Tongue, lip, and cheek piercings have become a popular form of self-expression. While oral jewelry can be appealing, it’s important to understand the potential oral piercing complications before deciding to get one.
In this article, we break it down for you on the possible risks of oral jewelry, oral piercing complications, and how to protect your oral health.
What causes oral piercing complications?
Unlike other body piercings, oral jewelry is placed in a warm, moist environment that naturally contains millions of bacteria. This increases the risk of infection and other complications, both immediately after the piercing and in the years that follow.
The mouth contains a high concentration of bacteria and is constantly in motion through talking, eating, and swallowing. This combination can make healing more difficult and increase the risk of complications compared to piercings on other parts of the body. While some issues are temporary, others can permanently damage your teeth, gums, nerves, or jawbone and may require extensive dental treatment to correct.
The small components of oral jewelry can disconnect and may be accidentally swallowed or aspirated into the airway. Oral jewelry present a choking hazard and may injure the lungs or digestive system. Routinely ensuring the jewelry is securely fastened can help reduce this risk. Learn more about oral piercings and oral health.
What are oral piercing complications?
Even after the piercing has healed, the jewelry itself can continue to affect your oral health. Here are some examples of oral piercing complications.
Gum and bone loss
Lip and cheek piercings can continuously rub against the gums and surrounding bone. Over time, this constant irritation may cause gum recession and bone loss around nearby teeth, increasing the risk of loose teeth or tooth loss.
Tooth fractures
Tongue jewelry can accidentally strike or become trapped between teeth while chewing or speaking. This can lead to chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth. Severe fractures may require dental crowns, root canal treatment, or even tooth extraction.
Interference with normal oral function
Oral jewelry may increase saliva production and make it more difficult to speak clearly, chew comfortably, or swallow food.
Interference with dental x-rays
Metal jewelry can block portions of dental x-rays, making it more difficult for your dentist to detect cavities, infections, cysts, abscesses, or other oral health conditions. You may be asked to remove your jewelry before dental imaging. Learn more about dental digital radiography.
Aspiration and ingestion
The small components of oral jewelry can loosen over time. If this happens, they may be accidentally swallowed or inhaled into the airway, creating a choking hazard or causing injury to the lungs or digestive system. Regularly checking that the jewelry is securely fastened can help reduce this risk.
Concerned about your oral piercings?
Book an appointment today so our team can assess your oral health and identify any damage caused by oral jewelry.
What are the risks associated with oral piercings?
Oral jewelry poses significant health risks even when performed by an experienced piercer. The piercing creates an open wound within a bacteria-rich environment. Understanding these potential oral piercing complications can help you recognize the warning signs early and seek treatment if needed.
Infection
Infection is one of the most common oral piercing complications. Since oral tissues are constantly exposed to bacteria, newly pierced areas can easily become infected if they are not cared for properly. In severe cases, infections can spread locally throughout the mouth or systemically throughout the body and would require medical treatment.
Bleeding
Any procedure that pierces oral tissues can cause bleeding. Since saliva keeps the mouth constantly moist, blood clotting may take longer than expected. Piercings underneath the tongue or in the floor of the mouth have an increased risk of prolonged or excessive bleeding.
Swelling
Swelling is common after an oral piercing, particularly with tongue piercings. Since the tongue is constantly moving, healing may take longer. In severe cases, swelling can interfere with breathing and requires immediate medical attention.
Nerve damage
The tongue contains nerves that are responsible for movement, speech, chewing, and taste. If a piercing damages these nerves, the effects may be permanent and could alter tongue function or sensation.
Allergic reactions
Oral jewelry may contain nickel or other metals that may trigger an allergic reaction, cause irritation, inflammation, or discomfort.
Blood disease transmission
If piercing equipment is not properly sterilized, there is a risk of exposure to blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis, tetanus, and other infections. Choosing a reputable piercing facility that follows strict sterilization protocols is essential.
Endocarditis
The wound created by an oral piercing allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream. For individuals with certain heart conditions, bacteria can travel from the mouth directly to the heart and cause endocarditis, which is a life-threatening inflammatory condition.
How to reduce the risk of oral piercing complications
Although no oral piercing is completely risk-free, you can reduce your chances of complications by:
- Choosing a licensed, reputable piercing facility that follows strict sterilization and infection control procedures.
- Confirming that sterile, single-use needles and properly disinfected equipment are used.
- Carefully following all after-care instructions provided by your piercer.
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene while the piercing heals.
- Avoiding playing with or biting the jewelry.
- If you experience persistent pain, swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection, consult with a medical physician or dentist immediately.
When should you see a dentist for oral piercing complications?
Schedule a dental appointment if you experience:
- Persistent pain or swelling.
- Bleeding that does not stop.
- Signs of infection, including pus, fever, or increasing redness.
- Chipped, cracked, or loose teeth.
- Gum recession around the piercing.
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, or swallowing.
Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and identify any oral piercing complications before they become more serious.
Concerned about oral piercing complications?
If you have a tongue, lip, or cheek piercing and are experiencing pain, swelling, bleeding, chipped teeth, or gum irritation, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. At Westmount Dental in Thornhill, our experienced team can assess your oral health, identify any damage caused by oral jewelry, and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Schedule an appointment with Westmount Dental today to keep your teeth, gums, and smile healthy.
