Body piercings are a common form of self-expression seen around Grand Prairie. Today’s post is for those who currently have an oral piercing or are considering one.
Since this is a dental blog, I am sure you expect us to raise all sorts of alarms warning of the dangers of piercings. You are right. Unfortunately, these piercings and the jewelry they accommodate can lead to serious troubles with not only your teeth and mouth, but your entire body. These piercings can cause tooth damage, dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth loss, bone recession, compromised immune system function and, in rare cases, death.
In general, any oral piercing is going to open you up to an array of detrimental oral infections and complications. The mouth is full of germs and introducing foreign objects permanently is not natural for your body’s health.
A tongue piercing can lead to difficulty chewing with unnatural chewing patterns that may lead to swallowing problems. The jewelry produces excess saliva from the salivary glands, which throws off the natural balance of your oral cavity. Permanent nerve degeneration, excessive bleeding, and allergic reactions can also ensue.
Metal jewelry also can easily come in contact with your teeth, leading to cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth. Your teeth are built to last a lifetime. Chips, cracks, and enamel erosion compromise their stability and shorten their life span.
Complications with some piercings arise by the introduction of hepatitis and herpes simplex viruses, and even more complications have occurred with bacteria entering the bloodstream and eventually lodging in the heart valve. In rare cases, such infections are fatal.
Though not technically a piercing, some Texas people drill small holes in their teeth to place rhinestones or other jewelry. Drilling into a tooth is dangerous for many reasons, including damage that can make a root canal required. The jewel also can attract bacteria that can directly go into the drilled cavity of the tooth.
Dr. Ratcliff encourages patients with oral piercings to remove their jewelry before it puts their health at risk. However, if you have an oral piercing and plan to keep it, we counsel you to have scheduled dental cleanings and check-ups at Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington. We will set up a schedule for regular visits so we can discover and correct problems in their early stages before they become more extreme. Do not wait if you suspect you may have a dental or physical trouble. Call 817-274-7875 ASAP.
