PUBLISHED IN TCI WEEKLY NEWS
3rd May 2014
From time to time I have patients enquiring about tongue or lip piercings or teeth grills. For clarity, these are not procedures that a dentist would perform but I thought it was a topic worth discussing in order to outline the potential problems that can occur. As a general rule if you are going to have this type of work done always use a practitioner who has strict hygiene standards, where all tools are sterilized and the environment is clean and tidy.
Oral Piercing
One of the main concerns with any piercing is infection and this is particularly relevant with a mouth piercing. This is due to the high number of bacteria that naturally occur in the mouth, the increased chance of introducing new bacteria on the jewelry itself plus the open wound created by the piercing. This can also lead to the increased chance of endocarditis which is when bacteria enters the bloodstream and causes inflammation of heart; particularly relevant to anyone who already has an underlying heart condition. Strict adherence to hygiene protocols will reduce- although not eliminate- the risk of infection.
The other major concern is the jewelry causing damage either to the teeth or gums. One dental study reported that 47% of people wearing barbell tongue jewelry for 4 or more years had at least one chipped tooth. Increased gum disease is also reported.
Tongue piercing particularly can result in difficulty chewing and swallowing food and speaking clearly. This is because the jewelry stimulates an excessive production of saliva. Temporary or permanent drooling is another consequence of increased saliva production and taste can also be altered.
Finally, and again relevant to all piercings, one should consider the chance of allergic reaction to the metal (contact dermatitis), issues with prolonged bleeding or nerve damage and the risk of transmission of diseases .
Grills
Grills, also called ‘grillz’ or ‘fronts,’ are decorative covers often made of gold, silver or jewel-encrusted precious metals that snap over one or more of their teeth. They are generally removable although some grill wearers have their teeth altered with gold crowns to permanently resemble a grill.
If you wear a grill, you should be especially careful about regularly brushing and flossing to prevent potential problems. Food debris may become trapped between the teeth and the grill allowing bacteria to collect and produce acids which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. This can also contribute to bad breath. There also is the potential for grills to irritate surrounding oral tissues and to wear the enamel away on the opposing teeth. It is worth noting that as with a piercing, where a grill is made from non-precious (base) metal, there is the risk of an allergic reaction.
To prevent problems, try and limit the amount of time spent wearing grills. If you already wear a grill, you should remove it before eating. It should be cleaned daily to remove bacteria and food debris. Avoid using jewelry cleaners or any products that are dangerous to ingest.
