Oral piercings: are they bad for my oral health?

Find out about the risks and contraindications of oral piercings

Has your son or daughter decided that what they want most in the world is a tongue piercing? Be careful, because this enduring trend among teenagers is more dangerous than it seems.

To begin with, piercings are perforations into which a foreign object is inserted, in this case in the area of the mouth or the oral cavity. Like ear piercings, oral piercings come in many forms and in very different sizes; however, they pose a greater risk to our health.

What harm can a mouth piercing cause?

Having a foreign body in the mouth affects the way you speak, swallow and chew.

Dental risks of getting a mouth piercing:

• Infections: When a piercing is fitted, there is a risk of causing a local infection in the area.
• Increased saliva: The mouth detects a foreign body inside it and produces more saliva as a defence mechanism.
• Bleeding: When a mouth piercing is done, blood vessels can be punctured during the process, which can cause prolonged bleeding.
• Gingival or gum recession: This happens when the gum pulls back and leaves the root of the tooth exposed, leading to a greater risk of tooth decay and sensitivity, as well as cosmetic problems. Up to 50% of people with oral piercings suffer from this problem.
• Scar tissue and keloids: This tissue forms when a piercing has not healed properly and the scarring process becomes complicated.
• Damage to teeth and enamel: One in four people with oral piercings suffers from micro-cracks or microfractures, caused by the impact of the metal knocking against the teeth. This continuous trauma leads to progressive loss of tooth structure.
• Interference with speaking, chewing or swallowing
• Airway obstruction: this can be caused by swelling (oedema) or by swallowing pieces of jewellery, which poses a risk to the respiratory or digestive organs.