Body piercings are one of the most popular ways people today express themselves. Oral piercings to the tongue, lips, cheeks, or uvula (the tiny tissue that hangs at the back of the throat) can be quite ornamental, but they also bring the risk of periodontal disease and the eventual need for oral surgery. Here are just a few ways that oral piercings can affect your dental health.

The Ways Oral Piercings Affect Dental Health

1. Swelling

A piercing causes initial swelling around the site. If the swelling of your tongue or mouth becomes too large, it could close off your airway, causing you to choke.

2. Infections

Millions of bacteria live inside the moist environment of your mouth, any of which could cause an infection at the piercing site that, if left unchecked, can lead to periodontal disease or tooth extraction.

3. Cracked Teeth

If you accidentally bite down on your piercing, you could crack a tooth, which would mean extraction and possible dental implants to repair the damage.

4. Nerve Damage

After a piercing, you may experience numbness that indicates nerve damage. This could be temporary or permanent. If the nerve damage is to your tongue, this could affect your sense of taste.

5. Damage to Gums and Fillings

A piercing that rubs against your gums can cause irritation and sensitivity, which also can lead to periodontal disease. Piercings also have been known to damage fillings.

Preventative Care for Oral Piercings

Dentists recommend removing your piercing to prevent any oral care issues. However, if you want to keep your piercing and avoid periodontal disease or cracked teeth, here are a few quick preventative care steps you can take.

1. Keep the Piercing Clean

This means using a mouth rinse after every meal and a regular brushing and flossing regimen.

2. Be Gentle with Your Jewelry

Avoid biting on the piercing and constantly playing with it in your mouth. Also, check its tightness to ensure it doesn’t fall out and become a choking hazard.

3. Remove Piercings When Playing Sports

Even if your sport doesn’t have a rule requiring you to take it off, it’s a safe practice to protect your mouth. Use a mouthguard to further avoid dental injuries.

If you experience any of the oral health issues outlined above, the experienced dentists at Periodontal Visions can help. Dr. Robert Limardi and his staff offer complete oral care and periodontics from their offices in Fairfield and Cincinnati, OH. Call today at (513) 870-9672 or visit the website for more information about preventing periodontal disease.