Body piercings date back more than 5,300 years when archaeologists found the world’s oldest mummy had ear adornments. Today, the popular trend has extended from the ears to the tongue, lips, and cheeks. While oral piercings can be a unique way to express one’s identity, dentists say that they can also affect your oral health. This guide outlines how they can be problematic and what precautions to take if you’re not ready to give up the piercings.

How Different Oral Piercings Can Affect Your Dental Health

Tongue

With this piercing, a barbell is inserted through the tongue and held in place with a screw cap on both ends. Users may habitually bite down on the barbell, which can cause teeth to chip or crack. Barbells may also cause gum recession brought on by excessive tongue movement. These piercings may rub up against gums, causing inflammation and other forms of oral health damage.

To minimize these conditions, dentists suggest avoiding placing undue stress on the piercing, such as clicking it against your teeth. Consider removing it before eating, but always wash your hands first.

Lips

Hoops, studs, and other jewelry inserted on the bottom or upper lip are popular piercing choices. Some individuals may even wear several at one time. As with tongue piercings, long-term wear can cause receding gums. The jewelry will also rub against gums while eating or talking, and gum recession can lead to tooth loss.

Always keep the pierced area clean, and brush and rinse thoroughly after each meal to prevent bacteria buildup. It’s recommended to remove a lip piercings before eating. 

Cheeks

Inside the cheeks are layers of soft tissue. When these areas are adorned with piercings, it can invite harmful bacteria around the penetration points. That bacteria may travel to gums and teeth and could require a dentist to remove plaque. Food might also get trapped, which can cause infections and gingivitis.

Get into the habit of removing cheek piercings periodically so that you can clean around the area. You can rinse the mouth with a salt solution by combining non-iodized salt with warm or hot water.

The dental office of William B. Collier Jr., DMD, in Enterprise, AL, provides customized treatment and preventative solutions for patients with oral piercings. He and his professional and friendly staff accommodate clients of all ages with services ranging from teeth cleaning and whitening to oral cancer screenings and orthodontics referrals. Call (334) 347-5026 to speak with a team member and schedule an appointment, or visit the website for this dentist office’s complete lineup of care options.