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Q: What's wrong with oral piercing?
A: Where should we begin? The normal healthy mouth is teeming
with bacteria. Any unnatural opening in the tongue, cheek or lip
is a possible portal for infection. Piercing is particularly dangerous
with the tongue. If blood vessels in the tongue are damaged, serious
blood loss can ensue. Also, since the tongue is in near constant
motion—unlike, say, an earlobe—the healing process
can be slow and prone to complication. In some cases, swelling
has been severe enough to block the airway.
The jewelry itself can also cause problems. It can damage the gums,
and if it is in constant contact, may cause the soft tissue of the
gum to recede. There's also the danger of the jewelry chipping or cracking
teeth, particularly restorations. Oral jewelry also can cause excess
saliva production, may cause difficulty in speaking and with chewing
and swallowing food. Some people may also experience what's called
allergic contact dermatitis as a result of an allergy to metal alloys.
Metal in the mouth can also interfere with the effectiveness of x-rays.
Talk with your dentist for more information on oral
piercing.
October 19, 2009
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