Are you or a family member thinking of getting an oral piercing?

Many teenagers look for ways to express themselves uniquely, and some choose body art as their outlet. Although tongue, cheek, and lip rings can look cool, oral jewelry can cause major negative effects on your oral health during the procedure and afterwards.

Negative Effects of Oral Piercings

Aside from giving you bad breath, piercings can also cause major damage to your teeth and overall well-being. Here are just some potential negative effects:

• Infection & Bad Breath
• Swelling & Nerve Damage
• Chipped or Cracked Teeth
• Interfere with Normal Oral Function
• Interfere with Oral Health Evaluation
• Piercings can block transmission of x-rays which are often a necessary part of an oral health evaluation. Piercings can sometimes "hide" cysts, abscesses, or tumors.

Is it worth the risk?

While a piercing can act as a fashion statement and drastically alter your look, there are also more dangerous implications involved as well.

If you do decide to get a piercing, make sure to follow these cautionary tips. Rather than relying on a friend, make sure you get your piercing professionally done and ask about the salon's sterilization methods. Whoever is performing the procedure should be knowledgeable and able to answer any questions you may have and know about proper aftercare.

Make sure to also ask for a Public Health services inspection certificate, so you know you are in good hands!