Body piercings are a common form of self-expression, but at Crabtree Dental in Katy we caution everyone to think twice before they get one, in particular an oral piercing.

Since this is a dental blog, you probably expect us to raise all sorts of alarms warning of the dangers of piercings. You are right. Unfortunately, these piercings and the jewelry they accommodate can lead to serious troubles with not only your teeth and mouth, but your entire body. These piercings can bring about tooth damage, cavities, periodontal disease, tooth loss, bone recession, compromised immune system function and, in rare cases, death.

In general, any oral piercing is going to open you up to an array of detrimental oral infections and complications. The mouth is full of germs and introducing foreign objects permanently is not natural for your body’s health.

A tongue piercing can lead to difficulty chewing with unnatural chewing patterns that may lead to swallowing troubles. The jewelry produces excess saliva from the salivary glands, which throws off the natural balance of your oral cavity. Permanent nerve weakening, excessive bleeding, and allergic reactions can also occur.

Metal jewelry also can easily come in contact with your teeth, leading to cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth. Your teeth are built to last a lifetime. Chips, cracks, and enamel erosion compromise their durability and shorten their lifespan.

Complications with some piercings develop by the introduction of hepatitis and herpes simplex viruses, and even more complications have occurred with bacteria entering the bloodstream and eventually lodging in the heart valve. In rare cases, such infections are fatal.

At Crabtree Dental in Katy TX, we encourage all our patients with oral piercings to remove their jewelry before it puts their health at risk. If you have one and plan to keep it, we advise you to have regular dental cleanings and check-ups. These are part of our general and family dentistry. We also offer cosmetic dentistry services. Make an appointment today.

Contact Crabtree Dental:

281-347-1960

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

23056 Westheimer Pkwy
Katy, Texas
77494