In recent years, oral piercings have become a popular way for teens and young adults to express their personal style, and it’s easy to understand the appeal. But before your teen makes that appointment, there are some important things every young person and their parents should know—because these piercings can influence oral health and hygiene greatly. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
What Counts as an Oral Piercing?
Believe it or not, oral piercings aren’t just limited to the tongue; they also include piercings of the lips, cheeks, and any tissue inside the mouth, such as the frenulum, which is the small fold of tissue that connects the lips to the gums. Regardless of where these piercings are located inside the mouth, they share one thing in common: they carry meaningful risks to one’s oral wellness.
What Makes Oral Piercings Problematic?
Of all the risks that oral piercings pose, it’s often the healing process that opens the door to potential complications. After the initial piercing, swelling and soreness in the area typically last for about two months or longer. During that time, the area is vulnerable to irritation and complications.
Remember, the mouth is home to millions of bacteria, which makes it a challenging place for a wound to heal. Most oral piercings lead to swelling, redness, tenderness, bleeding, and scabbing in the pierced area, and it can be quite difficult and painful to keep the area clean, which sometimes results in infection.
Tooth and gum damage is another significant risk. If a piercing is poorly placed, it can chip or damage the teeth, and sometimes the damage is so extensive that it results in tooth extraction and replacement. Jewelry, especially barbells and studs, can repeatedly strike tooth enamel during normal activities like speaking, eating, or exercising. Over time, this constant contact wears enamel down and can cause cracks or fractures.
Gum recession is also a concern. When jewelry repeatedly rubs against the gum tissue, it can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, exposing sensitive root surfaces and increasing the risk of tooth loss over time.
If your teen is considering a piercing around the mouth, teeth, or gums, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist first to learn more about the risks and how to reduce them. Of course, the best option is to simply talk them out of it and help them express their individuality another way!
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Myles Clancy, Dr. Mina Schafft, and Dr. Karin Herzog, our team here at Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln has served the needs of families in Worcester and the surrounding communities for several years. We offer a wide range of pediatric dental services for children of all ages, from infants attending their first checkup to teens who are maintaining their growing smiles. If you have any questions about the blog or need to schedule an appointment for your child, don’t wait to contact us online or call today for more information. Telephone: (508) 290-0090.