Yes, oral piercings can affect your teeth. Oral piercing is a type of body art that involves making a small hole in the tongue, lips, and cheek to wear jewellery. The tongue is the most common site for oral piercing. Complications like bleeding, swelling, tooth injuries, and allergic reactions may occur. Oral jewellery may affect your teeth directly by removing the enamel on your teeth.
How oral piercings affect your teeth
Oral infection is the most common side effect of oral piercing and can result in pain and swelling. It can also be life-threatening for patients with diabetes, haemophilia, and heart ailment if left untreated. Non-sterilized piercing equipment can lead to infections, so the person should be immunized before getting an oral piercing. Oral piercings can also cause speaking, chewing, and choking difficulties if jewellery loosens or falls.
Complications:
Gum Recession: The jewellery made may contact the gums and cause painful nerve exposure and tooth sensitivity.
Dental Trauma: The presence of oral piercings can cause abnormal biting habits that result in tooth fractures. It also results in damage to enamel fillings.
Nerve Damage: During piercing, nerves in the face and tongue may be damaged, which results in numbness and difficulty moving.
Tips for Teens with oral piercing
- Keep the piercing area clean and free from food particles
- Remove your jewellery while doing any activities and before sleep
- Avoid touching the piercing area
- Be cautious while eating
- Choose good quality jewellery
