Oral Piercing The Facts!

What is oral piercing?


Oral piercing is any piercing of the, tongue, lips, or cheek. Oral piercing is fast becoming a popular fashion trend and statement of self- expression.

If you are considering having a piercing it is important that you understand all the facts.


Oral PiercingJewellery types

There are different types of jewellery used for oral piercing, the most common being barbells, studs and rings.

The materials used to make the jewellery vary from surgical stainless steel, Titanium, Gold, PTFE which is short for Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene.

PFTE is a flexible material, it is also smooth and slippery and is often used for initial piercing, and Bioplast which again is a flexible material and often preferred to promote faster healing with less chance of developing an allergic reaction.

 

The risks

  • The most common risks associated with oral piercing include:
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Pain and swelling of the tongue and floor of the mouth
  • Nerve damage
  • Infection
  • Cracked and broken teeth
  • Injury to the gums and soft tissue of the mouth
  • Endocarditis
  • Choking on or swallowing the jewellery.
  • Allergic reaction

Excessive Bleeding

Damage done to the tongue during piercing can cause excessive bleeding which can in some cases result in serious blood loss.

Pain, swelling and nerve damage

Pain and swelling are common symptoms of oral piercing. It has been known for the tongue to become so swollen it blocks off the airway and restricts breathing. Although the swelling and pain will subside within a few weeks, eating, drinking and talking during this time can be difficult

 

Nerve damage

It is possible for the nerves of the tongue to be permanently damaged during the procedure.

 

Infection

As with any open wound infection can occur.


The mouth contains bacteria which can increase the chance of infection. Handling and touching the jewellery when it is in the mouth can increase the chances of getting an infection. It is very important that the jewellery and wound are kept clean at all times.

 

To minimize the risks of developing infection and it is extremely important to clean keep the piercing thoroughly clean at all times. Hands must be thoroughly before touching the jewellery to reduce the risks of transmitting harmful bacteria. Always follow the cleaning and care instructions you are given.

Toothbrushes can harbour bacteria, throw out your old brush and buy a new one! Choose a brush that has a small head (no larger than the size on a £1 coin) with soft bristles, this will be easier to use and more effective.

 

Regularly rinsing your mouth with warm salty water for 60 seconds will help to minimize infection and promote healing.

 

Never attempt to do a piercing yourself or allow anyone else to do one who is not an experienced piercer. Always ensure that the piecing equipment is sterile, unclean equipment can cause blood borne infections such as Hepatitis and HIV, tetanus, bacterial infection and yeast infection (Candida albcans).

Broken and cracked teeth & injury to the gums and soft tissues of the mouth


Oral jewellery can cause damage to teeth, gums and tissues of the mouth. The teeth may be broken or chipped as a result of talking, eating and chewing (playing with) the jewellery whilst wearing it.


If the teeth are damaged they will need to be repaired by a Dentist.

 

The gums, lips and soft tissues can also be damaged by oral jewellery, although these heal over time they can cause considerable discomfort and pain.

 

Endocarditis

This is a serious and potentially life threatening condition where the heart valves and tissue become inflamed. The wound created during a piercing provides an opportunity for bacteria to enter the blood stream and travel to the heart. People who have heart abnormalities are at risk of deleloping endocarditis. Patients with a heart defect who undergo routine dental treatment are prescribed antibiotics by the dental surgeon to reduce the risks of infection. Often with oral piercing this is not the case.

Choking, inhaling and swallowing the jewellery

If the jewellery becomes loose or unfastened it can become a chocking hazard. It may be swallowed or inhaled. This can be extremely dangerous!

 

Allergy

The metals used in the jewellery can cause an allergic reaction. Your body may react to or reject the jewellery. This can cause infection or prevent the wound from healing.