Oral Piercings

Oral Piercings... did you know?

Mouth and tongue piercings can lead to infections, chipped or cracked teeth and damaged gums. Oral piercings can be trend setting but they can be dangerous to your oral health as your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection and swelling can occur around the piercing.  Consider the health effect a piercing can have on your mouth before you commit to getting one. Possible risks of oral piercings (particularly tongue piercings) may include:

  • Infection.
  • Chipped or cracked teeth - the long-term use of tongue jewellery also causes tooth abrasion, when the jewellery is hitting against the teeth
    gum damage.
  • Nerve damage (resulting in loss of sensation in the tongue).
  • Interference with speaking and swallowing.
  • Potential blockage of airways due to excessive swelling.
  • Excessive drooling.

We recommend that you have a chat with your dentist when considering an oral piercing as it can have an impact on your oral health and quality of life.