In recent years, tongue piercings and other oral piercings have become very popular, especially among young people and young adults. Many people like the look of oral jewelry or find it edgy, including various types of tongue jewelry.
However, it's important to know how these piercings can affect your oral health, particularly if you have braces. Before you get your tongue or lip pierced, you should think about the risks. It is also important to understand how to take proper care of them.
Are Oral Piercings Safe? The Risks and Complications
Thinking about an oral piercing, such as a cheek piercing? You should consider it carefully. These piercings might look harmless, but they can have bad side effects. Oral piercings come with many risks and problems, which can range from mild discomfort to excessive saliva flow and serious and lasting damage, including
issues with chewing. Immediate issues are common. Long-term effects can greatly affect your oral health and overall health.
Remember, your mouth has a lot of bacteria. Adding something new can lead to infections. It's crucial to think about these risks before making your choice.
Immediate Complications Post-Piercing
One immediate risk of oral piercings is excessive bleeding. The tongue has a lot of blood vessels. If the piercing is not done right, it can lead to a lot of bleeding. This risk is even higher if you have a blood clotting disorder or take blood-thinning medication.
Swelling is another common problem. After you get a piercing, it’s normal for your body to swell as it heals. Depending on where you have the piercing, this swelling could make it hard to breathe, speak, or swallow properly.
In addition, the risk of infection is a big concern with oral piercings. The warm and moist space in your mouth can promote bacteria. If you don't keep your piercing clean, you can increase your chances of getting a painful and possibly serious infection.
Long-Term Health Concerns
Besides immediate problems, oral piercings can cause long-term health issues. One big worry is nerve damage. Tongue piercings can hurt the nerves that help you taste and feel, leading to numbness, which may require surgical removal in severe cases. This damage can either be temporary or, in some cases, permanent. In extreme cases, a severely swollen tongue from the piercing may close off the airway, leading to complications. You might end up with a numb tongue or notice changes in how things taste.
Another long-term issue is tooth decay. Metal jewelry can chip or crack your teeth. It can also rub against your gums, leading to irritation,
gum recession, and even tooth loss. Fixing these dental problems can be expensive and take a lot of time.
Additionally, some studies show a link between oral piercings and serious infections like endocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart's inner lining. This risk is higher for people who already have heart problems.
Oral Piercings and Dental Health
Keeping good oral hygiene is very important when you have oral piercings. The jewelry can collect plaque and bacteria. This can raise your risk of gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.
When your piercings touch your teeth all the time, it can lead to serious dental problems. You might get chipped or cracked teeth, worn enamel, or broken fillings. These issues can happen even with small touches.
Do Oral Piercings Cause Problems in the Mouth?
The simple answer? Yes, oral piercings can cause issues in the mouth. The American Dental Association (ADA) warns against oral piercings because they can harm your dental health.
Problems can happen while healing and even later on. If you have an oral piercing, pay attention and get help right away if you see any signs of infection. These signs include redness, swelling, pain, discharge, or fever. Early detection and treatment are very important to avoid complications.
Even with good care, oral piercings can result in long-lasting dental issues. It's important to talk to your dentist about any worries you have to make smart choices regarding your oral health.
