If you’re thinking about getting a mouth piercing, here are some things you should consider beforehand. There are many different types of oral piercings and the most popular is a tongue piercing. The most common type of tongue piercing is a barbell. Depending on the length of the barbell, different types of damage can result. Just like other oral jewelry, tongue piercings require maintenance and regular checkups to make sure no damage is being done.
They can cause bad breath
Piercings in the mouth can be a food trap. Food can get stuck in and around the tongue piercing. That being said, the jewelry needs to be removed and cleaned daily. If not, the food on the piercing will linger and start to attract bacteria. This site of food and growing bacteria starts to contribute to bad breath. If neglected, the bacteria around the piercing can be a source for possible infections. It is important to remove the piercing daily and clean it.
They can cause teeth to chip
Because tongue piercings are made of metal, they can cause damage to the teeth. The constant clicking of the metal against the front teeth can cause the teeth to chip. Also, people with tongue piercing tend to bite on the barbell which then puts pressure on the teeth, causing them to chip. This is more commonly done with short barbells because they can be easily positioned between the teeth.
They can cause damage in your mouth
Damage due to tongue piercing isn’t just limited to our teeth. The constant rubbing of the piercing against oral tissues like the surrounding gums can cause them to wear away. Once the gums are worn down, this is called gingival recession, which is irreversible. Piercings can also cause damage to braces. If the piercings hit the brackets or wires, this can loosen or bend them, respectively. Any changes to these components can alter orthodontic treatment. If wires are bent then your teeth will shift in unexpected ways. Also, if your brackets get loose, then your treatment will become delayed.
If you really want oral jewelry, consider something that won’t be in constant contact with your teeth or gums. A vertical lip piercing would be a good option as it will not cause damage to your teeth and gums.