Preventing Infected Oral Piercings

How to Approach Oral Infections

Piercings of the areas in or around the oral cavity have been popular in the US since the 1970s. They are often used for fashion or even as personal choice statements. However, complications can arise, and this can sometimes cause problems with infections. Health care professionals usually do not perform body piercings, but state laws do regulate the facilities. While most body piercings are considered safe, complications can arise, especially if individuals have any kind of heart condition---in which case, they should consult their physician as they may need to alter medication routines before or after piercings.

Here are a few quick things to keep in mind about oral piercings and infections.

Common Side Effects of Piercings

According to the American Dental Association, oral piercings can have a number of side effects, and some of those possible side effects include the following:

• Pain and swelling of the gums
• Damage to gums
• Sensitivity to metals
• Excessive drooling
• Nerve damage

Individuals may also experience bleeding, airway obstruction, and overgrown tissue around the jewelry, which can ultimately result in impeding care when visiting the dentist for checkups.

Treating the Signs of Infection

When oral piercings become infected, the symptoms are relatively easy to determine, such as chills, fever, and a red rash around the piercing. However, these can be managed on an outpatient basis with local site debridement and systemic antibiotics to rid the infection.

In more severe cases, complications may require a trip to the hospital, especially if there is severe bleeding and swelling, which can compromise the airway and breathing. One should seek immediate medical attention if the infection has spread beyond the oral cavity. Speech issues and aspiration of the jewelry are another possibility, along with fracture and wearing of the teeth, increased salivation, and gum recession—any of these side effects require treatment by a dentist. Jewelry may need to be completely removed or changed to prevent further infection.

Before deciding to get an oral piercing, individuals should consult their dentists about the pros and cons of the procedure in order to be educated on the best course of action, since no one wants to deal with the pain of infections. Once you have an oral piercing, regular checkups by your dentist are key to maintaining oral health. Avoid food from hitting the jewelry and use a good toothbrush, as an overall high level of dental hygiene is best in all cases.

If you have any questions regarding infected oral piercings, you can always consult your dentist and sign up for our New Hampshire Individual Discount Dental Plan to save as much as 20 percent on all your dental bills. For more information, please click here.

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