Question: How does my tongue piercing affect my oral health?

Question: How does my tongue piercing affect my oral health?

Tongue piercings, lip piercings and cheek piercings all go in and out of fashion, but the potential risks they pose to your overall oral health always remain the same.

If you decide to get a tongue piercings, or a lip or cheek piercings, read up on the health risks associated with oral piercings so that you know what you’re getting yourself into.

Some of the potential risks of having an oral piercing include:

• Transmission of disease: Getting an oral piercings can put you at risk for transmission of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or herpes.
• Infection: An open wound in your mouth is always at potential risk for infection. Make sure that the piercing studio uses thoroughly sterilized machinery and materials to reduce the chance of infection.
• Allergic reactions: Contact dermatitis, or an allergic reaction, can occur especially when metal is placed in a sensitive area like the mouth when.
• Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an inflammation of the heart of or its valves and can occur when bacteria enters the bloodstream. Be aware of the start of any infection in the mouth cause by an oral piercings to have it examined before further complications arise.
• Damage to teeth: Having metal in your mouth is a good way to crack or chip a tooth.
• Gum disease: Studies show that people with barbell tongue jewelry are at greater risk of gum disease as the barbell often comes in contact with the gums, causing swelling and loosing the gums from the teeth.
• Nerve damage: Piercings often damage nerves in the tongue, lips or cheek that can lead to numbness and loss of sensation.

Have more questions about oral piercings and your health? Contact the professionals at DentaLux today!