Oral piercings are a trend that ebbs and flows, but if you’re a fan of expressing yourself through body ornaments, do you have all of the information you need? We are the masters of our bodies. In adulthood, we make our own decisions. Still, information can help you make the smartest choices for long term health. Unfortunately, oral piercings are likely to do a great deal of damage to your dental health, which is why the Corona dentists at Riverside Dental Group prefer patients to express themselves in other ways.

Oral Jewelry and Tooth Damage

The Journal of the American Dental Association published a study focused on the non-stop contact between gum tissues, teeth, and oral jewelry. Fractures, chips, damaged tooth enamel, and gum tissue irritation are all possibilities. Receding gums and nerve damage are also seen more frequently in dental patients with lip and tongue piercings. Dr. John K. Brooks, associate professor at University of Maryland Dental School states that, “Wearing oral piercing ornaments, even over relatively short periods, may result in significant deformities to gingival tissue (gums) that might not respond satisfactorily to surgery and, in fact, may lead to tooth loss.”

Periodontitis Prominent from Tongue and Lip Rings

One particular study looked at five young adult volunteers who wore either lip or tongue piercings. Three of the five participants had severe gum disease (periodontitis) even at relatively young ages. Periodontitis is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Gums and bone will separate as the condition progresses, forming periodontal pockets that are breeding grounds for infection. A 19-year-old woman in the research study had significant gum recession even though her mouth piercing was only five months old. These research results provide clear evidence that if you choose to pierce your tongue or lip, you are doing so at the risk of your dental health.

Visit your Corona Dentists

If you are adamant about oral piercings, you should make sure that you are especially diligent with your dental checkups. If you would like to schedule an appointment, contact Dental Associates of Corona at 951-273-9580.