As we get older suddenly we realised many things we didn't appreciate about being young - being fit, having smooth skin and having all your own teeth. As our loose teeth (and bridges) struggle to deal with chewier food we start eating bland mush and, there is no easy way to say this, OLD PEOPLE FOOD. I'm determined not to let that happen to me and I'm doing everything I can to keep my own teeth as long as possible, and when that's not possible to get the best possible teeth replacement. If you are like me and want to keep on eating whatever you want, I think you'll like my site. It's all about dental health and teeth replacement & maintenance.
Keeping your teeth young
Thinking of Getting a Piercing in Your Mouth?
Mabel Hicks
Oral piercings can include having the lower or upper lip, tongue, cheek or uvula (the bit that hangs down at the back of your throat) pierced. While there is a risk with all piercings, oral piercings can be particularly dangerous, so before you get your piercing here are some things to consider.
What can go wrong?
As with any piercing, your mouth will be painful and swollen but this will make it difficult to eat and talk. Your mouth is constantly moist and warm and the daily introduction of food makes it the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Infection, pain and swelling are risks for when a piercing goes right, but what about if it goes wrong?
Risks include:
- Your tongue is connected to your brain. There is an important artery that runs along the tongue. For some people, it runs along the centre of the tongue. These people should never have their tongue pierced because they have a higher chance of bleeding out. For those that can have their tongue pierced, should that piercing become infected, the bacteria will have a direct link through that artery to your jugular and brain.
- Allergies. You may not realise you are allergic to the metal used in the jewellery until you have the piercing in place. Allergic reactions can range from being mile to severe, with the worst case scenario being death.
- Trouble breathing. An allergic reaction, or simply your body's reaction to having the tongue pierced can result in the tongue swelling to such a size that it blocks your airways.
- Tooth damage. Oral piercings are easy to accidentally bite down on and they are fun to play with. This can result in chipped or cracked teeth, damaging your smile and resulting in pain and potentially invasive treatment such as root canals.
Oral piercing hygiene
If you do decide to go ahead with your oral piercing, you will need to improve your dental hygiene routine to ensure your mouth and teeth stay healthy.
- Keep the piercing clean. You will be given a solution to clean the piercing with twice a day during the healing process. Once this stage is over, you shouldn't forget your piercing. Make sure that underneath and around the piercing is cleaned at least twice a day to stop food debris building up and wash away any lurking bacteria.
- Brush your tongue and use mouthwash. If you have a tongue piercing, keep your tongue clean by brushing around the jewellery. Use a mouthwash to keep your whole mouth clean, thereby keeping your piercing healthy.
- Maintain regular check-ups with your dentist. As more things can go wrong once you have an oral piercing, you need to ensure you visit your dentist such as Jeffcott Dental Clinic regularly. This means that problems can be spotted and treated early before they become severe, painful or untreatable.
Oral piercings can look good but they come at a price. Make sure you are willing you face up to the problems that might occur between you face the needle.
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