What are the Risks of an Oral Piercing?

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What do you know about oral piercings? These have become quite popular, but there are a number of issues you may want to watch for. For example, you probably know that jewelry might have small parts, which could be a choking hazard. Still, would it surprise you to learn that there are other risks to oral piercings?

You see, if you have pierced any part of your mouth, your jewelry could potentially hit against your teeth. This may not seem like a serious issue, but it might actually fracture a tooth. If this happens to you, it’s very important to get your tooth treated as soon as possible. You see, cracked teeth can lead to tooth loss, cavities, sensitive teeth, and could even make you more vulnerable to gum disease.

An oral piercing itself could also cause a number of other problems. For instance, piercing technically creates a wound in your mouth, which might eventually lead to an infection. Conversely, jewelry can harbor harmful bacteria, which could also lead to other oral infections. If your mouth does become infected, the area will swell, which could ultimately make breathing more difficult. Lastly, if a nerve is accidentally pierced, you might experience numbness—which may or may not be permanent.

If you would like to learn more about oral piercings, or about dealing with a cracked tooth in Raleigh, North Carolina, please feel free to give Midtown Dental a call at 919-847-8074. Our dentist, Dr. Seth Rumley, and our team will gladly address any concerns that you may have. We look forward to receiving your call soon.