Are you thinking about getting an oral piercing? They are all the rage nowadays – a piercing through the lip, tongue, or another part of the mouth. However, if you are thinking of getting an oral piercing, there are some things you should be aware of, both for your overall and oral health.
Will an oral piercing damage my teeth?
It is possible that your oral piercing can end up doing damage to your teeth – for example, by causing chips or cracks in the tooth, which can lead to infection if not treated quickly. But an oral piercing can also cause damage to your gums, by rubbing against them and causing them to recede. An oral piercing can also do damage to crowns or other restorations.
Oral piercings can cause other problems, too. They can increase the amount of saliva in your mouth, which can make it difficult to talk, chew, and even swallow. And, they can cause an infection if bacteria gets into your mouth by way of the piercing. In the very worst case scenario, this bacteria can get into your blood stream and cause other health issues, such as endocarditis (inflammation of the heart).
Caring for your oral piercing
If you do decide to get an oral piercing, the most important thing you can do is to keep it clean. Brush and floss thoroughly and often, and make sure you visit your dentist at least twice a year so that he or she can check and make sure that your piercing isn’t causing any problems.
You should also avoid playing with your piercing, putting nonfood items in your mouth (such as pen caps and pencils), and using tobacco products, as these can increase the risk of infection. If you are playing a sport where there is potential for contact with another player, you should take your piercing out before the game, so that it doesn’t get caught on something or end up smashing into your teeth.
Take care of your oral piercing, and take care of your oral health! If you do have any issues with your oral piercing (or even if it is just time for a cleaning), contact Avenue Dental in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Call (734) 484-4710 today!