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Lip, cheek, gum, and uvula piercings are common forms of self-expression that can pose health risks. While they look cool, they may leave you requiring cosmetic dentistry to reverse the negative effects they have on your mouth. Oral piercings encourage infection, swelling, and damage to your teeth. If you have one, here’s what you need to know. 

What are the Effects of Oral Piercings?

Breathing Blockages

If you have a tongue piercing, the tissue can easily become irritated and infected, causing the tongue to swell and preventing you from breathing properly. Mouth jewelry can cause choking on loose or broken gems or metal.

Damaged Teeth & Gums

cosmetic dentistryBiting on mouth piercings is a common habit but can lead to chipped or cracked teeth, loose fillings, and damaged crowns. Also, repetitive chewing on lip piercings near the gum line can recede the gums, exposing the roots of the teeth. 

Disease & Infection

Infection and pain in the mouth can cause you to excessively salivate, impair speech, and affect the way you chew or swallow. The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, so adding a foreign object can confuse the body and cause it to reject the piercing. Serious infections like hepatitis B, C, D, and G have been known to result from piercings.

What Can You Do if You Already Have Oral Piercings?

Do your best to keep it clean. Brush, floss, and use mouthwash at least twice per day and wash your mouth out with water after each meal. While participating in sports events, remove the piercing and utilize a mouthguard. If you experience any symptoms of infection like pain, swelling, chills, fever, or piercing-site-redness, reach out to the dentist for an evaluation.

 

Waterford Dental Health in New London County, CT, offers a calm and client-focused approach to preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Their team specializes in sedation dentistry for teeth cleanings, dental implants, and fillings. View their Facebook page to stay active with their updates. For more information on their cosmetic dentistry treatments, visit their website or call (860) 447-2235.

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