Body piercings are a common form of self-expression seen around San Francisco. Today’s post is for those who currently have an oral piercing or are considering one.
Since this is a cosmetic dentistry dental blog, I am sure you expect us to raise all sorts of alarms warning of the dangers of piercings. You are right. Unfortunately, these piercings and the jewelry they accommodate can lead to serious issues with not only your teeth and mouth, but your entire body. These piercings can cause tooth damage, cavities, periodontal disease, tooth loss, bone recession, compromised immune system function and, in rare cases, death.
In general, any oral piercing is going to open you up to an array of dangerous oral infections and complications. The mouth is full of germs and introducing foreign objects permanently is not natural for your body’s health.
A tongue piercing can cause difficulty chewing with unnatural chewing patterns that may lead to swallowing problems. The jewelry produces excess saliva from the salivary glands, which throws off the natural balance of your oral cavity. Permanent nerve weakening, excessive bleeding, and allergic reactions can also occur.
Metal jewelry also can easily come in contact with your teeth, leading to cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth. Your teeth are built to last a lifetime. Chips, cracks, and enamel erosion compromise their durability and shorten their life span.
Complications with some piercings occur by the introduction of hepatitis and herpes simplex viruses, and even more complications have occurred with bacteria entering the bloodstream and eventually lodging in the heart valve. In rare cases, such infections are fatal.
Though not technically a piercing, some California people drill small holes in their teeth to place rhinestones or other jewelry. Drilling into a tooth is detrimental for many reasons, including damage that can make a root canal necessary. The jewel also can attract bacteria that can directly go into the drilled cavity of the tooth.
Dr. Hovden encourages patients with oral piercings to remove their jewelry before it puts their health at risk. However, if you have an oral piercing and plan to keep it, we advise you to have consistent dental cleanings and check-ups at Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City. We will set up a schedule for regular visits so we can discover and repair problems in their early stages before they become more acute or require emergency dental care. Do not wait if you suspect you may have a dental or physical trouble. Call 650-755-6000 ASAP.
Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:
650-755-6000
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015
