If you’re considering an oral piercing, think carefully. While oral piercings might give you the look you want or help you express yourself, they can also have a negative effect on your oral health.
At Walden Square Dental, we encourage our patients to do their own research and to weigh the risks and benefits of any decision affecting their oral health. To help you make your decision, we’ve compiled the following list of factors to consider when thinking about an oral piercing.
1. Infection
Your mouth may be home to more than 6 billion bacteria. While some of those bacteria are beneficial, there are many more that can cause decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. When you get an oral piercing, it gives bacteria yet another place to hide and can result in an infection or swelling around the site of the piercing.
2. Chipped or Cracked Teeth
While it might seem harmless to absentmindedly play with your oral piercing, we’ve seen many cases where folks have cracked or chipped their teeth on their piercing. They can also irritate and injure gums.
3. Damage to Nerves
If your piercing is not done by a professional, you run the risk of damaging a nerve. This can permanently affect your mouth and can have serious consequences.
If you’re considering an oral piercing, make sure you seriously consider the impact it could have on your oral health. You’ll need to carefully monitor the site of your piercing for any changes or signs of infection and regularly clean it. Meanwhile, you’ll need to maintain a good oral hygiene routine: brush your teeth twice daily, floss each day, and visit our office regularly for cleanings and exams.
If you want to ask us any other questions about caring for oral piercings or want to schedule your next visit to our office, contact us today.
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