Oral Piercing
Although gaining in popularity, our practice does not offer nor encourage oral piercing for a variety of reasons. Anyone considering oral piercing of the tongue, lips, or cheek should be well informed of the potential risks and complications.
Oral piercing is usually performed without anesthetic. Tongue piercing uses a needle to insert barbell-shaped jewelry through the middle of the tongue. If no complications arise, healing takes from four to six weeks. Lip or cheek piercing uses a cork to support the tissue while it is pierced with a needle. The needle is then replaced with a stud or hoop.
Complications can range from mild to severe:
- pain and bleeding
- infection
- chipping of teeth
- impairment of eating, drinking and speech
- temporary or permanent numbness
- swallowing or inhaling loose jewelry
- altered taste
- bad breath
- allergy to the jewelry metals
The American Dental Association opposes the practice of oral piercing and considers it a public health hazard. We agree wholeheartedly. But if you choose to have your tongue, lips, or cheeks pierced, you will need to take significant measures to minimize the risks:
- for the first two months irrigate the hole with antiseptic or animicrobial after eating, chewing gum, or smoking
- keep the jewelry clean (avoid jewelry cleaners, which can be toxic)
- irrigate the hole with water daily
- rinse daily with an antiseptic or antimicrobial mouth rinse
- make sure you know how to remove your jewelry for hygiene
Halitosis
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste can be a warning of periodontal disease. Food debris and bacteria can accumulate between teeth, on the tongue, and around the gums. This can result in an unpleasant odor. Periodontal examination will help detect signs of disease and the condition can be treated to help eliminate the halitosis.
Xerostomia, or a dry mouth, can also contribute to bad breath. Hundreds of commonly used medications and certain medical conditions are also known to cause xerostomia. We can diagnose and help you manage your dry mouth symptoms.
Certain food can temporarily cause bad breath. Onions, garlic, cabbage and other foods produce sulfer-containing compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream, carried to the lungs and exhaled with breathing.
The use of tobacco products can cause bad breath, along with contributing to adverse oral and systemic health.
Respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, and untreated cavities, can also be temporary causes of halitosis. A periodontal examination can rule out mouth problems before referral for medical examination.
A periodontal examination can help identify problems that may be causing bad breath and recommend treatment options that help you with this problem.
Dry Mouth
Xerostonia is the clinical description used when a person does not have enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. A dry mouth can cause difficulties in speaking, chewing, swallowing, and tasting. In addition, saliva is a natural occurring protective system. A lack of saliva makes you more likely to develop cavities, periodontal disease and other oral infection.
Symptoms of Dry Mouth
- a dry, sticky, or burning feeling in the mouth
- cracked lips
- difficulty in speaking, chewing, swallowing, or tasting
- sores in the mouth
Causes of Dry Mouth
- Medication, hundreds of prescription and nonprescription drugs
- diseases, including diabetes, Parkinson's, HIV/AIDS
- medical conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome, or nutritional deficiencies
- radiation therapy
- chemotherapy
- stress, anxiety, or depression
- aging
If you suffer from dry mouth, frequent dental and periodontal examinations are very important to determine the cause and manage the condition. We can take several steps to alleviate your discomfort and help prevent oral problems caused by dry mouth.
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