The harmful effects of tongue and lip piercings on your teeth and gums
Piercings are a popular way to express yourself, but beware! It’s true what they say: tongue and lip piercings can have some harmful effects on your teeth and gums. But, with the proper care and advice from your dentist, you can minimise the damage and maintain a healthy smile while still wearing your oral jewellery.
The risk of infection is a well-known concern for those with tongue and lip piercings. But many don’t realise their oral jewellery can cause damage to their teeth and gums; a result of constant rubbing between your piercings and your gums and teeth.
When your piercings come into contact with your mouth, it can wear away important protective elements of your teeth and gums. Tongue or lip piercings that come into constant contact with your gums can cause gum recession. When your gum recedes, you are exposing more of your tooth’s root, which can make it easier for bacteria to build up and severely damage your tooth. Without the proper care, this can result in tooth loss!
Your teeth can also be directly affected by your piercings. The rubbing of the oral jewellery on your teeth can wear away the enamel, which is the protective tissue on your teeth that protects them from the damage of daily use. Wearing away the enamel can leave your teeth weakened, and prone to deformation. It’s not unusual for wearers of tongue and lip piercings to experience chips or cracks in their teeth.
Protect your teeth while wearing a tongue or lip piercing
There are a few things you can do if you’re concerned about existing or future damage that your teeth or gums may experience due to tongue or lip piercings.
Ensure an experienced and trusted individual pierces your mouth. Someone who is well-known will have the experience to ensure your piercings don’t interfere with your daily activities and oral health.
It’s also recommended that you remove the piercing when you eat, sleep, brush your teeth, and undertake any strenuous activity. This will help to avoid any damage to your teeth or gums both when you use your mouth the most, and when you have little control over the contact between your gums, teeth, and piercings.
If you wear or are considering wearing oral piercings, take your oral health into account. Our dentists at Somerset Dental are highly trained and committed to providing you with the very best advice and service in dental care, and can help you with your concerns. Contact Somerset Dental and get quality dental advice today!
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