Although your dentist can appreciate self-expression, they can’t recommend oral piercings. At Gladstein Dental Center, offering family dentistry services to patients in the New Britain, CT, area, they’ll be happy to explain why piercing your tongue, cheeks, lips, or uvula isn’t a good idea.

Below are several reasons why your dentist encourages you to avoid this piercing type in particular:

• Oral Tissue Damage: People with oral piercings have a tendency to play with them. This can scratch your gums, teeth, and even your fillings, causing uncomfortable injuries. If the damage breaks down your enamel, you’ll be left with the pain of tooth sensitivity.
• Dental Care Issues: It’s difficult to offer thorough, quality dental care to patients with oral piercings. They often block X-rays, preventing your dentist from assessing the condition of your teeth with accuracy.
• Allergies: It’s not uncommon for patients to develop an allergic reaction to their jewelry’s metal components when they get an oral piercing. Mitigate discomfort by opting for a piercing away from your mouth, such as your ears.
• Nerve Damage: A tongue piercing may damage the nerves in the tongue, resulting in temporary or permanent numbness. This nerve damage can also interfere with your sense of taste.
• Infection: Your mouth is full of bacteria. A piercing inside of it will boost the likelihood of an infection. At first, this may only result in some pain, but if left untreated, it could be fatal.
• Swelling: Tongue piercings can cause the tongue to swell, potentially blocking the main airway. This issue can also result in near-death complications if not addressed quickly. Pierced tongues also have a tendency to produce more saliva, and no flashy jewelry is worth constant drooling.

At Gladstein Dental Center of New Haven, CT, they want you to enjoy optimal oral health. As such, they recommend avoiding oral piercings. To learn more about how their team can boost your oral health, contact them online or call (860) 223-1162.