: A numb tongue is a pretty common side effect of a tongue piercing, but it usually will go away. In some instances, the tongue can become permanently numb due to improper piercing placement.
Prevent Oral Health Damage From Piercings
If you’re aware of the possible risks of oral piercings, you’re already one step ahead because most of these problems can be easily avoided. Here are some steps to ensure your oral piercings stay a fashion statement and not an oral health disaster.
- Go to an experienced, sanitary piercer
- Clean piercing regularly
- Avoid clicking your piercing against teeth
- Consider removing the piercing while you eat
Contact our Office in Gainesville, FL
Are you already dealing with a missing or failing tooth? Consider dental implants to restore your healthy, beautiful smile! The longevity and comfort of dental implants is unmatched by any other tooth restoration option. Dental implants have been known to last a lifetime and are as stable as natural teeth because the are fused to the jawbone. If you’re in the Gainesville, FL area, contact our office to find out what dental implants can do for your smile. Call and schedule your free, no-obligation consultation to start your dental implant process today!
