Facial piercings have become increasingly popular in recent years. Today, you might even see people in professional settings with a piercing in their lip or nose. While piercings are a perfectly valid form of self-expression, it is important to consider the impact they could have on your body before getting one. When it comes to piercings around the mouth, the American Dental Association (ADA) warns that they can cause a number of issues for those who have them. Here’s more information about oral piercings from the team at ZDental:

How Can Piercings Affect Your Oral Health?

In the immediate aftermath of getting an oral piercing, you may experience swelling and pain at the piercing site. While the swelling will usually clear up within a week, that’s not the end of the risk associated with oral piercings. First, there is a higher risk of infection for oral piercings than there is for many other piercings. There can also be a more long-term effect.

Any piercing that has a component located inside the mouth has the potential to cause damage over time. The piercing’s metal post, as well as the backing that secures it in place, can potentially chip your teeth or cause premature wear. They are also damaging to the soft tissue of the gums and can lead to gum recession, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

Most Common Piercings That Can Cause Oral Health Issues

Whether it is a stud, a ring, or any other type of jewelry, any piercing located in the mouth area could potentially cause oral health issues in the future. This includes:

  • Tongue piercings
  • Lip piercings
  • Labret piercings (centered under the lower lip)
  • Cheek piercings
  • Madonna/Monroe piercings (offset above the upper lip)
  • Medusa piercings (centered above the upper lip)

While these are the most common oral piercings that can cause damage to your teeth and gums, piercers are always coming up with creative new locations for piercings. In general, any piercing that will come into contact with your teeth and gums could potentially damage them.

Are Oral Piercings Safe? 

The dental community strongly advises against getting any type of oral piercing. Any aesthetic benefit you may receive from an oral piercing is far outweighed by the risk of infection and the potential for long-term oral health issues. If you are considering getting an oral piercing, the team at ZDental would recommend that you reconsider. And if you already have an oral piercing, it is a good idea to take it out as soon as possible before any serious damage can occur.

If you live in the Philadelphia area or New Jersey and have questions about the effect of oral piercings on your teeth and gums, we encourage you to make an appointment at any of ZDental’s five locations in the area. Head over to our contact page to find the location that is most convenient for you and call or schedule an appointment online today. In addition to providing advice about your oral health, we are also available for a range of dental procedures including dental checkups, cosmetic dentistry in Vernon, NJ, and emergency dentistry.