Are You Considering an Oral Piercing?
At Keshavarz Dental Office in Brampton, the comfort and safety of our dental patients come first. As such, if you or a loved one are considering an oral piercing, it’s wise to know the risks and dangers that can occur. Read on to learn more.
Oral piercings might seem trendy, but they come with significant risks. Right after getting a piercing, you may face pain, swelling, and infection. Scar tissue can also form, and secondary infections are possible, especially involving the tongue. In severe cases, surgery might be required to repair the damage.
Understanding Oral Piercings
Oral piercings typically involve a barbell through the tongue or labret (the area between the lower lip and chin). Other popular locations include the lips, uvula, and cheeks. The jewelry comes in various styles like labret studs, barbells, rings, and materials like stainless steel, gold, titanium, plastic, or nickel.
What are Potential Problems from Oral Piercings?
Essentially, oral piercings can damage your mouth, leading to chipped teeth, gums, swelling, and nerve damage. The complications vary based on the piercing’s location. For example:
- Tongue or Lip Piercings: If the barbell stud isn’t shortened after the initial swelling, it can cause teeth chipping.
- Under-the-tongue Piercings: These carry the highest risk for severe infections, which can be life-threatening. Nerve or muscle damage is also a concern.
- Labret Piercings: These can damage gum tissue, causing gums to recede and exposing tooth roots to decay and disease.
Other issues include bad breath, drooling, and difficulties with chewing and swallowing.
Reducing Risks Associated with Oral Piercings
*Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor piercings and detect potential damage to teeth and gums. If you’re considering an oral piercing, it’s crucial to take preventive measures:
- Consult Your Dentist: Before getting a piercing near or in the mouth, discuss it with your dentist.
- Assess Cleanliness: Ensure the piercing establishment is clean and follows strict infection-control policies.
- Verify Experience: The person performing the piercing should be experienced and use new needles and gloves for each customer to prevent infections like hepatitis B and C and HIV.
- Choose the Right Jewelry: Plastic jewelry is less damaging than metal jewelry, so avoid nickel due to allergy risks.
- Follow After-care Instructions: Adhere to the detailed after-care instructions provided.
- Regular Cleaning: Disinfect your jewelry regularly and brush it like your teeth.
- Use Plastic Ends: If the piercing is close to the teeth, use plastic ends to minimize damage.
- Avoid High-risk Areas: Avoid piercing the tongue or the floor of the mouth due to higher infection risks.
- Seek Immediate Care: Get medical or dental attention for excessive bleeding, swelling, pain, or signs of infection.
- Regular Dental Visits: Regular check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the piercing and detect any damage early.
- Check Jewelry Tightness: Periodically check that your jewelry is secure to prevent swallowing or choking.
- Avoid Manipulating Jewelry: To reduce the risk of infection, do not play with or manipulate jewelry once it has been placed in your mouth.
Post-Care Piercing Tips
- Apply cold to reduce swelling immediately after the piercing. Sleep with your head elevated.
- Use anti-bacterial mouthwash after eating (opt for non-alcohol based).
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods until healed.
- Only touch the piercing with clean hands if necessary.
Taking these precautions can significantly lower the risks associated with oral piercings. Regular dental visits and proper care are vital to maintaining oral health while having piercings.
Learn more about Oral Piercings and Dentistry
Call 905-791-3867 or email us to book an appointment online. You’ll be glad you did!
About Dr. Keshavarz, DDS
With over 20 years of experience in dentistry, Dr. Keshavarz is a dentist who has dedicated her life to the profession and the care of her patients. Dr. Keshavarz routinely participates in continuing education and professional training courses to ensure the best care for her patients and believes in taking time to understand the oral health needs of each of her patients. Recently, she has taken up bike riding and especially enjoys riding with her kids. She speaks both English and Farsi.
