Learn about the affects of an oral piercing on your smile from your Akron dentist.

Considering an oral piercing? While many individuals consider having their ears pierced a rite of passage, today people are turning to oral piercingsoral piercings as a fashion statement. Dr. Jennifer DiPiero is an outstanding dentist in Akron, OH that discourages oral piercings, as they can lead to a myriad of oral health problems. Read on to discover what oral piercings can do to your smile.​

Infections
The mouth is full of bacteria that can enter the piercing site and cause an infection. Handling the lip or tongue ring with unclean hands can transmit bacteria. Food particles that accumulate around the lip or tongue ring can also breed bacteria. An infection may result in swelling and pain and it can be life threatening if it is not diagnosed and treated promptly.​

Nerve Damage
Nerve damage can develop if the lip or tongue piercing is done incorrectly. Numbness at the piercing site can occur if a nerve has been damaged. The injured nerve may affect your ability to taste. Tongue and lip piercings often result in nerve damage that's usually temporary, but can also be permanent.

Gum Problems
Jewelry – especially barbell tongue rings – can rub against the gum tissue and cause an injury. Gum recession may occur due to the lip or tongue jewelry rubbing against the gum tissue. Individuals with oral piercings also have a greater risk of developing gingivitis than individuals without oral piercings.

Damage to Teeth
The metal lip and tongue jewelry that rubs against the teeth can cause cracks in the teeth, especially while talking, eating and sleeping. Playing with or biting the oral piercing is a common habit that can lead to cracked or chipped teeth. Studies show that 47 percent of individuals wearing barbell rings for 4 or more years have at least one chipped tooth.

If you want to keep your mouth healthy, consider using your smile as a fashion statement and avoid oral piercings. If you want to improve your smile, call DiPiero Family Dental in Akron, OH at (330) 867-9494 to schedule your next dental appointment. Dr. DiPiero can help you create the gorgeous smile you have always dreamed about.