Did you know???
In today's society we are faced with a lot of different cultures, styles, and trends. But I bet you didn't know that being trendy has its ups and it has its downs. Being trendy helps with self esteem, and it gives individuals a way to express themselves. Some people dye their hair, or get tattoos, or the most popular – piercings.
What some of you don't know is that trends, such as oral piercings, come with potential oral health risks. If you are considering getting an oral piercing, you should consult with your Dentist to discuss the possible adverse effects. And for those of you have oral piercings, always make sure that you go to your routine exams so your dentist can check for potential problems.
Known complications of Oral Piercings Include:
* Prolonged bleeding - Severe bleeding may be caused if a blood vessel is punctured during piercing.
* Damage to teeth and gums - Chipped, cracked teeth or gum recession can be caused when jewellery comes in contact with both teeth and gums.
* Plaque Buildup – Plaque may build up on piercings, requiring more frequent dental cleanings.
* Nerve Damage – If one experiences numbness or loss of sensation on their piercing site, this could mean the piercing hit a nerve, and may cause nerve damage.
* Damage to the sublingual salivary glads - Your salivary glands under your tongue – which is what produces five percent of your saliva, can be damaged if a piercing is improperly placed.
* Swelling and Aspiration (choking) – A piercing may cause swelling of the tongue. In extreme cases, a severely swollen tongue can actually close the airway and restrict breathing. Or if the jewelry becomes loose in the mouth, it creates a choking hazard.
* Infection – Everyone has bacteria in their mouth; the wound from the piercing coupled with bacteria creates an increased risk of infection.
If you decide that you still want to get an oral piercing, and complications arise, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They are trained to monitor and manage oral health problems and will work with your family doctor to more serious conditions.
Also, after getting your oral piercing, take care of it. Make sure that you follow any at home instructions given to you by your dentist or piercing specialist. It can help prevent any immediate, short term or long term complications. Ask your dentist if an antimicrobial rinse is good for you to help keep the piercing clean.
In today's society we are faced with a lot of different cultures, styles, and trends. But I bet you didn't know that being trendy has its ups and it has its downs. Being trendy helps with self esteem, and it gives individuals a way to express themselves. Some people dye their hair, or get tattoos, or the most popular – piercings.
What some of you don't know is that trends, such as oral piercings, come with potential oral health risks. If you are considering getting an oral piercing, you should consult with your Dentist to discuss the possible adverse effects. And for those of you have oral piercings, always make sure that you go to your routine exams so your dentist can check for potential problems.
Known complications of Oral Piercings Include:
* Prolonged bleeding - Severe bleeding may be caused if a blood vessel is punctured during piercing.
* Damage to teeth and gums - Chipped, cracked teeth or gum recession can be caused when jewellery comes in contact with both teeth and gums.
* Plaque Buildup – Plaque may build up on piercings, requiring more frequent dental cleanings.
* Nerve Damage – If one experiences numbness or loss of sensation on their piercing site, this could mean the piercing hit a nerve, and may cause nerve damage.
* Damage to the sublingual salivary glads - Your salivary glands under your tongue – which is what produces five percent of your saliva, can be damaged if a piercing is improperly placed.
* Swelling and Aspiration (choking) – A piercing may cause swelling of the tongue. In extreme cases, a severely swollen tongue can actually close the airway and restrict breathing. Or if the jewelry becomes loose in the mouth, it creates a choking hazard.
* Infection – Everyone has bacteria in their mouth; the wound from the piercing coupled with bacteria creates an increased risk of infection.
If you decide that you still want to get an oral piercing, and complications arise, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They are trained to monitor and manage oral health problems and will work with your family doctor to more serious conditions.
Also, after getting your oral piercing, take care of it. Make sure that you follow any at home instructions given to you by your dentist or piercing specialist. It can help prevent any immediate, short term or long term complications. Ask your dentist if an antimicrobial rinse is good for you to help keep the piercing clean.
