Can oral piercings hurt my teeth?
By Dr. Heather Hradek
Body piercings provide a form of self-expression and along with that oral piercings have increased in popularity over the years that provide that self-expression, but maybe feel a little less ‘permanent’. As a dentist, I have seen lips, tongue, and cheeks pierced… but I’ve also seen the negative effects of these piercings as well. Unfortunately, while the oral piercing may not be permanent, its effects can be. So what are some of these effects? Let’s talk about it!
1) Damage to gums and teeth- As with anything new in the mouth, patients have a habit of playing with the piercing, which can lead to dental recession, cracked or chipped teeth and fillings, and sensitivity. I’ve seen patients lose teeth due to the amount of recession and bone loss from playing with their tongue ring. The backing of a lip or cheek piercing can rub the gums away, exposing the roots of teeth. I’ve seen patients crack teeth and need root canals and crowns from accidentally biting on the tongue ring. Even plastic tongue rings are not safe from preventing this damage.
2) Infection, pain, and swelling- Your mouth has millions of bacteria and so any piercing can provide a new breeding ground for bacteria to gather and ultimately lead to an infection. Untreated infections in the mouth can quickly develop and spread. Also any piercing can cause swelling, so a tongue piercing could cause the tongue to swell and potentially block the airway and become life threatening.
3) Nerve damage or uncontrollable bleeding- Your mouth has several nerves and blood vessels which provide us the ability to enjoy our food. Unfortunately, piercing through areas can cause permanent damage to these nerves that could lead to loss of taste, movement, and affect your ability to eat or speak. Also, piercing one of the major vessels in your mouth could lead to uncontrollable bleeding that is difficult to stop.
4) Hypersensitivity to metals- Just as with ear piercing sites, some people have allergic reactions to various metals used in oral piercings that can lead to swelling and pain.
5) Difficulty speaking or eating- Particularly with tongue piercings, the piercing can click against teeth or in between teeth leading to difficulty swallowing, enunciating words, and get in the way of chewing!
If you have already chosen to have an oral piercing completed, we want to help keep your mouth as healthy as possible. With clean hands, make sure you clean your piercing regularly. Plaque and tartar can build up on these just like your teeth and lead to infection if not regularly removed. Make sure you regularly check that the piercing is fully tightened—if it unwinds, it can easily be swallowed or inhaled! If you notice any signs of infection around the piercing—redness or swelling and notice fever or chills, visit your dentist or primary care physician right away!
Chesterton Family Dental is the general dental office of Dr. Mystie Pieters, Dr. Heather Hradek, and Dr. Robert Pieters providing comprehensive dental care for the entire family.