Tongue and Lip Piercing – Fashion Statement or Dental Problem?

In the Know for You to Know

Thinking About My Mouth, Lip and Nose Piercings
Thinking About My Mouth, Lip and Nose Piercings

Body piercing is a popular style of self expression. You may not be surprised to see someone with a face or mouth piercing, but it may be surprising how dangerous they can be.

While everyone likes to display their personal style, tongue, lip, or cheek piercings can cause dental problems and other health consequences.

How Bad Can Mouth Piercings Be?

These types of piercings can interfere with speaking, chewing or swallowing. They can also cause pain, swelling and infections. Some can also be allergic to the metal in the piercing.

Piercings on the face and lips can lead to facial scarring. Tongue piercings can lead to nerve damage and speech problems.

Anything Else To Know About Mouth Piercings?

These piercings can also injure the gums, crack teeth, scratch teeth, cause sensitive teeth, and they can also damage fillings. The mouth jewelry may even become trapped between the teeth. Also, having a piercing in the mouth can lead to excessive drooling.

Any Recommendations About Mouth Piercings?

If your child already has a piercing keep the piercing site clean and call your pediatrician immediately if your child shows any signs of infection.

Avoid clicking the jewelry against teeth and avoid stress on the piercing. Be gentle and aware of the jewelry’s movement when talking and chewing.

Check the tightness of their mouth jewelry daily (with clean hands) to help prevent swallowing or choking if the jewelry becomes dislodged.

When taking part in sports, remove the jewelry and protect their mouth with a mouthguard.

Regular check-ups are important, and remember to brush twice a day and floss every night.

The best option is to remove mouth jewelry before it causes a problem. Don’t pierce on a whim. And remember, the piercing will be an added responsibility to your child’s and your life needing constant attention.

Do you or your child have a face or mouth piercing? How do you take care of the piercing? What are your hacks? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Chat with us, Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!