Some of the most common locations for oral piercings are the tongue, lips, cheek, or uvula. Oral piercings, even those outside the mouth, affect your dental health, requiring certain changes to your oral hygiene habits to ensure your mouth and teeth stay in good shape. Whether you currently have one or are considering getting a mouth piercing, here is what you should know about their risks and how you can protect your mouth.

How Piercings Affect Your Mouth

Getting any piercing comes with a risk of infection, but this is especially true in your mouth, which is filled with bacteria that can infect the location and cause swelling and pain. In severe cases, the swelling from an infection in the mouth can even block your airways and leave you struggling for breath. Those who are sensitive to certain metals are at the greatest risk of developing a reaction to their piercing.

After the piercing is set, the metal inside your mouth can still cause damage to gums and fillings as it moves and knocks against them. In the event of an impact, tongue and lip piercings could scratch, chip, or crack your teeth.

How to Practice Good Oral Hygiene 

If you have a piercing somewhere inside or around your mouth, practice good oral hygiene by keeping the site clean to prevent infections and bacteria growth. In addition to brushing your teeth, use mouthwash after every meal to reach the nooks around your piercing. Don’t move your piercing with your tongue or fingers, which can transfer bacteria, and try not to clink it against your teeth to prevent chips. Redness or swelling around the area could be signs of infection, so visit a doctor or dentist immediately.

If you need to develop an oral hygiene plan for your mouth piercing or simply want to schedule a routine cleaning, visit New Horizons Dental LLC in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Their professional team offers services like teeth whitening, preventive care, oral cancer screenings, and customized oral hygiene plans for family members of all ages. Learn about common dental conditions on their website, or call (715) 424-7810 to schedule an appointment.