ORAL piercing is the cosmetic piercing of the oral cavity to facilitate objects such as studs, rings or pins.

Like any other piercing, a needle is used to create the opening through which the ornament is housed. These piercings are not confined to the inside of the mouth, but may also include the cheeks, lips, nose, and eyebrows. These piercings are usually a fashion statement, but are they safe?

If you are thinking about getting an oral piercing, there are a few things you should take into consideration. The oral cavity is a warm, moist environment that houses millions of bacteria; bacteria that is easily transmitted if adequate infection control is not maintained.

SIDE EFFECTS

The act of piercing literally causes a wound that, if not properly managed or if done in certain cases, can have severe health consequences. Immediately after having the piercing done, common side effects include bruising, tenderness, swelling, bleeding, and excess salivation. More severe complications can include nerve damage, prolonged bleeding, very sensitive teeth, impaired taste, and chemical burns.

The act of oral piercing can send bacteria into the bloodstream, having severe, perhaps even life-threatening consequences for people with a history of heart disease, diabetes, prosthetic valves, HIV, or cancer. Complications such as the transmission of several types of hepatitis, tetanus, tuberculosis, and herpes can also occur. People have developed allergic reactions to the jewellery, have choked on or swallowed various parts, or have had difficulty chewing or speaking as a result of the piercing.

TONGUE PIERCING

Perhaps the most common is the tongue piercing, where it is either pierced along the midline straight through the tongue, or pierced semi-circularly along its lateral borders. The semi-circular piercing is not safe as there is a significant risk of puncturing one of the blood vessels in the tongue, so much so that many professional piercers avoid doing this type of piercing for that very reason.

AFTER GETTING THAT PIERCING

Having any appliance in the mouth requires special care, and piercings are no different. Your professional piercer should provide you with aftercare guidelines, which should include antimicrobial alcohol-free mouth rinses (or other cleaning solutions) to be used after meals and before bedtime.

Piercings of the cheek and lip should be soaked in a saline solution or washed with mild antibacterial soap. These piercings should also be cleaned while showering, leaving cleanser on for no more than 30 seconds, then taking care to rinse off all traces of soap.

Avoid the temptation to excessively move or play with your jewellery as it can irritate the area and exacerbate bleeding and swelling. Using small pieces of ice and sleeping with your head elevated can reduce swelling. A separate soft-bristled toothbrush should be used to remove plaque and calculus from the jewellery. And, daily brushing and flossing become even more important with oral piercings, as there is an increased risk of infection, inflamed or receding gums, and periodontal disease (gum disease).

CHOOSING JEWELLERY

Jewellery should be removed when wearing a mouth guard (used in certain contact sports) as there is an increased risk of injury, dislodgement or inhalation of the jewellery. When choosing your jewellery, opt for implant grade stainless steel, titanium or niobium, especially for the healing period (two to four months).

Once healing is complete, gold, platinum or non-reactive plastics, such as Teflon, carry the least risk. Additionally, ensure that it is of an appropriate size. Jewellery that is too small can cut off blood supply to the area, resulting in ‘nesting’, which may necessitate antibiotic therapy or even surgery.

While oral piercings are a growing trend, the decision to get an oral piercing is not one that should be made lightly. A full appreciation of all the potential effects and implications should be discussed with your health care provider before making that decision. Taking special care to preserve your oral health will undoubtedly go a long way in preserving your general health.

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at the Dental Place Cosmetix Spa located at Shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. She is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica School of Oral Health Sciences. Dr Robinson may be contacted at 630-4710.