The Risks Oral Piercings Can Pose: What You Need to Know

While they may seem like an aesthetic way to express your individuality, oral piercings can come with risks that should be seriously considered. From tongue piercings to rings, these modifications can be strong additions to an appearance, but they can also lead to a range of problems for your mouth and overall health. In this post, we’ll explore the immediate and long-term risks associated with oral piercings, and why it might be wise to think twice before getting one.

Immediate Risks of Oral Piercings

The moment you get an oral piercing, your mouth becomes a hotbed for potential complications. The mouth is full of bacteria, and introducing a foreign object into this environment can quickly lead to infection. Even with the best hygiene practices, it’s nearly impossible to keep a piercing clean enough to avoid bacteria build-up entirely. An infected piercing isn’t just painful; it can spread and cause more severe health issues if not treated promptly. Some of the other health concerns, while not guaranteed symptoms, can cause true problems if left untreated.

• Swelling: It’s common for the area around a new piercing to swell, but in some cases, this swelling can become so severe that it blocks your airway, making it difficult to breathe. This is especially true for tongue piercings, where the tongue’s natural reaction is to swell in response to injury.

• Nerve Damage: Nerve damage is also a risk. The process of getting a piercing involves pushing a needle through soft tissue, and there’s always the chance that a nerve could be damaged in the process. This can lead to temporary or even permanent numbness in the area, affecting not just sensation but also your ability to speak or eat properly.

• Excessive Bleeding: The mouth is filled with blood vessels, and hitting one during the piercing process can cause prolonged bleeding. This isn’t just inconvenient; it can be dangerous and might require medical intervention to resolve.

Long-Term Oral Health Complications

The dangers don’t end after the initial healing process. In fact, the long-term risks can be even more concerning. One of the most common issues is gum recession. The constant contact between the piercing and your gums can cause the gum tissue to wear away, exposing the roots of your teeth. This not only increases tooth sensitivity but also makes you more susceptible to decay and tooth loss. Gum recession is a serious condition that can often require surgery to correct.

Tooth damage is another significant long-term danger. It’s easy to accidentally bite down on a tongue stud or lip ring, leading to chipped or cracked teeth. Over time, the constant friction between the jewelry and your teeth can wear down enamel, making your teeth more prone to cavities. Since enamel doesn’t regenerate, any damage is permanent and could require costly dental work to fix.

The possibility of developing chronic infections also increases. The piercing can create pockets where bacteria thrive, leading to frequent infections that aren’t just painful but can also spread to other parts of your body. For instance, there’s a risk of developing endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Furthermore, people with oral piercings are at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, a severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.

Impact on Daily Life

Oral piercings can also have a significant impact on your everyday life. Speech difficulties are a common issue; the jewelry can interfere with your ability to speak clearly, causing a lisp or making it difficult to pronounce certain words. This can become more pronounced as time goes on, with some needed to remove the piercing altogether. Eating can also become problematic, especially right after getting the piercing. Some foods might need to be avoided, and there’s always the risk of the jewelry becoming dislodged and accidentally swallowed or inhaled.

Oral piercings can also interfere with dental procedures. Metal jewelry can make it difficult to get accurate X-rays and other scans, and in some cases, it might need to be removed during dental treatments. This can be a hassle, and there’s the risk that the piercing site could close up if the jewelry is out for too long. Additionally, if you ever need dental surgery, having an oral piercing can complicate the procedure and increase the risk of infection.

Safer Alternatives to Oral Piercings

If you’re drawn to the look of oral piercings but are concerned about the risks, there are safer alternatives to consider. Temporary or non-invasive options, such as clip-on jewelry or body art, can give you the aesthetic appeal you’re after without the health risks. These alternatives allow you to experiment with your look without committing to a permanent change that could have serious consequences for your health.

Before deciding on an oral piercing, it’s a good idea to consult with a dental professional. They can provide you with detailed information about the risks and help you make an informed decision. If you do decide to go ahead with the piercing, they can also offer advice on how to care for it properly to minimize the risk of complications.

Conclusion

While oral piercings might seem like a fun and fashionable way to express yourself, the risks are too significant to ignore. From immediate dangers like infection and swelling to long-term complications like gum recession and tooth damage, oral piercings can have serious and lasting effects on your oral health. Additionally, they can impact your daily life in ways you might not expect, from difficulties with speech and eating to potential interference with dental care. The aesthetic appeal of oral piercings might be tempting, but it’s important to weigh these benefits against the considerable risks.

While not saying that they are the wrong decision, it’s still important to consider all the possibilities and options before getting a procedure. Exploring alternatives or seeking advice from a dental professional can help you make the best decision for your health and well-being.

Clarksville Family Dental is your home for advice about any medical or cosmetic oral procedure. Schedule an appointment with us today!