Oral Piercing Not as Safe as You Think

Piercing the tongue, lips, cheeks or uvula (the tiny tissue that hangs at the back of the throat) is not as safe as some would have you believe. That’s because the mouth’s moist environment—home to huge amounts of breeding bacteria—is an ideal place for infection.
An oral piercing can interfere with speech, chewing or swallowing. That may seem like a mere inconvenience until you consider that it may also cause: excessive drooling, infection, pain and swelling, chipped or cracked teeth, injuries to the gums, damage to fillings, increased saliva flow, hypersensitivity to metals, scar tissue and nerve damage by puncturing a nerve during piercing
These harmful effects can happen during the piercing, soon after, or even long after the procedure.
An infection can quickly become life threatening if it’s not treated promptly. For example, oral piercing carries a potential risk of endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart valves or tissues. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the piercing site in the mouth and travel to the heart, where it can colonize on heart abnormalities. This is a risk for people with heart conditions and, in the worst of cases, results in death.
In addition, piercing jewelry can sometimes cause allergic responses to the pierced site. The jewelry can even get in the way of dental care by blocking x-rays.
Don’t pierce on a whim. The piercing will be an added responsibility to your life, requiring constant attention and upkeep.
For all your dental needs or consultation, call NOA Dental at 661-857-7662. NOA Dental is a general, specialty, and cosmetic dental office in the community that provides comprehensive, quality care for new and current patients both children and adults. www.NOA Dental.net.