Oral Piercings and Dental Health
Understanding the risks.
As well as having their place in various cultures around the world, piercings play a big part in modern fashion and oral piercings in particular are more popular than ever these days. The problem is, oral piercings can cause some pretty serious dental problems.
If you are thinking about getting an oral piercing, it is so important that you do understand the risks so that you can make an informed decision.
Any metal bars or studs in your mouth create the potential for three major issues:
● Tooth fractures
● Bone Loss
● Receding gums
Commonly, playing with an oral piercing in the mouth causes tissues to become irritated, which can lead to gums receding. Once gums begin receding, bone loss is a possibility down the line. Complications are also a big risk, with infections, swelling and nerve damage being real possibilities during the piercing process, the healing process and potentially even when the piercing has settled. The risk doesn’t stop when you are asleep either, in fact you’re exposed to even more risks as mouth movements you don’t control when you sleep could break or undo the piercing, causing you to breath it in or swallow it.
Still Going Ahead?
Before You Get It Done
Before you get it done, don’t be afraid to speak to your local Abbey Road dentist about the oral health implications so you are completely informed about possible issues. When selecting somewhere to have your piercing done, make sure they have all the correct certification, make sure the facility is immaculately clean and make sure that all equipment used is sterilised. Don’t ever feel you can’t stop the process if at any point you are concerned that things aren’t being done as they should be.
After You Get It Done
After you get it done, follow all care instructions to ensure the area stays as clean as possible. Make sure you don’t play with it, and if at any point it seems like it is infected or not as it should be, speak to the provider (all reputable piercers provide aftercare) for advice, and then as a further option, approach your GP for help. Long term, you should seek regular appointments with your NW8 dentist here at Abbey Road Dental to check for damage from the piercing. If anything is being damaged, your dentist will discuss that with you and what can be done about it, or to avoid it getting worse.
Do You Need To Book An Appointment At Abbey Road Dental?
If you are planning on getting a piercing, or you have one and want to check it isn’t damaging your teeth, please book an appointment with use here at Abbey Road Dental. We will be able to check for things like cracks in the tooth or receding gums caused by the piercing. As with all dental issues, it is always better to spot problems early to stop them getting any worse, so please call 02076241603 and a member of our helpful team will be able to get you booked in.