“Metal mouth” typically refers to someone with an orthodontic appliance; however, it can also refer to someone with an oral piercing. The two meanings are quite contradictory since the first one is for the benefit of your oral health (hello, braces!), and the latter can wreak havoc on your mouth, and maybe your life.
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, an estimated 5% of people have oral piercings. Be it trendy, teenage rebellion, or a weird fetish, piercing any part of the mouth comes with serious risks.
It’s not so much if, but rather when oral piercings will cause problems. Try performing the normal functions of your mouth, such as eating and talking, with a foreign piece of metal. Yeah, kind of awkward!
You might be thinking, well, I have my ears pierced or my belly button pierced, what’s the harm in piercing my tongue or lip? Bacteria! Yup, your mouth is filled with it no matter how much you brush and floss. The mouth is a moist environment and serves as the body’s largest orifice, which makes it the ideal breeding ground for a bacterial infection. Oral infections can quickly escalate from minor to life-threatening, resulting in potentially deadly infections such as endocarditis (an infection of the heart's inner lining), Hepatitis B, and tetanus.
We started with the worst case scenarios, now here are other side effects of oral piercings.
- Allergic reaction - Cheap metal jewelry can cause an allergic reaction. Surgical grade stainless steal or high quality plastic are optimal choices.
- Bleeding - The tongue is filled with blood vessels, and if one is split during the piercing process, there can be heavy bleeding.
- Chipped/cracked/shifted teeth - The clanking of jewelry against teeth can chip, crack, and weaken enamel. The pressure of metal pushing against teeth can cause them to shift.
- Choking - Jewelry is removable, so if not secured properly, it can become loose and slip down the throat.
- Gum recession - Much like the deterioration of tooth enamel, gums can recede from the constant rubbing of jewelry. Periodontal disease can occur in some cases.
- Excessive saliva - Jewelry causes saliva to accumulate in the mouth, which might lead to drooling and unwanted spit.
- Nerve damage/numbness - Temporary numbness can be a side effect of a new piercing, but sometimes nerve damage and permanent numbness can occur, affecting taste and movement.
- Swelling - Minor swelling is normal with a new piercing, but in rare cases, the swelling can be so severe that the airway could become blocked, causing difficulty breathing.
So if you were thinking about getting an oral piercing, perhaps we changed your mind. At the very least, hopefully we provided you with what to expect so there are no surprises. While good oral hygiene is important for everyone, it’s crucial for those with oral piercings. Regular dental cleanings and exams can help prevent serious health problems. Avoid touching your piercing with dirty hands and get into the habit of rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash after eating to remove food debris.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding oral piercings, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.