Teens love to find new ways to express their individuality, but some teen style trends are riskier than others. If your teen wants a tongue, cheek or lip piercing here are a few things you should know.
Many teens enjoy expressing their individuality through their appearance. That's why oral piercings have become increasingly popular with teenagers. If your teen is asking to have a tongue, lip or cheek piercing you may be wondering if it's really safe?
While teens may feel that these piercings look 'cool', they also come with a number of dental health risks to be aware of.
Cracking & Chipping
Tongue jewellery repeatedly bumps against the teeth when talking or eating. This repeated impact can lead to chipped enamel possibly exposing the sensitive layers of the inner tooth.
Playing with, or biting oral jewellery is common and may lead to injured gums or cracked, scratched or sensitive teeth requiring treatment.
Tooth Movement
Since tongue jewellery is rarely removed due to fear of the piercing healing over, it places constant pressure on the backs of teeth which may cause the teeth to become loose or even move.
Infections
Teens should be reminded that the mouth is a moist environment filled with bacteria. It is common for infections to occur at the site of oral piercings.
Dental Appointment Difficulties
Oral jewellery may make dental appointments generally more difficult, and interfere with dental technology such as x-rays.
It's a good idea to have your teen remove their oral jewellery before visiting the dentist.