Risks associated with oral piercings
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology
Cosmetic piercings that are inserted in the oral region are termed as oral piercings. Similar to body piercings decorative ornaments like studs, barbells are available to pierce lips, cheeks, tongue -and even uvula. Unlike tooth jewellery, the ornaments placed in the mouth are associated with various dental discomforts and health hazards.
Youngsters who preserve the mouth piercings are not aware of the side effects of the metal over their oral health. The following are some of the discomforts and risks one has to encounter with the jewel placed in his/her mouth:
1) The higher rate of infection
The salivary flow makes our mouth as a moisturizing environment. This is taken advantage by the bacteria and germs to inherit in the mouth. When the metal substance is pierced or inserted in the oral region, the bacteria cling to the piercings and accelerates the rate of infection. Handling those dental ornament after fixed also introduce bacteria to the oral area of our body.
Likewise, the pores made in the oral regions for piercings provide an opening for the bacteria to infect the bloodstream and end in serious diseases like Endocarditis.
2) Gum injuries
Smiley piercing and frowny piercing which are placed in the gum regions irritate the gum tissues. Then such mouth jewelry in the gum layers begins to pull the gum flaps over a period of time. It will cause gum recession.
When the gum begins to recede, it exposes the underlying regions of the teeth and causes teeth sensitivity.
3) Bloodborne diseases
As oral piercings have a direct relation with contaminating the blood flow, it infects the fluids secreted in our blood. The contamination of secreted fluids ends up in bloodborne diseases like Hepatitis B, C and D.
4) Damaged teeth
The pierced metals in the mouth rub with the teeth and interfere in eating and biting at times. Similarly, few people develop the habit of playing with the mouth piercings. Because of the constant contact of the rings with the teeth, the enamel of the teeth becomes weak and lead to teeth damage like chipped or cracked teeth.
Besides weakening the teeth, oral piercing is efficient to weaken the dental filling materials inside a tooth.
5) Drooling
Sometimes, the pierced rings inside the mouth break the ducts where salivary flow occurs and cause inflamed salivary glands. The inflamed salivary glands maximize the salivary production and cause drooling. The habit of drooling will make one a teasing object for the people in his/her circle.
6) Continual bleeding
Apart from scarring the tissue, the needles in the mouth ornaments puncture the tissues while fixing. The poor workmanship in mouth piercing may damage the blood vessels in the punctured region. In such cases, treating the damaged blood vessels is quite difficult and lead to blood loss.
7) Nerve damage
The chances are higher for damaging the nerves with oral piercings incidentally. Then the mouth becomes numb and becomes insensitive for a while.
Numbness in the pierced area after fixing the jewel for a few minutes is common. If such paralysis is prolonged or persists, a dental visit is mandatory.
8) Respiratory problems
Similar to numbness, tongue swelling is also common after mouth or tongue piercing. The swollen tongue exists until the piercing heals but infection is also common during the healing process. Then tongue swelling persists due to the infection. This in turn, blocks the airway and cause respiratory problems.
Uvula Piercings which are placed in the hanging tissue at the end of the throat reduce the size of the nasal passage. It will also respiratory disorders.
How can we prevent the health hazards caused by oral piercings?
If a person likes to get such mouth ornaments, he/she should first identify whether they are right for the piercings in the oral cavity. Consulting with a Doctor to detect allergies and skin disorders. Proceed to the mouth piercings only if the results are satisfactory.
Get the piercing done by a Professional who has the license and vaccinated against Hepatitis. It will help in avoiding the infections during the insertion process.
Rest of the prevention activities relies upon how you care the metal inserted in the mouth, Here are the essential mouth piercing care tips:
- Avoid sharp materials like fork to eat.
- Don’t consume hot, acidic drinks and chocolates during the healing period.
- Take small bites of food. Cut the fruits and vegetables into small slices before eating. It will avoid the excess of pressure applied on the teeth.
- Mouth rinsing after consuming foods, snacks and drinks is very important. Swishing mouth with water after every meal clears the piercing site.
- While participating in sports, it is better to remove the mouth ornament.
- Visit the Dentist immediately when you encounter difficulties like pain, swelling, redness, sores in the piercing site.
Conclusion
Due to the risks involved in the mouth piercings, Dental Health Specialists advice people to avoid such mouth, lips, uvula piercings. Our mouth has a natural ornament called smile. Taking care of the mouth and teeth will offer a unique appearance more than the piercing ornaments have given.
