The Oral Health Connection: OUCH! What Are Oral Piercings? - By Penny Judson-Benny ~ Registered Dental Hygienist

How safe and healthy are oral piercings?

Oral piercings are any piercings of the tongue, lips or cheek. In recent years, oral piercings have become a form of self expression. As with pierced ears, the metal jewelry used in oral piercings comes in many different styles, including studs, barbells and rings. However, piercing your tongue, lips or cheek involves greater health risks than piercing your ears. Before having any part of your mouth pierced, you should seek advice from your dentist or dental hygienist.
What are the different risks involved with oral piercings?
You may not be aware of the potential side effects of oral piercings. These include:
> Infection - Our mouths contain millions of bacteria, which can lead to infection after oral piercing. Handling jewelry once it has been placed in the mouth also increases your chances of getting an infection.
> Prolonged bleeding - If a blood vessel is punctured by the needle during piercing, the result can be difficult-to-control bleeding and serious blood loss.
> Pain and swelling - Pain and swelling are common symptoms of oral piercings. In extreme cases, a severely swollen tongue can actually close off the airway and restrict breathing.
> Chipped or cracked teeth - Contact with oral jewelry can fracture teeth. Teeth that have restorations, such as crowns or caps, can also be damaged if the jewelry strikes them.
> Injury to the gums - Not only can jewelry injure soft gum tissue, it can cause the gums to recede. In addition to looking unattractive, recessed gums leave your tooth root more vulnerable to decay and periodontal disease.
> Interference with normal oral function - Jewelry in the mouth can cause excessive saliva flow, impede your ability to pronounce words correctly, and cause problems with chewing and swallowing.
> Blood-borne diseases - Oral piercings have been identified by the National Institutes of Health as a possible factor in transmitting hepatitis B, C, D and G
> Endocarditis - Oral piercing carries a risk factor of endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart valves or tissues. The wound created during oral piercing provides an opportunity for oral bacteria to enter the blood stream, where they can travel to the heart.
How long do piercings last?
As long as your mouth stays free of infestion and your oral piercings do not interfere with normal function, they can stay in your mouth indefinitely. Just be sure to see your dentist at the first sign of pain or problems, in addition to your regular check ups. Because of the risks involved even after the initial wound has healed, such as damage to the teeth or jewelry that becomes loose and gets ingested, your safest bet is to avoid oral piercings altogether.
Proper care and maintenance of oral piercings.
> Brush teeth, tongue and jewelry after each meal. This prevents food particles or bacteria from entering the body through the pierced opening. Anytime jewelry is removed from the mouth, it should be brushed with a toothbrush to remove any unseen plaque. Flossing is also required daily.
> Use antiseptic mouthwash. Swish in the mouth for a minute after each meal.
> Avoid unsanitary contact. Jewelry in the mouth should never be touched with unclean skin. Wash hands with antibacterial soap before handling mouth jewelry.
> To prevent chipping teeth, remove jewelry prior to eating and sleeping.
> Remove jewelry prior to any sports event. It is a choking hazard as jewelry may become dislodged during the activity.

'Keep Your Smile For A Lifetime!'

Penny Judson, RDH, is the owner and operator of Mountain View Dental Hygiene Clinic in Black Diamond and can be contacted at 403-933-7722.