Health Risks of Oral Piercings

Piercings are a popular way to express individuality. However, the wrong type of piercings can negatively affect your health. Oral piercings are just one example.

Your mouth is filled with oral bacteria, and any piercing in this area exposes your body to numerous toxins. Infection is common with oral piercings. You may also be at an increased risk of developing hepatitis or endocarditis, a life-threatening infection of the lining of the heart.

In some cases, swelling can also be a risk. A swollen tongue or uvula could easily block your airways and threaten your life. Oral piercings can also damage your teeth. Repeated contact between the jewelry and your teeth could lead to premature wear or fracture. You could also lose fillings or other restorations if they become damaged by the jewelry. Improper piercing techniques can also leave you at risk. Nerve damage, blood vessel damage, excessive drooling and reactions to the jewelry are all possibilities.

If you have an oral piercing, you can protect your dental health by removing your jewelry and wearing a mouth guard during any athletic activities. Keep your piercing site clean, and follow the piercer’s instructions carefully to reduce your risk of complications or delayed healing. Always wash your hands before handling your piercing, brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily to reduce your risk of infection. Be gentle with your piercing when eating or talking to avoid damaging your teeth. Contact us if you have any swelling, fever or pain, symptoms that could indicate infection.

Contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment with our North Hollywood dentist.