From hairstyles to clothing, tattoos to jewelry, today’s youth, as part of their rite of passage, are making their own fashion statements. However, those that want to look cool with an oral piercing may be looking to their dentists and physicians for help afterwards and quickly afterwards at that.
Common symptoms after oral piercing include pain, swelling, infection, an increased flow of saliva and injuries to the gum tissue. If a blood vessel was in the path of the needle during the piercing, severe and difficult-to-control bleeding can result. For some, chipped or cracked teeth, blood poisoning or even blood clots can occur. For many, the swelling of the tongue is a common side effect. In extreme cases, a severely swollen tongue can actually close off the airway and prevent breathing.
Unfortunately, many young people who consider oral piercing don’t realize that these alarming side effects could happen to them. But, they can and here’s why.
Because your mouth contains millions of bacteria, infection is a common complication of oral piercing. Pain and swelling are natural side effects of piercing. Piercing also can cause uncontrollable bleeding or nerve damage.
The jewelry itself also presents some hazards. Wearers can choke on studs, barbells or hoops that can come loose in their mouths and contact with the jewelry can chip or crack their teeth.
So, try to convince your children to skip the mouth jewelry and let their healthy smile make their fashion statement. If they simply must get pierced, set up an appointment with your dentist soon afterwards.
For more information, please call 661-255-2545.