Body piercings are a common form of self-expression seen around San Diego. At Marcos Ortega DDS, we encourage our patients to enhance their smiles in the healthiest way.
Today’s post is for those who currently have an oral piercing or are considering one. Unfortunately, these piercings and the jewelry they use can lead to serious problemswith not only your teeth and mouth, but your entire body. These piercings can result in tooth damage, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and tooth loss.
Tongue Piercing
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 lead to difficulty chewing with unnatural chewing patterns that may lead to swallowing troubles. 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 stability and shorten their lifespan.
Mouth Jewelry
Though not technically a piercing, some people drill small holes in their teeth to place rhinestones or other jewelry. Drilling into a tooth is dangerous 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.
Health Tips
Dr. Ortega 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. It’s important to fix problems in their early stages before they become more extreme. Don’t wait if you suspect you may have a dental or physical trouble.
Marcos Orgeta DDS offers general dentistry services along with the following:
Call us today for an appointment. Let us help keep you smiling every day!
Contact Marcos Ortega DDS:
619-295-4545
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
306 Walnut Ave, Ste 25
San Diego, California
92103