Piercing is a popular form of self-expression. Oral
piercings or a split tongue may look good, but they can be hazardous to your
health. This is because your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and
infections and swelling often occur with mouth piercings. For example, your
mouth and tongue may become so swollen that your airways are closed, or you may
choke if a piece of jewelry breaks in your mouth. In some cases, a tooth can
break if you bite too hard on the piercing, and repeated blows of the jewelry
to the teeth can also cause damage. Oral perforation can also lead to more
serious infections such as hepatitis or endocarditis. Smart Pill
Infection, pain, and swelling. Your mouth is a
moist environment, home to a large number of multiplying bacteria, and an ideal
place for infection. The infection can quickly become life-threatening if not
treated promptly. In addition, piercings can cause swelling of the tongue,
which can block the airway.
Damage to gums, teeth, and fillings. A common habit of
biting or playing with piercings can damage your gums and lead to cracked,
scratched, or sensitive teeth. Perforation can also damage seals.
Hypersensitivity to metals. Allergic reactions at
the puncture site are also possible.
Nerve Damage After piercing, you may feel numbness in
your tongue due to nerve damage, which is usually temporary but sometimes
permanent. An injured nerve can affect your sense of taste or the way you move
your mouth. Damage to the blood vessels in the tongue can cause severe blood
loss.
Excessive Drooling Puncturing your tongue can increase
saliva production.
Difficulty visiting the dentist. Jewelry
can interfere with dental care by blocking X-rays.
If you already have piercings:
Call your dentist or doctor right away if you have any
signs of infection such as swelling, pain, fever, chills, tremors, or red
streaks around the piercing site.
Keep your piercing clean and free of any debris that can
build up on your jewelry by using mouthwash after every meal.
Try not to press the jewelry on your teeth or subject the
piercing to stress. When talking and chewing, be polite and watch the movement
of the jewelry.
Check the fit of your jewelry periodically (with clean hands).
This will help prevent swallowing or choking if the jewelry comes off.
When exercising, remove the jewelry and protect your mouth
with a mouthguard.
Visit your dentist regularly and remember to brush your
teeth twice a day and floss every day.
Of course, the best option is to consider removing the
mouth jewelry before it causes a problem. Do not pierce on a whim. The piercing will become an additional responsibility in your life that requires constant
care and maintenance. Talk to your dentist for more information.
