Oral piercings are a popular form of body modification, but they come with several risks to your oral health. While they may be trendy and a way to express individuality, there are certain situations where keeping an oral piercing can do more harm than good. Knowing when to remove your piercing can help you avoid serious complications down the road. Let’s look at four key scenarios where removing your piercing might be the best choice for your health.

When You’re Facing Gum Recession or Tooth Damage

One of the first signs that your oral piercing might need to go is if you’re experiencing gum recession. Oral piercings, especially those in the tongue or lip, can constantly rub against your gums. Over time, this friction can cause your gums to recede, which is when the gum tissue pulls back from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth or even the root. Gum recession can lead to several issues, including increased tooth sensitivity, a higher risk of cavities, and even tooth loss if not treated.

The damage doesn’t stop at your gums. Oral piercings, particularly tongue barbells, can also lead to chipped or cracked teeth. Every time you speak, eat, or even sleep, the metal jewelry in your mouth can come into contact with your teeth. Over time, this can cause small chips, cracks, or even breaks in your teeth. If you notice that your teeth are becoming damaged or if your dentist points out signs of wear and tear caused by your piercing, it’s a good idea to consider removing it before the damage becomes irreversible. Fillings and crowns can fix minor damage, but more serious fractures may require root canals or even tooth extractions​.

If you think your oral health is being compromised by your piercing, it’s crucial to take action quickly. Dentists often recommend removing the piercing before permanent damage sets in. This is especially true if you’re noticing sensitivity in your teeth or bleeding in your gums, both of which are early warning signs that your piercing is negatively impacting your oral health. Keeping the piercing in place will only exacerbate the problem, leading to costly and uncomfortable dental procedures down the line​

If You’re Experiencing Frequent Infections

Infections are one of the most significant risks associated with oral piercings. Because the mouth is filled with bacteria, even the most well-cared-for piercing can become infected. In the first few days after getting a new piercing, swelling, pain, and a small amount of discharge are normal as your body heals. However, if these symptoms persist for more than a week, or if the discharge becomes yellow or has a foul odor, it’s likely that you’re dealing with an infection. At this point, it’s critical to consult with a healthcare professional to assess the situation.

Infections can be caused by several factors, including poor oral hygiene, touching the piercing with dirty hands, or even just bacteria naturally present in the mouth getting into the piercing hole. Left untreated, these infections can become more serious, spreading beyond the piercing site and leading to systemic infections. In extreme cases, oral infections can spread to the heart or other organs, creating life-threatening conditions. Removing the jewelry may be necessary to allow the infection to heal and prevent further complications​.

Even if you’re diligent about cleaning your piercing and practicing good oral hygiene, infections can still occur, especially if the jewelry rubs against your teeth and gums, creating small abrasions. These abrasions can become entry points for bacteria, making it easier for an infection to take hold. If you find yourself dealing with repeated infections, it may be time to consider removing the piercing for good. While it may be disappointing to remove something that’s a part of your personal style, your health should always come first​.

When It Interferes with Your Daily Life

Oral piercings can sometimes interfere with basic, everyday activities like eating, speaking, or even breathing. For example, a tongue piercing might affect your ability to chew food properly or speak clearly. Over time, these issues can become more than just minor annoyances; they can start to significantly impact your quality of life.

If you notice that you’re frequently biting down on your piercing or that it’s becoming uncomfortable during meals, it might be a sign that the jewelry is causing more harm than good. Additionally, oral piercings can sometimes lead to excessive saliva production, which can make speaking and swallowing more difficult. While these symptoms might seem minor at first, they can worsen over time and lead to more serious complications​.

Another issue that can arise is nerve damage. Tongue piercings, in particular, run the risk of hitting a nerve during the piercing process, which can lead to temporary or even permanent numbness in your tongue. This nerve damage can also affect your ability to taste food or control the movement of your mouth. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider right away. In many cases, removing the piercing can prevent the issue from getting worse.

Finally, if you’re someone who participates in contact sports or other physical activities, oral piercings can pose a serious risk. It’s recommended to remove the jewelry before participating in any activity where there’s a chance of physical impact, as the piercing could get caught, leading to serious injury. If you’re frequently removing the piercing for these reasons, you might want to consider removing it permanently to avoid the constant hassle and risk​.

If It’s Causing Excessive Saliva, Nerve Damage, or Other Serious Side Effects

Excessive saliva production and nerve damage are two of the more serious side effects that can result from oral piercings. While some people may find these issues manageable, they can be a sign that the piercing is causing more harm than good. Excessive drooling, in particular, can be uncomfortable and socially embarrassing, and it’s a common side effect of tongue piercings. The piercing stimulates the salivary glands, leading to more saliva than usual.

Over time, this can interfere with speech and eating. Nerve damage is another risk associated with oral piercings, particularly those in the tongue. If the piercing accidentally hits a nerve, it can cause numbness in the tongue or even a loss of taste. In some cases, this damage can be permanent, leading to long-term complications. If you notice any signs of nerve damage, such as tingling, numbness, or difficulty moving your tongue, it’s essential to remove the piercing immediately and seek medical attention.

Choking is another serious risk. The jewelry used in oral piercings can sometimes come loose, posing a choking hazard if swallowed. This is especially common with tongue barbells, which can become unscrewed if not properly tightened. In extreme cases, swallowing a piece of jewelry can lead to blockages in the throat or digestive tract, requiring surgery to remove it. If you’ve had multiple instances of your jewelry coming loose, it’s time to seriously consider removing the piercing before a more serious accident occurs.

Chattanooga Family Dental is your home for dental care that addresses all of your specific needs. Schedule an appointment today!