Oral piercing is becoming more popular among young people, with nearly as many as one in five having their tongues, lips, or cheeks pierced. Oral piercing carries a range of risks from infection to damage to teeth enamel that could lead to long-term dental problems—but these negative consequences are not inevitable if you engage in proper oral hygiene practices. Here we’ll look in detail at some of the potential risks associated with oral piercings and how you can minimize them through good oral care habits.
Oral Piercing Risks
Oral piercings carry a range of risks that can have long-term implications for dental health and general well-being. One of the most potentially serious consequences is an infection, which can be caused by bacteria in the mouth being introduced to the piercing site. Oral piercing also carries the risk of nerve damage, as well as gum recession and deterioration of teeth enamel due to inadequate oral hygiene practices or wearing sharp jewelry. In worst cases, the tongue may swell up so much that it could impair breathing or cause choking if not treated quickly.
Infection Risk
The primary risk associated with oral piercings is an infection from bacteria in saliva getting into the pierced area. Oral infections are generally treated with antibiotics, but in rare cases, they can be severe and even life-threatening. The risk of infection is particularly high if the piercing equipment is not sterilized properly or the piercing is done by an unskilled person. Oral piercing may also introduce new pathogens into the body, which can cause more systemic infections.
Nerve Damage
The oral cavity contains a range of nerves that are at risk of being damaged during an oral piercing procedure. This could result in numbness or tingling sensations in the mouth and lips, as well as changes to taste and smell sensation. In some cases, nerve damage can be permanent leading to long-term disability or disfigurement of the face and mouth area.
Oral Hygiene Complications
Poor oral hygiene can lead to a range of dental health problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Oral piercings increase the risk of developing these conditions as jewelry can damage gums and teeth enamel by scraping or catching on them. Oral piercing also makes it more difficult to clean the mouth properly which provides an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and cause infection.
Oral Hygiene Practices for Oral Piercings
Although there are potential risks associated with oral piercings, following proper oral hygiene practices can help minimize them. Here will look in detail at some of the key habits that should be adopted when getting an oral.
Oral Hygiene Practices
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene whenever you have an oral piercing, as this can reduce the risk of infection and other dental health problems. This means brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and using a mouthwash or antiseptic rinse regularly. It is also important to clean the pierced area daily with warm salt water or an antibacterial solution that has been approved by your piercer.
Careful Jewelry Selection
When selecting jewelry for an oral piercing, it’s important to make sure it is made from materials that will not irritate the gums or damage teeth enamel. Non-metallic materials, such as glass or plastics, are generally the best options. Jewelry with sharp edges should also be avoided as they can catch on the gums and wear away teeth enamel over time.
Oral Health Care Professional Advice
Before getting an oral piercing, it is important to consult a dental health care professional in order to understand the potential risks and how to minimize them through good oral hygiene practices. A dentist or piercer can provide advice on which jewelry types are suitable for use in the mouth, as well as how often you should clean your new piercing and what products you should use to do so.
Conclusion
Oral piercings have become increasingly popular in recent years, but they carry a range of risks to dental health and general well-being. Oral hygiene practices should be followed carefully in order to reduce these risks and maintain good oral health. Additionally, it is important to consult a professional before getting an oral piercing in order to understand the potential risks and how to mitigate them.
A1: Oral piercing carries a range of risks that can be minimized through proper oral hygiene practices and careful jewelry selection. However, there is still a risk of infection, nerve damage, gum damage, tooth enamel damage, and other complications. It is important to consult a dental health care professional before getting an oral piercing so you can better understand these risks and how they may affect you personally.
A2: Oral hygiene practices should be followed carefully when getting an oral piercing. This includes brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and using a mouthwash or antiseptic rinse regularly. The pierced area should also be cleaned daily with warm salt water or an antibacterial solution that has been approved by your piercer.
A3: Non-metallic materials, such as glass or plastic, are generally the best options for oral piercings as they will not irritate the gums or damage teeth enamel. Jewelry with sharp edges should also be avoided as they can catch on the gums and wear away teeth enamel over time. It is best to consult a dental health professional before selecting jewelry for an oral piercing in order to make sure it is suitable for use in the mouth.