Dott. Giuseppe Di Maio
Piercings on the tongue, lip or other areas of the mouth have become an increasingly widespread trend, especially among younger people. However, behind the aesthetic appearance there are real risks to oral health. Oral piercings can cause damage to the teeth, gums, mucous membranes and even salivary glands.
Let’s see in detail what happens to the mouth when a piercing is inserted and what the dentist’s advice is to prevent complications.
The clinical study: oral piercings and gingival health
Research from the University of Basel, presented at the EuroPerio 9 Congress of the European Federation of Periodontology, compared 18 patients with tongue or lip piercings (average age 28 years) with a control group without piercings.
The results highlighted a significant increase in signs of gingival inflammation and periodontitis in patients with piercings, particularly in teeth in direct contact with the metal jewel.
All the damage of oral piercings to teeth and gums
Inserting an oral piercing can cause several problems:
- Dental fractures and chips: the metal from piercings can repeatedly hit the teeth, damaging the enamel.
- Infections and inflammation: the presence of a foreign body in a humid environment such as the mouth favors bacterial proliferation.
- Loss of taste: In some cases, piercings can damage the salivary glands or nerves, causing pain, swelling, or changes in taste perception.
- Gum recession: the continuous friction of metal on the gums can cause gum recession, increasing the risk of periodontal disease and tooth mobility.
- Contamination of the oral cavity: piercings that are not properly sanitized become vehicles for bacteria and infections
The dentist’s advice
Anyone wishing to apply an oral piercing should first consult an expert dentist, who will be able to evaluate the health of the mouth and inform you of the associated risks.
In case of inclusion, it is essential:
- Maintain strict oral hygiene
- Carry out periodic check-ups at the dentist
- Monitor for any changes to your gums or teeth (pain, swelling, bleeding)
- Remove the piercing if there are persistent lesions
- Prevention and regular checks are the best defense against piercing damage
La prevenzione e i controlli regolari sono la miglior difesa contro i danni da piercing.
FAQ
Are tongue piercings bad for your teeth?
Yes, they can cause enamel fractures, receding gums and gum inflammation.
Do oral piercings cause infections?
Yes, the mouth is a bacteria-rich environment and a piercing increases the risk of infections, especially if not sanitized properly.
What happens if I don’t remove an annoying piercing?
Chronic lesions, periodontitis, or permanent damage to the soft and hard tissues of the mouth may develop.