Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Tongue piercings may look edgy, but have you ever thought about how they affect your teeth and oral health?
Tongue and other oral piercings can lead to various dental health issues that might make you reconsider.
In this blog post, we take a closer look at the potential risks associated with tongue piercings, as well as some tips to minimize damage if you already have one.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Tongue piercings can lead to risks like tooth chipping, gum recession, and increased sensitivity. While not everyone experiences severe damage, the constant contact between oral jewelry and teeth can cause long-term oral health issues.
How Oral Piercings Affect Your Oral Health
Oral piercings, especially tongue and lip piercings, have direct contact with your teeth and gums, which puts these areas at risk.
The mouth is full of millions of bacteria, creating a moist environment where infections can easily develop.
Piercing sites in the mouth are prone to bacterial colonization and inflammation, which can affect your overall oral health.
Potential Risks of Tongue Piercings
Tongue piercings come with several risks that may not be immediately obvious. These complications can impact your teeth, gums, and soft tissues.
- Tooth damage and chipping: Constant contact between metal tongue jewelry, like barbell-shaped jewelry, and your teeth can lead to tooth chipping and enamel wear. Individuals with tongue piercings are more likely to experience cracked or chipped teeth over time. Plastic barbells are much friendlier to the teeth than metal barbells, in the tongue.
- Gum recession and damage: Oral piercings can cause gum recession as the jewelry rubs against the gums. This constant pressure on gum tissue, especially on the lingual (inside) surface of mandibular teeth, can lead to gingival recession and even gum disease.
- Infections and swelling: The piercing site is highly vulnerable to bacterial infections. Infections can cause a swollen tongue, pain, and even dangerous conditions like blood loss if a blood vessel is punctured during the initial procedure. Bacterial infections may spread to surrounding oral tissues, leading to severe oral complications.
- Tooth sensitivity and pain: The presence of a piercing in the mouth can make teeth more sensitive, especially if you already have sensitive teeth. Constant friction between the jewelry and tooth surfaces can lead to discomfort, particularly when eating or drinking hot or cold beverages.
Dentist Recommendations: Considerations Before Getting a Tongue Piercing
If you are considering a tongue or lip piercing, keep in mind the following factors to reduce your risk of complications.
- Choose quality materials: Use jewelry made from surgical steel, titanium, or other hypoallergenic materials to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction and bacterial colonization. Plastic materials are friendlier to the teeth, but the same to the gum tissue, as metal materials.
- Research piercing specialists: Look for a licensed professional or an association of professional piercers who understand proper sanitation and sterilization procedures.
- Consider piercing location carefully: Different types of tongue piercings (e.g., standard, smiley, uvula) carry different risks. For instance, a smiley piercing that sits near the gums can significantly increase the chance of gum recession.
Tips for Reducing Damage from Oral Jewelry
If you already have a tongue piercing, there are ways to protect your oral health and prevent long-term damage.
Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
A solid oral hygiene routine is essential if you have oral piercings, as bacteria buildup on jewelry is common.
- Brush twice a day and use an antibacterial mouthwash to keep bacteria levels low.
- Clean your piercing site regularly with a sterile saline solution and avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, which can dry out the oral tissues and cause irritation.
- Do not forget to remove and thoroughly clean your jewelry inserts, as food debris and bacteria can accumulate on them.
Avoid Common Habits That Can Cause Damage
Certain habits increase the risk of dental trauma and infections around the piercing.
- Avoid playing with your jewelry: Constantly biting or clicking your jewelry against your teeth can wear down the enamel and lead to tooth damage.
- Keep your hands clean: Always wash your hands before touching your piercing or jewelry to avoid introducing bacteria into the piercing site.
- Limit hard or crunchy foods: Eating hard foods can damage your teeth, especially if your jewelry rubs against them during chewing.
Types of Oral Piercings and Their Risks
The specific type of piercing you choose also affects the kinds of complications you may experience.
- Tongue piercing: The most common type, usually done in the middle of the tongue, can lead to tooth chipping and enamel wear, especially on adjacent teeth.
- Lip piercing: Individuals with lip piercings risk gum damage and gingival recessions, as the jewelry often rests against the gums. And if you decide to discontinue with the piercing, it may leave a scar.
- Cheek piercing: This less common type increases the risk of scarring and may contribute to periodontal disease due to its location near the gums and inner cheeks.
What to Look Out For: Signs of Oral Complications
If you have a tongue piercing, watch for the following signs that may indicate oral complications:
- Persistent swelling or pain around the piercing site
- Signs of infection, such as redness, discharge, or pus
- Increased tooth sensitivity or sharp pain in specific teeth
- Noticeable changes in the position of your gums, indicating gum recession
Power Road Dental Care: Your Partner in Oral Health
If you are concerned about the effects of your tongue piercing on your dental health or are noticing signs of gum damage, we are here to help.
To book an appointment at our dentist office Mesa, AZ, call us at (480) 664-1438 or complete the online inquiry form. We are conveniently located at 2500 South Power Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ.