Oral piercings are often on the tongue, the cheeks, uvula, gums or the lips. While you may like their style, these piercings can have a detrimental impact on your oral health. Understand the consequences of having these piercings, and if you still want to keep yours, know how you can work with your dentist to protect your teeth and mouth.

A Dentist’s Guide to Oral Piercings & Health

How Piercings Affect Your Health

Oral piercings affect your mouth’s health in a few ways. Ones that come into contact with your teeth, such as tongue piercings, can crack the enamel. They have been known to damage fillings and increase sensitivity in your gums and teeth. If the piercing gets caught on something and ripped out, it could create a major injury inside your mouth as well.

Any type of oral piercing is also a prime breeding ground for bacteria. These infections, if left untreated, can become life-threatening if they enter the bloodstream or cause swelling that blocks your airway. Some other potential side effects include excessive drooling and nerve damage that affects your ability to talk or taste.

How to Protect Your Mouth

If you have piercings that you do not want to remove, take some precautions to protect your oral health. Keep the piercing clean and use a mouth rinse to remove all food particles after every meal. Be aware of how the metal moves in your mouth as you eat and talk and take care that it doesn’t hit against the teeth. Every once in a while, wash your hands and check that the piercing is securely in place, so it won’t dislodge. See your dentist immediately if you see any signs of an infection such as pain, swelling, redness, or chills.

The team at Anchorage Dental Center is dedicated to protecting your complete oral health in Alaska. With a dentist utilizing years of experience and the latest methods with top-of-the-line equipment, you can trust that the entire family will be well cared for. They offer a full range of treatments, from routine teeth cleanings to procedures such as a root canal. Contact the dental clinic online or at (907) 278-2521 to schedule an appointment.