Oral piercings are a common form of self-expression and ornamentation. While they can be visually appealing, they also pose certain hazards to your dental care. This guide details the various ways different piercings can impact your oral health.

How Piercings Affect Your Oral Health

Tongue Piercings

Piercing the tongue is one of the most common forms of oral jewelry. Developing a habit of playing with this piercing or clicking it against the teeth can scratch, crack, or otherwise damage a tooth’s enamel.

Because the mouth is a moist environment with lots of bacteria, a tongue piercing can become easily infected, especially without proper dental care. If the jewelry hits a nerve when you’re being pierced, you may also experience numbness in your tongue that may or may not be permanent.

Lip Piercings

Lip piercings are similarly susceptible to infection when not properly cared for. They can also damage the front of your teeth and gums, especially if you have a habit of playing with the jewelry or moving it around excessively by biting on it with your teeth.

This could also cause the piercing to come loose. Always check to make sure the jewelry is tightened and secure to avoid a choking hazard.

Cheek Piercings

Cheek piercings are slightly less common but pose similar risks as other oral jewelry. Food particles can easily get stuck in or around the piercing and become a breeding ground for bacteria that leads to infection. Occasionally, your body will react to the piercing as a foreign body and attempt to expel or reject the jewelry.

Precautions to Take

Regardless of the type of piercing, follow a rigid mouth cleaning routine. Brush twice daily and floss at least once per day. Except for water, rinse your mouth thoroughly with nonalcoholic mouthwash after every single meal or beverage.

Be gentle and careful when chewing and speaking, especially when the piercing is new. Regularly check for signs of infection with clean hands, even after the piercing has healed. Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any swelling, discharge, or red streaks around the piercing.

To keep your oral piercings and mouth healthy, visit David E. Smith, DMD, PSC in Nicholasville, KY. This dental care office offers an array of services, including general dentistry, teeth cleaning, tooth extraction, and teeth whitening. Trust this dental clinic to take care of your smile with expertise and a commitment to your comfort. Call (859) 887-4008 to make an appointment, or visit their website for more information.