In a recent study, oral piercings have found to be a very popular trend with 43% of people going for them. Out of these, the most popular was tongue and lip piercings, whilst only a small number of people opted for gum piercings. Whilst piercings are seen as a fashionable form of self-expression, not many people realise the kind of long or short-term damage they can have on their mouths.
Oral piercings can be prone to chipping and cracking teeth when they come into contact, and some people might have a habit of playing with or biting their piercing – this can be very dangerous and can lead to extensive dental work.
Your mouth is a hub of bacteria and is the perfect place for infections to begin, and what better way than with an open wound caused by a new piercing. Infections that are not treated can lead to blood poisoning.
Unless does correctly, getting a piercing can cause permanent numbness of your tongue, blood loss, swelling, and in severe cases, the risk of HIV and Hepatitis B.
If you are looking at getting an oral piercing, make sure to do your research and use a trustworthy provider in a clean and safe environment.
If you do have a piercing, you should keep it as clean as possible by using an antiseptic mouthwash, avoid playing or fiddling with it, and if you play sports – make sure to remove it to avoid causing injury and damage through trauma.
Visit your dentist regularly to make sure there are no underlying problems with your piercings.