Know The Facts About Oral Piercings

health risks of oral piercings Allen Park

Body piercings are a common form of self-expression nowadays. This post from Allen Park Dental Care is for those who currently have an oral piercing or are considering one.

Since this is a dental blog, you may expect us to raise all sorts of alarms about the dangers of piercings. You are right. Unfortunately, these piercings and the jewelry they accommodate can lead to serious problems with not only your teeth and mouth, but your entire body.

These piercings can lead to tooth damage, tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, bone recession, compromised immune system function and, in rare cases, death.

In general, any oral piercing is going to open you up to an array of harmful oral infections and complications. The mouth is full of germs, and introducing foreign objects permanently is not natural for your body’s health.

A tongue piercing can lead to difficulty chewing with unnatural chewing patterns that may lead to swallowing problems. The jewelry produces excess saliva from the salivary glands, which throws off the natural balance of your oral cavity. Permanent nerve weakening, excessive bleeding, and allergic reactions can also occur.

Metal jewelry also can easily come in contact with your teeth, leading to cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth. Your teeth are built to last a lifetime. Chips, cracks, and enamel erosion compromise their stability and shorten their lifespan.

Complications with some piercings arise by the introduction of hepatitis and herpes simplex viruses, and even more complications have occurred with bacteria entering the bloodstream and eventually lodging in the heart valve. In rare cases, such infections are fatal.

Though not technically a piercing, some Michigan people drill small holes in their teeth to place rhinestones or other jewelry. Drilling into a tooth is dangerous for many reasons, including damage that can make a root canal necessary. The jewel also can attract bacteria that can directly go into the drilled cavity of the tooth.

At Allen Park Dental Care, we encourage patients with oral piercings to remove their jewelry before it puts their health at risk. If you have one and plan to keep it, we advise you to have scheduled dental cleanings and check-ups. Do not wait if you suspect you may have a dental or physical problem. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Szalai & Szalai DDS – Allen Park Dental Care:

313-928-2323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

5329 Allen Rd
Allen Park, Michigan
48101

 

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