Should You Let Your Teen Get An Oral Piercing?

dangers of oral piercings Shelby TownshipAn increasing number of young people are sporting tongue, cheek, and lip piercings. We have some thoughts on that, at Ray McKinley DDS & Brittany McKinley-Holloway DDS — McKinley General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Shelby Township.

What if your teen asked you for permission to get an oral piercing? The answer, we think, should be a firm ‘No.’

Here are five reasons why teens should avoid oral piercings:

  1. Excessive drooling
  2. Chipped teeth
  3. Infection
  4. Hypersensitivity to metal
  5. Nerve damage

Let’s discuss these dangers in more detail.

Drooling

Lip and tongue piercings let adolescents express their personality and creativity. But they can cause frequent drooling.

Broken Teeth

Another reason to keep piercings away from your mouth, lips, and tongue is that having any metal in your mouth can chip your teeth. This can happen while eating, drinking, or sleeping.

Infection

The mouth is a haven for bacteria. When tissue is pierced, bacteria can enter the bloodstream. Neglecting appropriate brushing habits can increase the risk. Touching the piercing with dirty hands can also introduce bacteria.

Hypersensitivity to Metal

Metal piercings can bring about a hypersensitivity to any metal in your mouth, such as silverware. Additionally, there is a risk of an allergic reaction at the piercing site.

Nerve Damage

This is the scariest. Piercings put your son or daughter at risk of irreversible nerve damage.

At Ray McKinley DDS & Brittany McKinley-Holloway DDS — McKinley General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Shelby Township we want the best possible oral health for all our patients. People from Washington Township, Macomb, and Lakeside come to our practice for general and restorative dentistry, and much more. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Ray McKinley DDS & Brittany McKinley-Holloway DDS — McKinley General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry:

586-685-0880

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

45665 Village Blvd
Shelby Township, Michigan
48315

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