One common way that people express themselves is through body piercings. Although they may seem stylish, tongue splitting and oral piercings can be harmful to your health. This is due to the fact that your mouth is home to millions of germs, and mouth piercings frequently result in infection and swelling. For example, if a piece of jewelry breaks off in your mouth, you might choke or your lips and tongue could swell so severely that you block your airway. Biting down too hard on the piercing can occasionally result in tooth cracking, and clicking the jewelry repeatedly against teeth can also harm teeth. Additionally, more severe diseases like endocarditis or hepatitis might result from oral piercings.
Speech, chewing, and swallowing may be hampered if you puncture your tongue, lips, cheeks, or uvula, the little tissue that hangs at the back of the neck. It might also result in:
- discomfort, edema, and infection. Your mouth is a moist habitat that is perfect for infection and is home to a large number of germs that breed there. If an infection is not treated right away, it can soon turn fatal. Additionally, a piercing may cause your tongue to enlarge, which might obstruct your airway.
- harm to the teeth, gums, and fillings. Biting or playing with the piercing is a typical behavior that can cause gum damage and result in sensitive, cracked, or damaged teeth. Fillings can also be harmed by piercings.
- metal sensitivity. Additionally, allergic responses may occur at the location of the piercing.
- heightened metal sensitivity. The place of the piercing may potentially experience allergic responses.
- harm to the nerves. Your tongue may go numb following a piercing due to nerve injury, which is often transient but occasionally permanent. Your tongue movement or sensation of taste may be impacted by the damaged nerve. Serious blood loss may result from damage to the blood vessels of your tongue.
- excessive salivation. You may produce more saliva if you have a tongue piercing.
- Problems with dental appointments. Because the jewelry blocks X-rays, it may interfere with dental care.
If you’re already pierced:
- If you experience any symptoms of infection, such as swelling, discomfort, fever, chills, shaking, or a reddish-streaked look around the piercing site, get in touch with your dentist or doctor right once.
- Use a mouth rinse after each meal to keep the piercing site clean and clear of any debris that might get on the jewelry.
- To prevent tension on the piercing, try not to click the jewelry against your teeth. When eating and talking, be mindful of the movement of the jewelry and use gentleness.
- Periodically check your jewelry’s tightness (with clean hands). In the event that the jewelry comes loose, this can assist save you from choking or swallowing.
- Take off your jewelry and wear a mouthguard when participating in sports.
- Keep in mind to brush and floss twice a day, and schedule regular dental checkups.
Naturally, the best course of action is to think about getting rid of your mouth jewelry before it becomes an issue. Don’t get pierced impulsively. Your life will become more responsibilities as a result of the piercing, which needs ongoing care. For further details, speak with your dentist.
Safety of Oral Piercings
Make sure you have had the most recent tetanus and hepatitis B vaccinations if you have made the decision to undergo an oral piercing.
Select a piercing parlor that is tidy and well-managed. Choose a piercer with a license, as this indicates that they have had specialized training. The piercer should use sterile or single-use equipment, wash their hands with antimicrobial soap, and put on new disposable gloves.
Care for Oral Piercings
You must ensure that your piercing heals and doesn’t become infected after you leave the store. Usually, it takes three to four weeks to heal. In the period, you ought to:
- Rinse your lip piercing or tongue before bed and after each meal or snack. Use an alcohol-free, antimicrobial mouthwash or warm salt water.
- Avoid sharing spoons, knives, forks, plates, or glasses.
- Consume nutritious meals in tiny portions.
- Avoid consuming acidic, salty, or spicy meals and beverages.
- Not drinking hot beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate
- Be kind. Avoid clicking your jewelry against your teeth when you speak and chew.
- To avoid choking or swallowing, periodically check that your jewelry is still tight.
- Wear a mouthguard and take off your jewelry when participating in sports.
You should be able to take off the jewelry for brief periods of time without the hole closing as the piercing heals. To allow your tongue to heal as it grows, the piercer will begin with a bigger “barbell” if you receive a tongue piercing. Dentists advise switching out the big barbell for a smaller one that won’t damage your teeth after the swelling has subsided.
Remove the jewelry each night and brush it the same way you clean your teeth once your tongue has healed. Before you go to bed or engage in any physical activity, you might wish to remove it.
Oral piercings: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o