Individuals use piercings as a unique and artistic form of expression. However, oral piercings, such as lip and tongue piercings, may cause oral trauma. Those with oral piercings may experience early and onset receding gum lines, hypersensitivity to metal jewelry, or cracked teeth.
Studio Dental Care provides education on oral health and how to maintain a healthy mouth.
Receding Gumlines
According to a study in the Journal of the American Dental Association, receding gumlines occur in correlation to the length of a pierced lip or tongue. A piercing affects the gumlines after consistent rubbing and irritation. Receded gumlines lead to increased sensitivity and a greater likelihood of developing cavities and in unfortunate circumstances tooth loss. For more information regarding tongue and lip piercings in association with receding gum lines, please follow the link by clicking HERE.
Click HERE to read about a study conducted on males and females with oral piercings and the correlation to gum recession.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to the jewelry’s metal may occur, resulting in swelling, tenderness, or bleeding.
Chipped / Cracked Teeth
With weaker gums and hard metal jewelry, it should come as no surprise that people with lip and tongue piercings may experience an increase in cracked or chipped teeth.
Difficulty Speaking and Swallowing
Mouth piercings may create difficulties speaking and swallowing. Tongue piercings may drastically alter speech, such as lisps and speech impediments.
For more information regarding oral health, please contact Dr. Alexander Ash at Studio Dental Care in Studio City, California. At his dental office, Dr. Ash strives to provide quality dentistry for a spectrum of multi-specialty services, including sleep apnea appliances, teeth whitening, routine cleanings, dental implants, and mouth guards for bruxism. For more information, please visit the official Studio Dental Care website by clicking HERE.
By Alexander Ash, DDS
Dr. Ash is the founder of Studio Dental Care. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, followed by two General Residencies at New York-Presbyterian / Weill-Cornell Hospital and the UCLA Sepulveda VA Hospital.