Piercings are a popular form of self-expression and body modification common in many cultures around the world. While they are now worn primarily for aesthetic reasons, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with mouth piercings.
Types of mouth jewelry
Mouth jewelry can take many forms, such as glittery dental stones, piercings in the mouth and lip area, and dental ornaments made of gold or platinum foil. Some people even cover their front teeth with silver, gold or platinum caps.
Risks of mouth jewelry
Our mouth is home to around 700 different types of bacteria, which we can consider as natural roommates. However, some of them are pathogens such as caries bacteria, which feel particularly comfortable on the tongue. Inflammation or injuries in the mouth can therefore lead to infections, swelling and bleeding. Piercings can also increase the risk of the following problems:
Bad breath: Mouth jewelry provides ideal niches for plaque to settle. Because it is difficult to clean around piercings, plaque can build up over time, which often leads to unpleasant breath.
Nerve injury: In rare cases, getting a tongue piercing can cause numbness if a nerve is hit. This can affect both the sense of taste and the ability to speak clearly.
Broken teeth: Many people who wear lip or tongue piercings tend to bite or play with the jewelry. This puts you at risk of breaking or damaging a tooth, especially if the tongue piercing ball comes off the bar while eating, for example.
Interference with dental treatments: The metal from piercings can damage bridges, crowns and braces. Even fillings can fall out if they come into contact with the mouth jewelry.
Tooth damage: Regular rubbing of mouthpieces on teeth can gradually erode tooth enamel. This increases the risk of tooth sensitivity and tooth decay.
Receding gums: Piercings can damage the gums and expose the underlying dentin. Lip piercings can affect the gums in front of the lower incisors, while tongue piercings can damage the gums behind the front lower incisors. A meta-study by the Universities of Basel and Greifswald has shown that longer periods of wearing piercings are associated with increasing damage to teeth and gums.
Periodontitis: If gum damage is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis. This disease causes the inner layer of gums and bone to separate from the teeth, which can lead to loosening or even loss of teeth.
What you should pay attention to
If you still wear mouth jewelry, we recommend that you consider the following points:
Only have the piercing done by experienced professionals.
Clean the piercing regularly according to the instructions.
To detect possible changes early, you should visit a dentist regularly and have your mouth examined.
Get problems with piercings and mouth jewelry fixed
At Dr. Lehmann’s dental practice, we are here to protect your oral health and help you care for your teeth.
Arrange an initial consultation directly online or call us (044 211 17 17). Dentist, Dr. med. dent. Barbara Lehmann , will be happy to advise you personally.