Any dentist will advise you to keep the piercing needle away from the tongue, gums and lips. Dr. Robert Petrtyl, Cincinnati’s most trusted practitioner of general dentistry, brings over 30 years of experience to his practice and is dedicated to keeping all of his patients healthy and well-informed when it comes to the health of their teeth. That’s why he wants to provide useful information about the risks associated with oral piercings.

According to the American Dental Association, oral piercings cause the following health problems:

• Damaged Teeth: Especially if you get in the habit of clicking or playing with your piercing, you can seriously damage your teeth and any fillings you may have. If you do have an oral piercing, it’s important to always remain aware of it while talking or chewing in order to avoid accidentally biting it and cracking your teeth.
• Infections: Because your mouth is such a moist area and contains considerable amounts of bacteria, infections in oral piercings are fairly common. Not only are infections painful, but they can also lead to inflammation, which can be especially dangerous: a swollen tongue could block your airway. Should you experience any infection after an oral piercing, it’s vitally important to consult a trusted doctor or dentist such as Dr. Petrtyl.
• Nerve Damage: A numb tongue after an oral piercing could just be temporary, but in certain cases it’s permanent. This level of nerve damage affects everything from how you move your mouth to your sense of taste.

Before you make the decision to get an oral piercing, consult with a trusted dentist. Dr. Robert Petrtyl is happy to answer any questions his patients may have about anything from tongue piercing to restorative dentistry. Visit him online to learn more or make an appointment by calling (513) 554-4657.