Oral Health in Carlsbad: Take a Moment to Think Before You Pierce

If you live in the Carlsbad area and are considering puncturing your lip or tongue, this post is for you. Patients should consider the effects of piercings on their oral health in Carlsbad before they make a decision.

Infection

Your mouth is full of bacteria. Any opening in the tissue carries the risk of infection. The germs from your tongue and mouth can easily get into your bloodstream. Carlsbad dentists and doctors are continually treating extreme infections caused by oral piercings. Oral infections can be a real problem for oral health in Carlsbad and should be a major consideration before getting an oral piercing.

Tooth Damage

It should come as no surprise that having a piece of metal bang around in your mouth can easily damage tooth enamel. Though tooth enamel is amazingly strong, once it’s chipped or cracked, it can only be restored with artificial material. Fortunately, La Costa Dental Excellence in Carlsbad offers many tooth restoration options such as crowns and fillings, but our advice is to avoid the problem if you can.

Prolonged Bleeding and Swelling

The blood vessels in the tongue are often damaged when the tongue is pierced, causing prolonged bleeding and possible build-up of scar tissue. In some severe cases, the tongue swells up enough to block the airway.

Gum Recession

A number of periodontal disease studies have shown that wearing oral jewelry is linked to periodontal disease which can bring about tooth loss. Periodontal disease can cause gum recession which exposes the root of your teeth, potentially causing hypersensitivity and pain. Again, our advice is to avoid the issue right from the start.

These are just a few of the dangers of oral piercings. Stephen and Kimberly Dankworth at La Costa Dental Excellence can give you more important details about the risks of oral piercings. If you have already noticed signs of infection, call 760-633-3033 to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you improve your oral health in Carlsbad with general and cosmetic dentistry.