Piercings have grown to be somewhat of a passing fad to a commonality in modern times, and lip piercings happen to be one of the most popular. If you have a lip piercing, regardless of your age, you really do have to be attentive to your dental health. Dangers for your teeth and oral health can be a side effect of an ill-placed or poorly chosen piercing. Here are a few things you should know.
Infections near your mouth can affect the health of your smile.
Infections are one of the biggest risks with any type of piercing. Due to location, lip piercings can be even more prone to infection than usual. The area may be exposed to bacteria from the food you eat or even salival bacteria from your own mouth. Infections near your smile can automatically mean that there is a chance of causing damage because the issue can spread to other soft tissues.
Some types of piercings pose more dangers due to placement.
Lip piercings may be placed just about anywhere from the corner of the mouth to the center of the lips. Some people pierce their lower lips, and some pierce their upper lip. While all lip piercings pose some risks to your oral health, certain placements can be riskier than others. For example, a Monroe piercing, which is a piercing placed high on the upper lip, may be more likely to cause soft tissue damage inside your mouth because the back of the jewelry will rub against your gums.
The wrong lip ring can be damaging to tooth enamel and soft tissues.
If you have a piercing that is large enough to tap at your teeth or gums, it is best to trade it in for something smaller or consider eliminating the piercing. Repetitive tapping or rubbing against enamel can cause it to brink down faster. Likewise, a piercing that is constantly in contact with the soft tissues of your mouth can cause an abrasion that could lead to an infection or the deterioration of healthy gum tissue.
Get Advice About Lip Piercings from a Wilmington Dentist
While showing off your personality with body modifications like piercings may be mostly safe, it is ever-important to go into these changes with an understanding of the risks involved. If you have a lip piercing that you suspect is causing issues with your oral health, reach out to us at the Dentists of Hinsdale Lake in Willowbrook, IL to schedule an appointment.