October 2022

Do you have an oral piercing, or are you thinking about getting one? They are very popular, but they can cause damage to your teeth and gums, something you might want to think about if you have spent a lot of time and effort getting work done on your teeth. Here is some more information on oral piercings and how they can affect the health of your teeth and gums.

What damage can an oral piercing do?

Here are some of the risks that come with an oral piercing, if it is constantly rubbing up against your teeth and gums:

• Damage to your teeth such as chips and cracks (which can lead to a tooth infection)

• Damage to crowns and other restorations

• Damage to your gums, which can cause gum recession

An oral piercing can also lead to the production of excessive saliva, which can make it difficult to speak, chew, and swallow. And, in the worst case scenario, an oral piercing can lead to an infection spreading to the rest of your body, if bacteria in your mouth gets into the piercing, which can lead to severe health problems such as endocarditis (inflammation of the heart).

Taking care of your oral piercing

If you do decide to get an oral piercing, the most important thing to keep in mind is to keep it and your mouth very clean. Brush and floss often, and make sure you see your dentist at least twice a year so that he or she can check for any issues.

If you play a sport or take part in any activity where there is any chance your piercing could get ripped out or smashed against your teeth, make sure you take it out before you play. Avoid playing with your piercing and don’t put objects such as pen caps in your mouth, as these can carry bacteria that can cause infection.

Hopefully, you will be very happy with your piercing and it will never cause you any problems. But if it does, call Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center in East Norriton, PA, for an appointment, at (610) 272-6949!