How Can Oral Piercings Affect My Smile?

Thinking of getting an oral piercing? You may want to take a moment to consider the oral health risks. At Kraklow Quality Dentistry, we support everyone’s freedom of self-expression. However, as dental professionals, we strongly advise against getting oral piercings because of how damaging they are to your oral health.

What Are Oral Piercings?

Oral piercings are piercings made anywhere on the lip, tongue, cheeks, frenulum, or even the uvula, the tissue that hangs at the back of the throat. From rings, studs, barbells, and even dental piercings, there are more oral jewelry choices than ever before!

What Are the Adverse Effects of Oral Piercings?

Here are some reasons why we don’t recommend oral piercings:

Infection, Pain, and Swelling: The mouth houses millions of oral bacteria that can enter the piercing site and cause a painful infection. In extreme cases, the piercing can cause the tongue to swell, potentially blocking the airway.

Endocarditis: Piercings sometimes allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart. That can result in the inflammation of the heart valves and tissues, a serious condition known as endocarditis.

Tooth and Gum Damage: Biting down on oral jewelry can chip or fracture a tooth or dental work, including fillings or crowns. The jewelry can also harm the soft gum tissue and cause gum recession, leading to tooth sensitivity and leaving your tooth roots exposed and susceptible to developing decay.

Nerve damage: After a tongue piercing, it’s common to experience numbness, usually due to temporary nerve damage. However, the damage can be permanent, affecting your sense of taste and the movement and function of your mouth.

Additional Complications: Jewelry sometimes breaks off, posing a choking hazard. Moreover, it can make chewing and swallowing challenging and may interfere with your speech, causing a lisp. The jewelry can also cause increased saliva flow, leaving you with excessive drooling.

Maintaining a Healthy Smile

If you decide to get oral piercings, there are some ways you can minimize the risk of dental problems. Make sure you maintain proper oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing. Avoid playing with your jewelry, and don’t click it against your teeth. It’s best to take out any oral jewelry during sleep or when taking part in sports.

Don’t forget to visit Kraklow Quality Dentistry for your routine dental exams so we can monitor your oral health. If you see signs of infections, such as red streaks, make sure to contact us right away.

Quality Dental Care in Milwaukee, WI

We at Kraklow Quality Dentistry recommend avoiding oral piercings. However, we respect your decision and are always here to support your oral health. We are committed to ensuring our valued patients enjoy long-term healthy smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!