Although it seems that the piercing fever has been losing steam, it is difficult to find young people who have not had or are thinking of piercing some area. There is practically no area that escapes earrings, not even the mouth, where the tongue, lips and cheeks are adorned with earrings and all kinds of jewelry. We are talking about ornaments that can cause many problems to oral health if you do not look for a suitable place to make them and take the necessary precautions.
Most frequent oral problems caused by piercings
- Infections; they are the most common complication. The mouth harbors an endless number of bacteria, the piercing causes many more to enter and the daily manipulation that we have to do by turning it so that it heals, even more. They can be avoided by washing hands well and extreme oral hygiene.
Before getting a piercing, it is advisable to discuss it with the dentist in case he/she wants to make any further recommendations. In addition, you should go to the doctor at the slightest sign of infection (redness of the area, pain, fever and suppuration) and keep in mind that if you let time pass waiting for it to heal by itself, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart and its valves, which is more complicated to treat.
- Oral herpes.
- Loss of sensation. It occurs when the perforation damages a nerve.
- Periodontal disease. The earring can damage the gums causing wounds and their recession, which would put the stability of the tooth at risk and makes gingivitis and periodontitis more frequent.
- Fractures in the teeth. Almost half of the people who wear tongue piercings suffer total or partial breakage of some of their teeth.
How to avoid oral problems with piercings
If despite all these problems you are determined to pierce your tongue, cheeks or lips, it is advisable to first go to a consultation with the dentist to check the condition of the pieces and discuss what care should be taken to avoid problems.
In Clasor’s blog we give some more tips to take care of your mouth while wearing piercings.