Archive for July, 2010

Many young men and women have begun getting a piercing in or around the mouth, and the dangers of an oral piercing are not limited to tongue rings, this includes: cheek, lip (upper and lower ; known as snake bites or a Monroe or Medusa), lower franum (webbing), Superior franum (smiley), the tongue and labret.  Each of these piercings poses a different threat to your teeth, gums, and the surrounding area.  There is more than just a small threat for infection.

 A metal bar bell, a piece of jewelry that can be up to 1.6mm, just long enough to hit and damage your teeth.  These chips can occur when eating, or when you are first talking with your new ring.   The chips can sometimes be filled with a white filling or could be as damaged as needing a root canal and crown.  This can be very expensive. 

Another area that can be damaged by an oral piercing is the gums, especially the area surrounding the piercing.  The metal (or plastic ball) rubs against the area causing the gums to erode.  This can become very painful and will cause your teeth to become loose.  This is not a quick fix. This gum surgery needs to be done by a periodontist and can be very painful, and expensive.

The third and most common danger for an oral piercing is of course, infection.  Your mouth holds bacterium, which is brought into your bloodstream by the wound, or ring.  This is why it is important not to smoke or touch your ring, especially while it is healing.

            So if this oral piercing is not something you will change your mind about, remember, make sure you go to a certified place, ask questions and ask to see their sterilization methods.  Not doing these things can lead to paralysis or death.  It sounds extreme, but do your research.