Oral Piercing – Fashion Statement or Health Hazard.

From hairstyles, to clothing, tattoos to jewelry, today’s youth are making a fashion statement. But those who want to look cool with oral piercing may be looking to their dentists and physicians for help afterwards.

Because your mouth contains millions of bacteria, infection is a common complication of oral piercing.
Pain and swelling are other side effects of piercing. There is an increased flow of saliva at the site, and injuries to the gum tissue are very common. If a blood vessel was in the path of the needle during the piercing, severe and difficult-to-control bleeding can result.

For some, chipped or cracked teeth, blood poisoning or even blood clots can occur. For many, the tongue—a popular piercing site in the mouth—could swell large enough to close off the airway.And in extreme cases, a severely swollen tongue can actually close off the airway and prevent breathing.
The jewelry itself also presents some hazards. You can choke on any studs, barbells or hoops  that come loose in your mouth, and contact with the jewelry can chip or crack your teeth.

Unfortunately, many young people with oral piercings don’t realize that these alarming side effects could happen to them. So, skip the mouth jewelry and let your healthy smile make your fashion statement.

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