home: tell me about...

Oral Piercing


ORAL PIERCINGS- WHY?

You may think they look cool but have you considered the risks?

  • Infection- the mouth is full of bacteria so oral piercings carry a high potential for infection, at the site of the piercing.  Also handling of the jewellery once it has been placed also increases the chances of developing an infection.
  • Prolonged Bleeding-Damage to the tongues blood vessels can cause serious blood loss.
  • Swelling-Swelling is a common symptom after oral piercings, and it can be so great it can close your airway.
  • Blood borne disease transmission-oral piercings could also carry a possibility of transmission of hepatitis B ,C ,D and G.
  • Endocarditis-And last but by no means least oral piercings could carry a potential risk of Endocarditis (a serious inflammation of the heart valves). Certain bacteria could then travel from the piercing site to the heart via the blood system.

 

BEWARE!

  • If the jewellery is in constant contact with the gums it can cause them to recede
  • The jewellery can chip or crack teeth, if contact occurs, also if you already have restorations these can also be damaged.
  • Jewellery can cause excess saliva in your mouth which can make it harder to talk and cause problems with eating and swallowing.
  • Certain metal alloys may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
  • A piercing can interfere with dental x-rays.

 

Before you decide to have an Oral piercing have a

chat with your dentist first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Ashwater Dental Practice 2001-2003.|www.Ashwaterdental.co.uk|0118 979 1000