Oral Piercings
How Can Oral Piercings Affect Your Teeth?
Jewelry inside the mouth can repeatedly contact your teeth while you eat, speak, or move your tongue.
Over time, this contact may contribute to:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Tooth wear
- Damage to dental restorations
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Gum irritation
Biting down on the jewelry can cause particularly significant damage.
If you have an oral piercing, try to avoid playing with or biting the jewelry.
Gum Recession
One of the potential concerns associated with oral piercings is gum recession.
Repeated contact between jewelry and the gums can irritate the tissue and, over time, contribute to the gums pulling away from the teeth.
Gum recession can expose more of the tooth root, which may lead to:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Increased risk of root decay
- Changes in the appearance of your smile
- Greater difficulty keeping the affected area clean
Once gum tissue has receded, it does not typically grow back on its own.
Infection & Oral Piercings
The mouth naturally contains many different types of bacteria. Introducing a piercing creates an additional wound that can become infected.
Possible signs of infection include:
- Increasing swelling
- Significant redness
- Persistent pain
- Pus or unusual discharge
- Fever
- A worsening bad taste or odor
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
If you develop significant swelling or have difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical attention.
Healing After an Oral Piercing
The healing process varies depending on the location of the piercing and the individual.
During healing, it’s important to follow the professional piercing provider’s aftercare instructions carefully.
Good oral hygiene is also important.
You should:
- Brush your teeth regularly
- Clean the jewelry according to professional instructions
- Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands
- Avoid playing with the jewelry
- Follow recommended cleaning instructions
- Attend regular dental examinations
Avoid unnecessary manipulation of the piercing while the area is healing.
Protecting Your Teeth
Even after the piercing has healed, the jewelry can continue to come into contact with your teeth and gums.
To reduce the risk of damage:
Don’t Bite the Jewelry
Biting down on oral jewelry can fracture or chip teeth.
Avoid Playing With It
Constantly moving the jewelry against your teeth or gums can increase irritation and wear.
Choose Appropriate Jewelry
Discuss jewelry materials, size, and fit with a qualified piercing professional. Jewelry that is too large or poorly positioned may increase the chance of contact with your teeth and gums.
Monitor Your Gums
Pay attention to changes around the piercing, particularly gum recession, redness, swelling, or tenderness.
Oral Piercings & Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental examinations are especially useful if you have an oral piercing.
During your dental visit, we can check for:
- Gum recession
- Tooth damage
- Cracks or chips
- Excessive tooth wear
- Gum inflammation
- Signs of infection
- Damage to existing dental work
Early detection can help prevent minor problems from becoming more significant.
Should You Remove Your Oral Piercing?
Whether you should remove an oral piercing depends on your individual situation.
If your dentist notices significant damage to your teeth or gums, we may recommend discussing removal or changing the jewelry with your piercing professional.
If you are considering getting an oral piercing and have concerns about your oral health, discussing the potential risks with your dentist beforehand can also be helpful.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Contact Scarborough Village Dental Care if you notice:
- Gum recession around the piercing
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Persistent tooth sensitivity
- Swelling or tenderness
- Changes in the gum tissue
- Pain around the piercing
- Damage to a filling, crown, or other restoration
Prompt evaluation can help determine the cause and prevent further damage.
Protect Your Smile
Oral piercings can affect your teeth and gums even when there are no immediate symptoms.
Good oral hygiene, careful use of jewelry, and regular dental examinations can help you identify potential problems early.
At Scarborough Village Dental Care, we’re here to help you protect your teeth and gums while providing judgment-free, personalized dental care.
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