Like clothing and hairstyles, oral piercings give teens and adults a way to express themselves. While trendy, this fashion statement poses a number of potential oral and overall healthcare risks. “Anyone considering an oral piercing should consult a dentist to discuss the possible side effects,” said Max Anderson, DDS, a national oral health advisor for Delta Dental Plans Association, “or if you already have an oral piercing, make sure to schedule routine dental exams so a dentist can check for problems.”
Some potential complications of oral piercings include (1) Swelling. Piercing may cause the tongue to swell. According to the American Dental Association, a severely swollen tongue can actually close off the airway and prevent breathing in extreme cases. (2) Prolonged bleeding. A blood vessel punctured while piercing may cause severe bleeding. (3) Sublingual salivary glands damage. An improperly placed tongue piercing may damage the sublingual salivary glands, which produce 5% of saliva entering the oral cavity. (4) Aspiration (choking). Jewelry may be-come loose in the mouth, creating a choking hazard. (5) Plaque buildup. Plaque may build up on piercings, requiring more frequent cleanings. (6) Damage to the teeth and gums. Jewelry may come in contact with both the teeth and gums, causing chipped or cracked teeth or gingival recession. (7) Allergic reaction. Jewelry containing certain metals may cause an allergic reaction. (8) Nerve damage. A piercing that strikes a nerve may cause nerve damage, leading to numbness or loss of sensation at the piercing site. (9) Infection. The wound from the piercing, coupled with teeming bacteria in the mouth, may create an increased risk of infection.
Dr. Anderson tells patients, “If you decide to get an oral piercing and complications arise, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Dentists are trained to monitor and manage oral health problems and will work with a physician to manage more serious conditions.” Also, patients should be sure to follow any home care instructions, including cleaning, provided by their dentist or piercing specialist. This may help prevent immediate, short- or long-term complications. Dentists can prescribe an antimicrobial rinse to help keep the pierced site and jewelry clean. “Whether a piercing is through the cheek, lip or tongue, proper oral hygiene measures are critical,” said Dr. Anderson, “and may help reduce the risks of some damaging side effects of oral piercing.”
(Source: Delta Dental Plans Association, news re-lease, March 23, 2009)
