Piercings are more common in adolescents, teenagers, and young adults looking for ways to express themselves. Although ear piercings are the most common form, some people get other body parts pierced, such as the belly button, nose, gums, and other parts of the body.
There is nothing wrong with expressing yourself through body modifications such as tattoos or piercings. However, having a piercing, specifically in or around your mouth, can affect your dental health.
So before you take the plunge and get a tongue or lip piercing, let a dental specialist on veneers and dental bridges in Fort Lauderdale share some of the potential issues you may encounter.
Risk of infection
If you’ve experienced having your ears pierced before, one of the usual concerns for a new piercing is keeping it clean. Small as the hole may be, it is still considered an open wound. As such, it is essential to ensure that the area around the piercing stays clean during the healing process.
The situation gets even more complicated when it comes to oral piercings.
Your mouth is home to millions of both good and bad bacteria. The bacteria can infiltrate and infect the wound at any time. With an infected wound, you also run the risk of developing diseases such as herpes or hepatitis.
The first few weeks are especially risky. If you observe any swelling, feel pain, develop chills or fever after getting your piercing, contact your dentist right away.
Damage to your teeth and gums
There are plenty of ways to damage your teeth and gums. Something as simple as using a hard toothbrush, chewing ice, or eating too many sweets can cause irreparable damage over time. Having a piercing exacerbates the problem.
The most common piercings are made from metals like titanium, surgical grade stainless steel, or 14k gold. With metal piercings, you increase the chances of your teeth and gums getting damaged from the constant brushing against the piercing. If worn long enough, piercings can also damage other soft tissue, such as the roof of your mouth.
Constant contact with the piercing can also remove some of the teeth enamel. Without this protective layer, you end up with weaker or deformed teeth. Because of this, it is common to find people with piercings who have chipped or cracked teeth.
The same goes for the gums. Constant rubbing causes the gums to recede. In extreme cases, this exposes the roots, increasing the chances of a buildup of bacteria and even tooth loss.
To avoid such situations, experts recommend removing any oral piercings when sleeping, eating, playing sports, or doing any other physically strenuous activity. By removing the piercing during these occasions, you are reducing the potential damage to your teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. If you are experiencing any pain, swelling or bleeding, you can sort out gum diseases with dentists in vineland NJ.
If you had any work done on your teeth, you need to be extra careful that the studs or rings don’t damage them. Oral work could be in the form of veneers, crowns, or dental bridges. See a dentist in your local area on a regular basis to check the condition of your dental work.
Allergic reaction
Some people see plastic piercings as a trendy alternative to metal rings or studs. Given that the material is softer, there is a lower chance that the piercing will damage your gums or teeth. The chances of teeth chipping or cracking also decrease when you pick a plastic piercing.
However, plastic tongue bolts or lip rings are not the perfect solutions. Metal piercings are made from surgical grade materials to make them safe for use. Thing is, some people may develop allergic reactions to metal while others to plastic.
Having an allergic reaction to the piercing is normal, especially when it is new. Potential signs of allergies include rashes, redness, itchiness, or clear fluids oozing out of the area. However, if the symptoms get worse or if you see green or yellow pus, it is time to visit your piercer or dentist as these could be signs of an infection.
Cause nerve damage
The area around the mouth is typically more sensitive than the ear or other parts of the face. One reason is due to the number of nerve endings inside your mouth. With having your lip or tongue pierced, there is a higher risk of developing nerve damage.
The damage done is typically reversible. However, some people with oral piercings do notice a reduction in sensation. Take note of this potential change before getting a piercing if this change is important for you.
The issues stated here should not deter you from getting a piercing. However, talk to your dentist before you get one. This way, you know what to expect and how to maintain good oral hygiene, so your teeth, gums, and piercings look good for years to come.
If you want to correct the dental damage caused by your piercings, opting for composite or porcelain veneers can help. Contact our dental expert on veneers in Fort Lauderdale or your local area for advice today.