Facial piercings, lip piercings, and tongue piercings are hardly a rare sight these days. While they may now be common enough to go nearly unnoticed, there are certainly some potential dental risks that you should be aware of. If you have a facial or oral piercing, or you’re thinking about getting one, Parkcrest Dental Group has some advice to make sure you maintain your dental and oral health.
What are the Risks?
There are a number of potential risks when it comes to oral piercings and your oral health. Let’s look at some of the biggest.
Chipped Teeth
Having a piece of metal jewelry on or in your mouth every day increases the chances of chipping or even breaking a tooth. If you have fillings or crowns, you’re risking damage to those too.
Gum Injury
Depending on where the piercing is, you could also sustain gum injury. It’s not just the soft tissue that’s at risk either — oral piercings that are persistently in contact with your gums and teeth can cause gums to recede, damaging overall oral health.
Infection
This is probably your biggest risk when it comes to oral piercings — or any kind of piercings if you’re not careful. Piercings that aren’t properly cared for, especially early on, are a big risk of infection and bloodborne disease. This is even riskier when it comes to oral piercings since your mouth hosts a lot of bacteria.
The Difficulty with Dental Treatments
Generally speaking, most dentists and orthodontists can work around oral piercings. However, it can make some procedures, even simple ones like regular cleaning, significantly more difficult.
Professional Piercings and General Care
The important thing about oral and facial piercings is that they’re kept clean. While it doesn’t reduce the risk of chipping, cracked teeth or gum damage, it does reduce the risk of infection. If you’re considering getting an oral piercing, make sure it is done by a recognized professional with a good reputation.
You should also make sure to follow all the steps for keeping the piercing and the area around it clean. As for chipping, cracks or gum damage, it will come down to being careful and aware at all times. Carefully weigh the pros and cons when it comes to piercings and your oral health, and don’t take the decision lightly.
Contact Parkcrest Dental Group for More Professional Advice
With this advice in mind, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you’re looking for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, pediatric treatments or orthodontic solutions, Parkcrest Dental Group is here to help. Contact our practice in Springfield, Missouri today to get the smile you deserve.
