Tongue and Lip Piercings: Are They Putting Your Teeth at Risk?

Getting a tongue or lip pierced is a way to express your unique personality. But as your jewelry collection grows, so might the list of problems for your teeth and gums.

If you already have a piercing or are considering adding a shiny new piece, it’s worth knowing how it can affect your teeth and oral health.

In this blog, we will explain how tongue and lip piercings impact your teeth, gums, and overall oral health, and what you can do to stay a step ahead.

Table of Contents

• How Piercings Affect Your Teeth and Gums
  • Constant Pressure and Tooth Damage
  • Gum Recession and Oral Complications
• Risks of Tongue and Lip Piercings 
• Tips to Minimize Risks with Oral Piercings
• Signs You Need to See a Dentist
• Partner With Clearwater Dentistry in Greeley, CO

How Piercings Affect Your Teeth and Gums

Your mouth is a sensitive system of tissues, nerves, and blood vessels, all working hard to keep you talking, chewing, and smiling. 

So when you add metal into the mix, there could be a few consequences.

Constant Pressure and Tooth Damage

Every movement you make with your mouth presses the metal against your teeth, which may lead to:

• Chipped teeth: Constant clicking and clinking of hard metal against your tooth enamel is a one-way ticket to chipped teeth.
• Tooth sensitivity: You may experience enamel erosion which will make your teeth hypersensitive.
• Loose teeth: Repeated pressure can lead to tooth movement, which affects your bite.

Gum Recession and Oral Complications

Your gums are soft tissue that require a bit of extra care. 

• Gingival recession: Jewelry in the mouth can slowly wear down gum tissue, exposing the roots of your teeth and making you more prone to infections.
• Periodontal disease: The constant scraping against your gums can make them more susceptible to periodontal disease.  
• Bacterial infections: In the warm, moist environment of your mouth, bacteria grow fast, making infections at the piercing site common.

Risks of Tongue and Lip Piercings

There are many risks that come along with oral piercings, including:

1. Increased risk of infection
   Oral piercings are open wounds in one of the most bacteria-rich places in your body. This increases the risk of infection, which could spread to your bloodstream if left unchecked.
2. Damage to oral tissues
   It does not take long for metal jewelry to irritate the soft tissues in your mouth, leading to sores, swelling, and even a swollen tongue.
3. Nerve damage
   A tongue piercing can cause permanent nerve damage, affecting your sense of taste and mouth movement. 

Tips to Minimize Risks with Oral Piercings

If you already have a piercing and really don’t want to remove it, here are a few things you can do to minimize your risk:

1. Choose the right jewelry
   • Go with surgical steel or hypoallergenic materials to avoid allergic reactions.
   • Avoid heavy or overly large jewelry that adds extra pressure on your gums and teeth.
2. Practice good oral hygiene
   • Rinse once-a-day with an antiseptic mouthwash. 
   • Brush and floss daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
3. Limit contact with your teeth and gums
   • Try not to click the jewelry against your teeth. Yes, it is tempting, but think about the consequences.
   • Don’t use your teeth to twist or play with the jewelry. 
4. Visit your dentist regularly
   • Schedule regular checkups so any early signs of tooth or gum damage are caught before they get worse.
   • Talk to your dentist about safe ways to maintain your oral health.

Signs You Need to See a Dentist

If you notice…

…persistent swelling

…tooth pain or sensitivity

…gum recession or changes to the appearance of your gums 

…signs of infection

…it’s time to see a dentist!

Partner With Clearwater Dentistry in Greeley, CO

Body piercings can look great and are a unique form of expression. But, it is worth weighing the long-term effects they can have on your dental health.

Constant pressure, tooth damage, and the increased chance of infection are a few things to think about before committing to that piece of jewelry.

At Clearwater Dentistry, we are here to help you maintain your oral health and keep you smiling confidently.

To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, call (970) 515-3550 or complete the online inquiry form! We are always accepting new patients and look forward to meeting you!