Can Oral Piercings Impact More Than My Look?

Posted .

Do oral piercings seem appealing to you? Are you thinking about getting one? While these piercings are becoming increasingly popular as a form of self-expression, they can pose significant risks to your dental and overall health. We want you to be aware of some of the potential risks involved so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not you should follow through in getting your oral piercing.

Bacteria
-Our mouths are already bacteria laden naturally. Getting an oral piercing can make you more vulnerable to infections and other illnesses.
-One example is endocarditis, which is an inflammation of your heart valve tissues, that can happen if the bacteria in your mouth gets into your bloodstream and enters your heart.

Damage to teeth
-Your teeth could come in contact with your piercing frequently and the enamel of your tooth can wear away as a result. Eventually, your sensitive underlayers could be exposed or your tooth could chip or break.

Damage to gums
-If the jewelry rubs against your gums, it could cause them to recede from your tooth. The tooth’s root could be exposed, which is vulnerable to damage and decay.

If an oral piercing still beckons to you, or you already have one, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Timothy Dinkelman to learn about protecting your health by calling 402-477-1177. At Northridge Dental LLC, we want to help you stay healthy in Lincoln, Nebraska.