An increasing number of Royal Oak adolescents are sporting tongue, cheek, and lip piercings.
What if your teen asked you for permission to get an oral piercing?
The team at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry advises parents to give a firm ‘No.’
Here are five reasons why teens should avoid oral piercings:
- Excessive drooling
- Chipped teeth
- Infection
- Hypersensitivity to metal
- Nerve damage
Let’s discuss these dangers in more detail.
Drooling
Lip and tongue piercings let teenagers express their personality and creativity. But they can cause repeated drooling. I doubt your teen is enthusiastic about that prospect. But, interestingly, some are more worried about drooling than nerve damage.
Broken Teeth
Another critical reason to keep piercings away from your mouth, lips, and tongue, is because having any metal in your mouth can chip your teeth. This can happen while eating, drinking, or sleeping.
Does your teen already have a tooth that’s weakened? Repair these cracks early before more damage ensues.
Small breaks in teeth can be filled or crowned. But often youth with piercings come in with more serious problems. These may require a root canal or tooth extraction.
Infection
The mouth is a haven for bacteria. When tissue is pierced, bacteria can enter the bloodstream. Neglecting correct brushing habits can increase the risk. Touching the piercing with dirty hands can also introduce bacteria.
Hypersensitivity to Metal
Metal piercings can result in hypersensitivity to any metal in your mouth, such as silverware. This is problematic for any that likes to eat.
Additionally, there is a risk of an allergic reaction at the piercing site. If your teen is aware of sensitivity to certain metals, they can get the piercing in a metal that doesn’t cause problems. But your teen is still at risk of the other perils discussed here.
Nerve Damage
This is the scariest. Piercings put your son or daughter at risk of irreversible nerve damage. If the previous dangers don’t dissuade you, this one should. Experiencing a numb tongue is usually temporary. But for some adolescents, it has become permanent.
Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:
248-541-8770
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067
