Oral piercings have become a popular form of body art and self-expression, especially among adolescents and young adults. While these modifications can be esthetically pleasing to some, they come with a list of dental health considerations that should not be overlooked. This article will delve into the dental implications of oral piercings, including common complications and professional recommendations for those already having oral jewellery.
The Popularity and Placement of Oral Piercings
Oral piercings typically involve the tongue, lips, cheeks, or other soft tissues within the mouth. The tongue is the most common site for these piercings. Common forms of oral jewellery include:- studs
- barbells
- rings
- hoops
- stainless steel
- gold
- titanium or
- synthetic substances.
- intraoral piercing: describes a piercing in which both ends of the oral jewellery (device or apparatus) reside in the oral cavity, as seen with tongue piercings.
- perioral piercing: describes a piercing in which one end resides in the oral cavity and the other end penetrates the skin surface in the perioral region (e.g., the cheek, upper or lower lip, chin or associated tissues).
Common Complications Associated with Oral Piercings
Immediate Complications
- Swelling and Bleeding: The initial piercing process can cause significant swelling and bleeding due to the high vascularity of oral tissues.
- Pain and Infection: As with any puncture wound, pain is an immediate consequence. Infections are also common due to the rich bacterial environment in the mouth.
Long-Term Complications
- Tooth Damage: The constant presence of metal jewelry can lead to chipped or fractured teeth.
- Gingival Recession: Jewelry can rub against gums causing them to recede over time.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Lacerations and scarring are frequent issues.
- Embedded Jewelry: Sometimes jewelry can become embedded in surrounding tissue requiring surgical removal.
- Hypersalivation: Increased salivary flow is another frequent side effect.
- Airway Obstruction: Swelling or aspiration of jewelry poses serious risks.
Severe Health Risks
- Ludwig’s Angina: A severe infection that spreads rapidly through the floor of the mouth.
- Infective Endocarditis: Bacterial infection affecting heart valves which could be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Tongue Splitting
Tongue splitting involves severing the tongue into two pieces creating a forked appearance. It is a relatively less common oral modification, but is more dangerous. This procedure carries significant risks including severe bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and long-term complications such as difficulty speaking or eating. Given its invasive nature and potential for severe complications without any medical benefits, cosmetic intraoral/perioral piercing and tongue splitting are advised against by dental professionals.Oral Jewelry: Tooth Gems, Dental Grills, and Tooth Tattoos
In recent years, several types of oral jewelry have become used as contemporary forms of oral body art and self-expression, such as:- Tooth gems involve attaching precious stones like diamonds or precious stones) directly onto teeth
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