Mouth Piercings and Jewelry

Mouth piercings and jewelry are a type of fashion trend among some young adults and teenagers.  The lips, tongue, and cheeks may be pierced to wear barbell, hoop, or stud-type jewelry, similar to earrings.  Oral piercing procedures and the jewelry can cause health risks and dental complications. 

 

Your mouth contains both good and harmful bacteria.  Infections can occur at the site of your piercing.  Certain blood borne diseases can be transmitted through your piercing site.  Such diseases may be dangerous and life threatening including HIV, hepatitis B, C, D, and G, which affects the liver, and endocarditis that targets the heart.  Blood-borne diseases may be transmitted by several situations, including the use of contaminated piercing equipment.  Blood-borne viruses are also transmitted from an infected person to a non-infected person in blood or body fluids that contain blood, such as semen and saliva. 
 
Oral piercing procedures can cause blood clots, prolonged bleeding, and nerve damage.  Tissue swelling may also result.  In some cases, tissue swelling may be so severe that it blocks a person’s ability to breathe.  You should receive immediate medical attention for blood clots, prolonged bleeding, nerve damage, and swelling.

 

Mouth jewelry can injure your gums and teeth.  Your gums may be injured or recede (move away form your teeth) if they are in constant contact with the jewelry.   This can contribute to tooth and gum decay.  Additionally, the jewelry can cause cracked teeth and damage fillings, crowns, and orthodontics.