Dentists' Suggestions For Safe Piercing Article

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Dentists' Suggestions for Safe Piercing

The American Dental Association (ADA) opposes oral piercings due to the vast complications that such practices incur. If you are considering such a procedure, you should see your dentist for a consultation on risks and safe practices.

Author: Andrea Avery

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The American Dental Association is opposed to oral piercings such as those in the tongue, cheek, lip, etc., however, if you are considering the practice, you should first consult your dentist. He/she will be able to provide information about the risks and complications, will be willing to teach safe care practices, and will be able to suggest piercing placement based on your individual oral conditions.

Dentists see many cases of infection caused by complications that this fad causes. Because the mouth hosts a high concentration of bacteria, the period immediately following a piercing is a high risk time for infection. Swelling of the tongue is the most common immediate obstacle associated with the practice. In some cases, a swollen tongue can restrict breathing, and in rare and potentially fatal cases bacteria can enter the blood stream through the insertion site infecting the heart. Even after a successful healing period, complications can still incur due to the jewelry itself. Infections due to receding gums aggravated by the jewelry, chipped teeth, and even root canals are also commonly seen dental issues related to oral piercings.

If after knowing the associated risks you continue with the idea, you should ask to be provided with safe care guidelines from both the practicing establishment and your dental office. Your dentist will suggest, after healing is complete, to remove ornaments while eating and sleeping and during any contact sport or otherwise strenuous activity; consult the parlor about special plugs made to place in the hole upon removal of jewelry if you are particularly worried about closure. Just as it is important to clean all surfaces of a tooth, you should consider this new hole and accessory an extension of your mouth taking care to clean, brush, and disinfect it each time you brush your teeth. Those with any kind of oral ornamentation should be even more diligent about brushing and flossing than regular ADA recommendations. It is also important to use only approved oral ornaments. Those made of non-toxic metals, most commonly surgical stainless steel, should be used, and costume jewelry or any other non-jewelry ornaments are not acceptable alternatives. Only buy replacement jewelry from an establishment that performs these and similar procedures as they must only sell materials that meet safety guidelines.

Though the safest way to avoid complications is to avoid the trend all together, if you are set on the idea, you can ask for a placement consultation with your dentist. He/she will be able to steer you away from certain placements that will be especially dangerous for you. He may be able to foresee dangers to which a piercer will not be privy, guiding you away from placements that may be more likely crack teeth or even be more prone to infection. Try to schedule a check-up soon afterward to insure safe healing, and expect future routine check-ups to include discussion safety practices and care.

About Author

It's important to choose dentists that can give customers the best possible service and care in an event of a dental issue. For more information, visit, http://www.angieslist.com.

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Dentists' Suggestions for Safe Piercing