In the Know for You to Know
Back in the day it was all about getting your ears pierced. I remember being so excited when my parents finally said I was old enough to get my ears pierced and pick out my first set of earrings.
Fast forward to today. Now it’s about piercing the tongue, lips, cheeks, skin around the mouth and even the uvula (the little flap of skin hanging down in the back of the mouth).
You may not be surprised to see a teenager with a face or mouth piercing. But it may be surprising to know how dangerous they can be.
While everyone likes to display their personal style, oral piercings can cause dental problems along with other health risks and complications.
How Harmful Are Mouth Piercings?
Piercings can interfere with:
- Speaking,
- Chewing,
- Swallowing.
They can also cause:
- Pain,
- Swelling,
- Infections,
- Choking.
In addition:
- Some children may be allergic to the metal in the piercing,
- Piercings on the face and lips can lead to facial scarring,
- Tongue piercings can lead to broken teeth, nerve damage or speech problems.
How Do Mouth Piercings Hurt Teeth?
Piercings can hurt teeth in several ways:
- Cut into the gums and cause the gums to recede away from the teeth,
- Crack teeth,
- Scratch teeth,
- Cause sensitive teeth,
- Damage fillings.
- The mouth jewelry may become trapped between the teeth,
- Having a piercing in the mouth can also lead to excessive drooling.
Recommendations For Parents
Everyday Care:
- 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.
- See your pediatric dentist regularly, and remember to brush twice a day and floss daily.
When Taking Part In Sports:
- Remove the jewelry,
- Protect their mouth with a mouthguard.
What To Remember
The best advice about oral piercings is to avoid getting them altogether.
If your child already has a piercing prevention is best. Something doesn’t seem right? It’s best to remove their mouth jewelry before it causes more of a problem, and contact your pediatric dentist or pediatrician.
Don’t pierce on a whim. The piercing will be an added responsibility to your child’s and to your life, requiring constant attention.
If you’ve made the decision to have a piercing done, make sure an experienced professional does the piercing.
Does your child have a mouth or face piercing? What type do they have? How do they take care of their piercing? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
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