It’s becoming more and more common to see oral piercings as a means of fashion and self-expression. Although these piercings seem like a hip way to accessorize, there are a number of dangers associated with them that could affect your dental health. Today, we will be addressing the necessary aftercare procedures to guarantee a safe and healthy experience, as well as the possible risks associated with oral piercings.
Risks Associated with Oral Piercings
1. Infection
Like any other piercing, oral piercings leave the body vulnerable to infection. However, oral piercings are particularly susceptible to infection, especially when considering they are easily irritated when you eat.
2. Gum Damage
Gum recession may result from oral jewelry coming into constant contact with the gums. The gum tissue becomes inflamed and damaged by the jewelry, pulling it away from the teeth. Gum recession increases the risk of cavities and causes discomfort around the exposed tooth roots.
3. Tooth Damage
Teeth can be horribly harmed by oral piercings, particularly if the jewelry is made of metal or has sharp edges. Teeth fractures, chips, or cracks may occur by biting down on the jewelry. It would take a number of dental procedures to fix these issues.
4. Choking Hazard
Oral jewelry that is not fastened tightly enough is an obvious choking hazard. Ingestion of jewelry might result in severe consequences and necessitate medical intervention.
Aftercare Tips for Oral Piercings
If you accept the above risks, here is how to properly take care of your oral piercing(s)!
1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential to avoiding infection. To keep the piercing clean, wash your teeth frequently and rinse your mouth with a saline solution that is alcohol-free. Mouthwashes with alcohol content should be avoided, as they may be too harsh on the healing tissue.
2. Be Mindful of Your Diet
Choose softer meals that won’t irritate the piercing during the healing phase. Steer clear of hot and spicy foods since they may be uncomfortable to consume. Chewing should be done carefully to avoid applying too much pressure to the piercing site.
3. Follow Professional Advice
Pay attention to the aftercare recommendations provided by your piercer. They could advise using particular cleaning products or techniques to aid in recovery. See your piercer and/or a medical practitioner if you show any symptoms of infection.
4. Avoid Playing with the Jewelry
Avoid the urge to move or play with the jewelry unnecessarily while it is still healing. Doing so can slow down the healing process and raise the possibility of problems. Try not to disrupt the piercing as much as you can.
5. Regular Check-ups
Make an appointment for routine dental examinations to keep an eye on the condition of the piercing site. If it causes unusual discomfort, contact your piercer and have it removed.
Even though oral piercings are a stylish and distinctive way to express yourself, it’s important to understand the possible problems they may cause concerning your dental health. You can enjoy your oral piercing while lessening the dangers involved by taking the recommended precautions we’ve discussed. Never forget that the nicest accessory you can have is a bright smile, and Remedy Dentistry can help you achieve that!
