Humans have a perpetual love for expressing their individuality and most choose to do so by altering their appearances. While some methods of self-expression like peculiar haircuts and tattoos are safe enough, some are riskier; for instance oral piercings.
Oral Piercings are any piercings of our cheek, lips or tongue. And while these can sure help you stand out, they also have the potential to harm your dental health. Therefore, such a form of self-expression is never really endorsed by a dental professional.
Now if you’re planning on getting a ring or a stud for your tongue or cheek, please read through the risks attached, and see if your piercings are worth the risks:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Bacterial infections
- Prolonged bleeding
- Excessive pain
- Swelling
- Damaged gums
- Nerve damage
- Interference with oral functions
- Airway blockage due to excessive swelling
- Hepatitis, HIV or any other blood-borne disease
- Internal damage if swallowed
- Endocarditis
- Hypersensitivity to metals
- Excessive drooling
From where I see, the price you can pay for a mere modification is just not worth it.
However, if you’re adamant on getting one, please follow the below-mentioned tips for getting an oral piercing:
First of all, consult your doctor and determine whether or not you have allergies, diabetes, skin disorders or heart disease. Also, please get it done professionally and religiously follow the aftercare tips prescribed by the piercer.
What can you do immediately after getting an oral piercing done?
- Consume chilled drinks to minimize swelling
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Do not indulge in liqueur, cigarettes and spicy foods until you’ve healed
What to do once your piercing has healed?
- Keep the pierced site as clean as possible
- Use antiseptic mouthwash after each meal
- Be aware of your jewellery’s movement while chewing and talking
- Avoid playing with your jewellery, however tempting it might seem to be
- Periodically check on your jewellery’s tightness
- Remove your jewellery while taking part in sports
- Maintain the regular habit of brushing and flossing twice daily
Caring for your piercings and maintaining good oral hygiene would ensure that you don’t fall victim to any of the oral piercing risks mentioned above. More importantly, please contact your nearest dentist immediately if you observe any signs of infections, i.e. fever, excessive pain and swelling, etc.
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