Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Oral Piercing and Your Health

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Oral Piercing and Your Health

Oral piercing is becoming more prevalent in society. Young adults, athletes, musicians, and many more are piercing their lips or tongue to make a statement. Before making the decision to visit a piercing parlor, it is important to know the risks and side effects that can be involved with oral piercing.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, one out of every five oral piercings results in infection from contaminated puncture wounds. The mouth is a host for a vast amount of bacteria. The actual piercing site could be considered a wound in the mouth, which is susceptible to infection. There is a chance that the bacteria from the mouth or handling of the jewelry could enter the bloodstream and lead to endocarditis (inflammation of the heart or its valves). The chance of transmitting herpes simplex virus and hepatitis B and C is also a potential risk.
If nerves have been damaged from the piercing, numbness or loss of sensation could occur. Tongue swelling from infection or trauma could block the airway and cause difficulty breathing. Dislodging and aspirating the barbell, etc. is also possible which can restrict the airway. For athletes, especially contact sports, this is more common.
Teeth that come in contact with the jewelry can be damaged by chipping or cracking. One study shows 47% of people wearing barbell tongue jewelry for 4 or more years had at least one chipped tooth. Jewelry can also interfere with salivary function because the actual jewelry stimulates salivary flow. Temporary or permanent drooling has been reported. Speech can be affected and taste can be altered.
Oral piercing is definitely not recommended! If you decide to have the oral piercing, it is important to consider the health and safety precautions taken at the piercing parlor of your choice. Ask a friend with a positive experience for a referral. Make sure the studio has a clean appearance especially in the area where the piercing is done. Ask if they use hospital-grade autoclaves for sterilization and/or use disposable instruments. Disposable gloves should be used. Ask to see health certificates. All staff members who are involved in the piercings should be vaccinated against hepatitis B. All needles and jewelry should be in sterilized packaging.
If you have questions or concerns about oral piercings please contact Dr. Mogell at 561-394-9000.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.