Body modifications, such as tattoos and piercings, have been around for centuries. Over the past fifteen years or so, it has returned as a trend among young people. What’s changed since ancient times is knowledge of dentistry and how these modifications affect our bodies, and especially how tongue and lip piercings affect oral health. If your teenager wants to get piercings, talk to her about the problems that can arise that even you may not have been aware of. Here is a list of problems that can arise from tongue and lip piercings:
- Chipped teeth. Fractured teeth are a common among people with tongue piercings. for people with tongue piercings. They can occur when eating, sleeping, talking or chewing on the jewelry. The fracture can affect the enamel of the tooth, which would require a filling to fix, or it may go deeper into the tooth, which might require a root canal or tooth extraction. Biting or fidgeting with the piercing can also injure the gums. Also, when the lip is first pierced, the piercer uses a lip ring that is larger than necessary in case the lip swells during the healing process. If the larger jewelry is worn to long, it’s definitely going to cause damage to the teeth and gums.
- Infection. Another big risk with mouth piercings is infections. Our mouths are moist environments that are full of bacteria. The moment the tongue is punctured, these bacteria can get into the bloodstream, and dentists are learning that oral infections can lead to infections in other parts of the body as well. Bacteria can reach your heart and cause a variety of health problems. If your teen’s piercing shows any signs of infection, talk to your dentist or doctor immediately.
- Dental appointment difficulties. Metal jewelry in the mouth can get in the way during a dental x-ray, causing difficulty in diagnosing dental issues.
- Excessive drooling. A tongue piercing can increase saliva production, causing the wearer to drool, thereby counteracting any coolness factor the piercing may have had.
If you can’t talk your teen out of getting a piercing, let them know that it’s a big responsibility that makes oral care a much bigger task. Talk to them about keeping the piercing site clean by using a mouth rinse after every meal, and that they should try to avoid clicking the jewelry against teeth and avoid stress on the piercing. Be sure to talk to your dentist right away if any issues arise.