Jarred K. Donald, DDS
16631 Coit Rd #114
Dallas, TX 75248
972-818-4300
888-49-SMILE
Patient Education - General Dentist Information in Dallas
Oral Piercing
Oral piercing (usually on the tongue or around the lips) is one of the
more disturbing fashion trends in recent years. Many people fail to
realize that that even precautions taken during the installation of a
piece of piercing jewelry are not enough to stave off harmful,
long-term consequences such as cracked or chipped teeth, swelling,
problems with swallowing and taste, and ugly scars. Add to this the
possibility of choking on a piece of dislodged jewelry and one has to
ask if the risks are warranted.
But the most serious long-term health problems from oral
piercing come in the form of damage to the soft tissues such as the
cheeks, gums and palate, as well as opportunistic infections. Any kind
of body piercing may also put you at risk of contracting deadly
infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.
A common form of body piercing involves the tongue. Tongue
piercings have been known to cause blocked airways (from a swollen
tongue). In some cases, a tongue piercing will cause uncontrolled
bleeding.
Some states actually regulate or ban oral piercing, so ensure
that you are not breaking any laws.
Return to | Oral Health Topics