It might not be something that you consider when you get your tongue, lips, or cheeks pierced, but oral jewelry can have a significant impact on your dental health. While they allow you to express your unique sense of style, it’s crucial to be mindful of their effects on your teeth and gums so that you can visit your dentist at the first sign of a problem. Here’s what you should know if you have an oral piercing.

How Do Oral Piercings Impact Your Dental Health?

1. Tooth Damage

If you have a piercing inside your mouth, you may unknowingly develop a habit of playing with it or biting down on it. This can cause significant pressure on your teeth, and may potentially lead to a crack that increases sensitivity and leaves you more vulnerable to decay. Moreover, if you have a filling, it may loosen or fall out if the affected tooth comes into continuous contact with your piercing. Be mindful of this if you have a piercing and take extra precautions to prevent the habit from forming.

2. Potential Infection

Any type of opening in the body has the potential to become infected, leaving you susceptible to pain, discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. Serious complications could also cause the gums to recede, or the jewelry to become embedded in the piercing site. In that case, a surgical procedure may be necessary to remove it. Follow all guidelines to prevent infection as directed by your piercing professional, and watch your mouth for swelling, redness, or pain as these are potential signs of a problem.

3. Speech Difficulties

Although you may grow accustomed to your piercing over time, in the beginning its presence can make it more difficult to communicate as you normally would. You might also have a hard time chewing, swallowing, and brushing your teeth depending on where the piercing is located. Your dentist will advise you to keep the site as clean as possible to prevent swelling that might aggravate the problem.

4. Difficult Checkups

It’s crucial to schedule annual visits with your dentist to prevent future issues with your teeth and gums. However, the piercing can make it difficult for your provider to work comfortably inside your mouth, and even to perform X-rays. The jewelry could potentially obstruct the image or hinder its quality. It is helpful to remove your oral piercings before your appointment to avoid these issues.  If you can not remove the piercing, explain to your provider in advance that you have a piercing that can not be removed, so that they can make the appropriate arrangements. 

Patients throughout Columbia, MO, trust in the team at Keen Dental Care to resolve their tooth and gum concerns. The dentists provide compassionate care in a comfortable environment, offering everything from cleaning and teeth whitening to tooth extraction and veneers. Visit them online to find out how they can help you, or call (573) 875-5336 to schedule an appointment.