A General Dentist Discusses the Hazards of Oral Piercings

general dentist Long Beach, CA

According to general dentists, oral piercings can actually be hazardous to your health. Your personal style is how you portray yourself, and you may have considered oral piercings as part of this. However, you may not realize that these piercings can harm your gums and mouth. This also includes your teeth.

Problems with tongue and lip rings

While no piercing is completely safe, oral piercings are especially dangerous. Patients can have an allergic reaction or have the area become infected. There are several problems that oral piercings can cause for individuals, which can include:

  • Fidgeting damage: it can be difficult to resist playing with the oral piercing in the mouth. This can cause the teeth to become cracked or chipped. Fillings can become damaged and the soft tissues can get injured
  • Nerve damage: if an oral piercing is in the tongue, it can damage the nerves there
  • Gum damage: when an oral piercing rubs against the gums, it can cause the tissue to wear away. This can cause the roots of the teeth to be exposed
  • Infections: a piercing can allow bacteria in the mouth to go into the bloodstream
  • Drooling: an object such as a piercing can stimulate the saliva glands and cause the individual to drool more
  • X-rays: because piercings show up as bright objects on X-rays, the piercings can obscure other parts of the mouth

Problems with oral piercings and braces

For patients with braces, oral piercings can pose a problem. A piercing can easily become tangled with the orthodontic appliance, damaging the braces. This can also cause injuries around the piercing area. General dentists recommend that patients wait until after braces before choosing an oral piercing.

The right way to care for an oral piercing

An oral piercing can cause damage to the mouth and the teeth. However, for patients who decide to go ahead with the piercing, it is important to properly care for it. One of the most important parts of caring for an oral piercing is proper oral hygiene.

Patients should clean the piercing area after each meal, snack or beverage. This can prevent food particles from getting trapped in the area. Patients should also remove the piercing before physical activity, which will reduce the risk of any injuries or damage. To prevent the piercing from damaging the teeth, patients should resist the urge to play with the piercing in the mouth. This can cause cracked teeth.

If a patient notices signs of infection, then it is important to go to the general dentist immediately. Signs of infection can include pain, swelling, redness, fever or chills.

Visit a general dentist today

While getting an oral piercing may not be the ideal situation, caring for the piercing properly can help to minimize damage. Good oral hygiene is a must for anyone with an oral piercing. This includes proper cleaning after each meal or snack. If you are thinking about getting an oral piercing, you should make an appointment with a general dentist to discuss your options.

Get more information here: https://lbfamilydental.com or call Leila Zamiri DDS at (562) 387-1216

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Three Reasons Not To Use Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products can cause teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and undesirable results. Instead, it is best to visit a licensed dentist for teeth whitening treatment. They can ensure the safety and effectiveness of teeth whitening treatment. While it may be tempting to try and save a few dollars on a store-bought whitening kit, it is…

A General Dentist Talks About Dental Phobia

Dental phobia is typically classified as a more severe form of dental anxiety. It leads many people to avoid visiting the dentist altogether, and those who do visit the dentist battle through fear and severe anxiety. The good news is that there are effective ways for a general dentist to help patients who struggle with…

Convenience And Comfort Are Benefits Of Invisalign Therapy

Invisalign® is one of the most popular ways to undergo orthodontic treatment. General dentists are recommending teeth straightening via Invisalign® because of the many benefits that come with it. Having an understanding of these benefits may be helpful to those looking at their options. Keep reading to find out more. Below is an explanation of how comfort…

3 Ways Emergency Dentists Provide Quick Relief

Wondering what an emergency dentist can do for you? Read on to learn more about this type of dental health professional. Dental emergencies can arise unexpectedly, causing significant discomfort and anxiety. An emergency dentist can help in such cases. They provide immediate care and relief by addressing urgent dental problems that cannot wait for a…

Recent Posts

Three Reasons Not To Use Over The Counter Teeth Whitening Products

Three Reasons Not To Use Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products can cause teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and undesirable results. Instead, it is best to visit a licensed dentist for teeth whitening treatment. They can ensure the safety and effectiveness of teeth whitening treatment. While it may be tempting to try and save a few dollars on a store-bought whitening kit, it is…

A General Dentist Talks About Dental Phobia

A General Dentist Talks About Dental Phobia

Dental phobia is typically classified as a more severe form of dental anxiety. It leads many people to avoid visiting the dentist altogether, and those who do visit the dentist battle through fear and severe anxiety. The good news is that there are effective ways for a general dentist to help patients who struggle with…