Oral Piercing and Its Effects on Dental Health

Introduction:

In this modern era, oral piercings of the lips, tongue, soft tissues, or cheek are common , especially among young adults and teenagers. They consider it as a form of body art and self-expression. Out of all of the oral parts, oral piercings most frequently occur on the tongue. This is a way of making a statement and showcasing individuality. It is important to be aware of the risks and issues associated with oral piercings. Also, it includes the possibility of infections, swelling, and gum and tooth damage. Though this type of self-expression may seem appealing, anyone thinking about getting an oral piercing should carefully examine the possible health risks involved. Apart from oral piercing, tongue splitting is a less common kind of modification to the body. The act of splitting someone's tongue into two pieces via a variety of methods is by definition known as tongue-splitting. Due to the substantial risks of infection, inflammation, bleeding, and injury to the lingual nerve, the surgery is considered extremely invasive and risky. The American Dental Association (ADA) discourages the use of tongue splitting and other cosmetic intraoral or perioral piercings since they are invasive procedures that have more detrimental health effects than benefits.

What Are the Complications of Oral Piercings?

Oral piercings can lead to a variety of issues, from slight soreness to major infections or potentially fatal consequences. It is critical to understand the dangers associated with oral piercings and to give the decision some thought. Similar to lip or tongue piercings, oral piercings can cause a number of issues. They consist of inflammation, discomfort, and infections. Speech or eating difficulties, tooth damage, and excessive salivation are possible side effects. The tongue has an abundant blood supply, which makes tongue piercings particularly prone to bleeding. Pusturia or other discharges from the piercing are also possible. Jewelry inserted into the tongue can cause damage to the front teeth and raise the possibility of infection. In the event that the jewelry is eaten or inhaled, swelling from the piercing may possibly obstruct the airway or result in choking. Additionally, the jewelry may cause problems with X-rays and dental exams. In certain situations, it may become lodged in tissues and need to be surgically removed. The potential complications are;

1. Chipped Teeth: Oral jewelry that gets in the way of teeth during eating, talking, sleeping, or other activities can cause chips and fractures. Fillings or crowns can fix minor problems. In some extreme circumstances, a root canal or tooth extraction may be required.

2. Infection: During piercing, the mouth cavity, which is a breeding ground for bacteria, becomes vulnerable to infections. The risk of infection might be increased by using dirty hands when handling the piercing and by practicing poor dental hygiene.

3. Blood-Borne Diseases: It is crucial to follow the right sterilization protocols while getting pierced since improperly sanitized piercing tools can spread blood-borne illnesses like hepatitis.

4. Gum Damage: Jewelry worn on the mouth can aggravate and press on gums, possibly causing them to recede and reveal the tooth roots. Damage like this can make teeth sensitive and need procedures like extractions or root canals.

5. Gum Disease: People with oral piercings are more likely to acquire gum disease in addition to generic gingivitis. The majority of harmful germs that harm our health enter our bodies through the mouth. The foundation of numerous serious autoimmune disorders is chronic inflammation. If left untreated, a simple ailment like gingivitis might have serious consequences in the future. Reversing gum disease is important for longevity and general health as well as dental health.

6. Nerve Injury: Numbness in the mouth or tongue may be the result of either temporary or chronic nerve injury. Damage to the nerves can also interfere with regular mouth motions and taste perception.

7. Swelling: Although swelling following piercings is normal, severe swelling, particularly in the tongue, may increase the risk of blockage of the airway.

8. Diastema: Diastema can develop from wearing jewelry in the same way or from the piercing exerting continuous pressure on the teeth. As a result, the tooth's natural position gradually shifts. The most frequent type of diastema is a midline gap between the two front top or bottom incisors, which must be closed with costly and time-consuming orthodontic therapy.

9. Endocarditis: Individuals with heart problems ranging from moderate to high risk may face significant risks due to oral piercings. Perforations create an expedited pathway for microorganisms to penetrate the bloodstream and reach the heart. The heart may become inflamed when bacteria grow on the heart valves. Prolonged inflammation may result in serious disease and even irreversible myocardial damage. Additionally, there is a significant danger of both systemic and local infections, which can expose the body to pathogens including HIV, herpes simplex viruses, and hepatitis B and C.

What Are the Dental Considerations for Individuals With Oral Piercings or Jewelry?

1. Dentists in the United States frequently treat patients with oral piercings such as hoops, rings, barbells, or studs in and around the mouth. The majority of the population are younger adults. The germs in the mouth can cause these piercings to harbor bacteria, which can cause gum disease, tooth damage, and an increased risk of oral infection.

2. In the first few days following an oral piercing, people should anticipate swelling and pain. It is advised to use mouthwash free of alcohol to maintain oral hygiene. Once the swelling has subsided, the original long jewelry must be replaced with a shorter one to reduce the damage to the oral soft tissues.

3. Individuals who have oral piercings should maintain good oral hygiene practices to lower the risk of infection. These practices include using dental floss, cleaning teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and using mouthwash which is alcohol-free both during and after the healing period.

4. According to research, wearing mouth jewelry can cause plaque and harmful germs to build up, which can result in gum disease and cavities. Oral jewelry should not be worn for an extended period because it has hazards that include enamel damage, inflammation of the gums, and cavities. Before receiving oral piercings, patients should exercise caution and be informed about the dangers involved.

5. Those who have split tongues or oral piercings should take care of the piercing site. They should refrain from handling the jewelry, and be alert for any unusual discharges or swelling that could indicate an infection. To avoid injury, all mouth jewelry should be taken off before engaging in strenuous activity, especially contact sports.

Conclusion:

Although oral piercings are a form of self-expression, there is a chance that they could harm the teeth. For people with oral piercings, it is imperative that they are aware of these dangers and take preventative steps to maintain good oral hygiene and routine dental checkups. Finding a balance between oral health maintenance and self-expression can be achieved by selecting trustworthy piercing studios and using caution when wearing jewelry.