Many people use lip, tongue, cheek, and other oral piercings to express themselves. While they’re creative personal statements, piercings can increase your risk of dental health issues. It’s important to be aware of the effects before committing to a piercing—learn what you should know in the following guide.

3 Ways Piercings Can Impact Oral Health

1. Infection

Infections are among the most common consequences of piercings since they create an open wound in your mouth. Bacteria introduced to your mouth from objects and foods can enter the wound and cause an infection. Symptoms of this include swelling around the piercing, increased salivation, pain, and constant drooling. If left untreated, long-term nerve damage or scar tissue around the site may develop. People can also contract HIV and other diseases during the piercing.

Any foreign object in the mouth can house bacteria, and this isn’t a short-term concern. A piercing can lead to infection months or even years later if it isn’t cleaned properly.

2. Tooth & Mouth Injuries

The metal ball-post and clasp on a piercing can damage teeth and soft tissue. It’s easy to bite down on cheek and tongue piercings, which can break a tooth or lacerate the mouth. Exterior piercings, like lip rings, may snag on clothing and other objects, causing them to be ripped out. The result is a wound prone to infection.

If a tooth breaks, a dentist must repair it right away to prevent decay-causing bacteria from attacking the pulp and creating a root canal infection that can kill it. The dentist will clean the tooth and seal the canal before applying a dental crown. Smaller chips and breaks may be fixed with a sculpted bond, while the most significant fractures could require tooth extraction.

3. Gum Disease

Research has shown that the closer a piercing is to the teeth—specifically tongue piercings—the higher the risk of gum disease is. The pressure against the tissue may cause the gums to recede. Plaque can then form on exposed parts of teeth that don't have a protective enamel layer and lead to gum disease. The resulting inflammation and tissue damage causes tooth loss and long-term oral health problems. Patients often require multiple scaling and root planing procedures to save their teeth, or dental implants to replace lost teeth.

Always consult with your dentist before getting an oral piercing. Patients in Lexington, KY, rely on Susan Kleier, DMD, for their oral health needs. Dr. Kleier has provided a variety of care for over 25 years and welcomes patients of all ages. Learn more about preventive care on her website, or connect on Facebook for oral health tips. Call (859) 225-1188 to schedule an exam.