Are oral piercings really that bad for my health?

You may think oral piercing, like any other body piercing is simply a form of self-expression. But it can cause problems for your teeth and overall oral heath. The bacteria in your mouth can cause swelling around the piercing, leading to a closed airway or serious infection like hepatitis or endocarditis.

Before you pierce your lip, tongue, cheeks or uvula (the tiny tissue that hangs at the back of the throat), consider the following:

• Infection, pain and swelling. Your mouth is a moist environment, home to huge amounts of breeding bacteria, and an ideal place for infection. An infection can quickly become life threatening if not treated promptly. It’s also possible for a piercing to cause your tongue to swell, potentially blocking your airway.

• Damage to gums, teeth and fillings. A common habit of biting or playing with the piercing can injure your gums and lead to cracked, scratched or sensitive teeth. Piercings can also damage fillings.

Source: American Dental Association