Oral piercings are a unique, artistic form of self-expression, and can be inserted in the tongue, lips, and other parts in and around the mouth. While they look great, it’s important to educate yourself on the potential issues you could encounter when you have one to protect your health. Maintaining good oral hygiene, such as regular teeth cleaning, makes all the difference. Read on to find out more about oral care and piercings.     

Do Piercings Affect Oral Health?

Intraoral and perioral piercings penetrate skin and tissue, creating openings that could attract bacteria. The human mouth is naturally full of it, so it’s necessary to keep the area around a piercing extra clean to avoid an infection. This is especially important immediately after getting a piercing because it’s in the process of healing. Touching the area with your hands or other foreign objects could contaminate it. 

Piercings could also chip or crack teeth if you accidentally bite down on them or if they constantly knock against your teeth. Gum recession is another possibility, particularly with lip rings, since they could rub against the gumline. When the gumline recedes, the root of your tooth is exposed, making it more prone to tooth decay.    

Should I Clean the Piercing to Prevent Bacteria?

Keeping the area sanitary is crucial when you have a piercing. Besides regularly brushing and flossing, rinse with an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash after every meal, if possible. Saltwater or saline solutions are good options to sanitize the mouth and the site of the piercing. Also, consider using a tongue scraper, since this part of the mouth can harbor tons of bacteria. 

If you have a tongue piercing, remove it beforehand, and don’t use this tool if the piercing isn’t fully healed. Many dentists recommend removing jewelry before eating to prevent food from getting trapped, when sleeping, and when brushing your teeth for a thorough cleaning. Regular teeth cleaning is also important so that your dentist can examine the piercing and mouth for any problems.     

Should I Take It Out at the Dentist?

Check with your dentist before an appointment to see if you should remove any piercings. If you’re getting an x-ray, you most likely have to take it out since it can obstruct parts of the mouth. A piercing could appear as a shadow, concealing areas and making it difficult for a doctor to detect potential dental issues. Jewelry may also need to be removed for certain kinds of dental work, such as teeth cleaning, depending on whether the size and location of the piercing make it difficult to access the area.

You can still achieve great dental health with oral piercings, and Waterford Dental Health in Waterford, CT, can help. The doctors take a skilled and caring approach to patients’ needs, and stay on top of the latest developments in dentistry. The practice specializes in cosmetic dentistry, restorations, orthodontics, and more. Call (860) 447-2235 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to learn more.