Throughout history, body art has been a way in which people express themselves for many reasons. Oral piercings are a form of body art in which holes are made in the oral cavity (tongue, cheek, lip, or any other part of the mouth) for cosmetic purposes. These piercings can come in different forms like studs, rings, and barbells. Wearing these pieces of jewelry can be stylish, but it is important to know and understand the connection between oral piercings and oral health. It is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) to not get any oral and perioral piercings due to the risks associated with them. But if you choose to get one, it is necessary to know how to properly care for them.
Risks of Oral Piercings
There are multiple risks that should be considered when deciding on getting an oral piercing. Some of these risks are:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Swelling
- Higher risk of life-threatening diseases
- Infection
- Bleeding
These are some of the most common risks but there are others to be aware of. The ADA details all of the potential health complications that can occur when getting an oral piercing. If you experience any of these health concerns, be sure to speak with your Dental Made Easy dentist to advise you on what to do. The most ideal way to avoid any of these risks is to resist getting any oral piercings at all.
Caring for Oral Piercings
If you are still interested in getting an oral piercing, it is essential to visit a piercer that sterilizes their instruments. Instruments that are sterilized are best for preventing disease and infections. Some other effective preventative measures for keeping your oral piercing(s) clear from infection:
- Avoid smoking or any form of tobacco use
- Putting any objects in the oral cavity (pen, pencil, etc.)
- Fingernail biting
- Playing around with the jewelry itself
Other considerations to be made when caring for oral piercings is to remove the jewelry when sleeping, playing contact sports, and any other physical activity especially after healing. To maintain a healthy mouth, be sure to put aftercare of your oral piercing(s) at the top of your priorities. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use oral rinses that are antiseptic. Make sure you also visit Dental Made Easy at least twice a year for your checkups and cleanings. We hope to see you soon!
Your Dental Health
When it comes to your health, trust in the dentists at Dental Made Easy. Dental Made Easy has the best dental practices in New York City and we are open on Sundays as well as late evenings. All of our dental offices are open and accepting new patients at this time. We are rated among the top dental practices in New York, NY with numerous 5-star reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. For a teeth cleaning or exam, we recommend calling or booking an appointment online with one of our talented dental professionals. All new patients may also take advantage of our $149 Cleaning Special that includes an exam and x-rays of our Free Dental Implant Consultation Special.
To set up your appointment give us a call at (844) 979-EASY (3279). We have offices in Forest Hills, Queens, Little Caribbean, Brooklyn and Garden City, Long Island. Walk-ins welcomed, we take emergencies and we are open on late nights to accommodate patients with a busy schedule. We hope to see you soon!
