While piercings are fascinating forms of self-expression, piercings of the tongue, lips, or cheeks may not be the best decision for your dental health. They can cause a host of issues even after the piercing has fully healed that must be addressed by a dentist. Below are a few to be mindful of.

What Oral Piercings Do to the Health of Your Mouth

1. Infections

When you get the piercing, there’s the possibility that it will become infected. While this is concerning regardless of where the piercing is, infections in oral piercings will spread to other parts of your mouth, such as your tongue, gums, teeth, and lips, which can have lasting repercussions on your teeth. Left untreated, infections can even cause blood poisoning, putting your life in danger. To prevent this, follow the aftercare instructions your piercer gives you. Keep the site clean and monitor it for redness, swelling, or pus. Visit a physician if an infection occurs.

2. Gum Disease

Piercings in your lip and cheek will rub against your gums, causing them to become swollen, raw, and tender, eventually peeling back from your teeth. If left unaddressed, this can catalyze the development of gum disease, which is caused by chronic gum irritation, followed by infection. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth and jaw bone loss, so it’s not a condition to take lightly. See your dentist if you notice bleeding, swollen, red, irritated, or receding gums. To prevent irritation, wear flat-backed studs in lip and cheek piercings, and take care not to rub the jewelry against your teeth or gums.

3. Tooth Damage

With lip, cheek, and tongue piercings, it’s easy to accidentally bite down on the body jewelry, which can cause fractures, chips, and pain in your tooth, as well as damage fillings near the piercing site. Rings in your lips, cheeks, and tongue will also rub against your teeth as you eat and speak, leading to enamel weakening or loss; this causes tooth sensitivity and heightens your risk for decay. If you’re determined to keep your piercing despite the risks, you can reduce the amount of damage done by not toying with the piercing and being aware of how it moves against your teeth and gums when you talk. You can also speak to your dental team about procedural solutions, such as crowns, veneers, or sealants, which will protect your enamel.

If your piercings are giving you a toothache or other dental issue, visit the knowledgeable dentist team at High Point Smile Dentistry in High Point, NC. For over 15 years, they’ve offered quality general, cosmetic, and restorative dental services. Whether you have a toothache or want advice on your piercings, they’ll listen to your concerns and provide gentle, thorough treatment or guidance. Backed by the latest dental technology and knowledge, their restorative dental services are advanced and effective, with their dentist being certified in revolutionary procedures like the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique. Learn about their services online, then call (336) 884-4000 to schedule your dentist appointment today.