Body piercing is a very popular way people express themselves today. Individuals may think oral piercing and tongue splitting are great ways to express their individuality, but they can be detrimental to your health. The health of your mouth and overall health may be affected. Your dentist can answer all your questions about oral piercing. Piercing your tongue, lips, cheeks or uvula, which is the tissue that hangs at the back of the throat, may interfere with speech, chewing or swallowing.
The mouth is a very moist environment that harbors large numbers of bacteria which is an ideal place for infection. An infection can become life threatening, if not treated immediately. Piercing may also cause your tongue to swell, which could potentially block your airway.
A very common habit once you have a piercing is to bite or play with it. This may injure your gums and lead to cracked, scratched or sensitive teeth. The piercing may also damage fillings.
Allergic reactions at the site of the piercing is also possible.
After piercing of the tongue, it is possible to experience a numb tongue that is caused by nerve damage. This is usually temporary but sometimes it may be permanent. The injured nerve may affect your sense of taste, or how you move your mouth. Also potential damage to the blood vessels in the tongue can cause serious blood loss.
When the tongue is pierced there may be an increase in saliva production in the mouth.
The jewelry in the mouth can get in the way when getting your dental care and also block x-rays of the teeth.
Contact your dentist or physician with any signs of infection such as swelling, pain, fever, chills, or a red streaked appearance around the piercing site.
Keep site clean and free of any matter on the jewelry.
Avoid clicking the jewelry against the teeth. Be conscious of the jewelry’s movement when talking and chewing.
Make sure jewelry is attached tightly to help prevent swallowing or choking if the jewelry is dislodged.
Remove jewelry when involved in sports and protect your mouth with a mouth guard.
See your dentist regularly and make sure to brush, floss and rinse mouth well after eating.
Oral piercings can be hazardous to your oral and overall health Consider removing your jewelry before it causes a problem and do not get a piercing on a whim. It is a responsibility that will require continued attention for a lifetime. Ask Dr. Dater any questions you might have about oral piercings.
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