You love your new piercing, and it’s a great way to express yourself. But the jewelry in your mouth is a foreign object, and it’s constantly rubbing against your teeth and gums. This can lead to problems you might not expect, from small chips to serious infections.
Understanding these risks is the first step toward enjoying your piercing without sacrificing your smile. We are here to guide you on how to keep your mouth healthy.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Constantly clicking or biting on metal jewelry can fracture your teeth. This might require a filling or even a crown.
Gum Recession
Jewelry rubbing against your gums can cause them to pull away from your teeth, exposing the root and increasing sensitivity.
Infection and Swelling
Your mouth is full of bacteria. A new piercing is an open wound, making it easy for infections to start, which can be painful and serious.
Nerve Damage
A piercing, especially in the tongue, can damage a nerve. This could lead to temporary or even permanent numbness or changes in taste.
Allergic Reactions
Some people are allergic to the metals used in jewelry, like nickel. This can cause redness, itching, and irritation around the piercing site.
Interference with Dental Care
Jewelry can block X-rays and make it harder for your dentist to spot problems during an exam.
Simple changes that protect your teeth and gums.
Choose a reputable and licensed piercing professional.
Follow all aftercare instructions carefully to prevent infection.
Use smaller, lighter jewelry made from high-quality, non-toxic materials like titanium or surgical steel.
Check the tightness of your jewelry daily to ensure it does not become a choking hazard.
Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily.
Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor for any potential issues.
Don't play with the jewelry or click it against your teeth.
Don't get a piercing if you have a history of gum disease or other oral health problems.
Don't use alcohol-based mouthwash, which can irritate the piercing site.
Don't ignore signs of infection like increased pain, swelling, or discharge.
Don't change the jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.
Don't share drinks or utensils while your piercing is healing.
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Practical steps you can start today.
Consider using jewelry made of acrylic or Bioplast instead of metal to reduce the risk of tooth damage.
Take out your piercing before playing sports or any activity where it might get caught or cause injury.
Eat slowly and carefully to avoid biting down on the jewelry.
Once the initial swelling goes down, ask your piercer to switch to a shorter post to minimize contact with teeth and gums.
Regularly check that the balls on your jewelry are screwed on tight to prevent swallowing or inhaling them.
If you notice any of these signs, don't wait. Contact your dentist or doctor right away to prevent more serious complications.
Persistent pain, redness, or swelling around the piercing.
Yellow or green discharge from the piercing site.
A fever, chills, or other signs of a body-wide infection.
Noticeable changes in your gums, like pulling away from your teeth.
A chip, crack, or new sensitivity in any of your teeth.
Numbness or loss of taste that doesn't go away.