Body piercings are a common form of self-expression. This post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo is for anyone who has an oral piercing or is considering one.
Our brief summary? Bad idea. Unfortunately, these piercings and the jewelry they accommodate can lead to serious issues with not only your teeth and mouth, but your entire body. Oral piercings can bring about tooth damage and decay, gum disease, bone recession, compromised immune system function and even death, though that is rare.
In general, any oral piercing opens you up to an range of potential infections and complications. The mouth is full of germs, and introducing foreign objects permanently is not natural for your body’s health.
A tongue piercing can lead to unnatural chewing patterns that may, in turn, lead to swallowing problems. Metal jewelry also can easily come in contact with your teeth, leading to cracks, chips, or other damage. Your teeth are built to last a lifetime. Damage compromises their durability and shortens their lifespan.
Complications with some piercings develop by the introduction of hepatitis and herpes simplex viruses, and even more complications have occurred with bacteria entering the bloodstream and eventually lodging in the heart valve. In rare cases, such infections are fatal.
At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we encourage patients with oral piercings to remove their jewelry. If you plan to keep yours, be sure to have regular check-ups. Our services include family and restorative dentistry. Call for an appointment today.
Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:
801-374-0070
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604
