Getting Your Tongue Pierced? A Few Reasons Your Dentist Might Try To Dissuade You

You may have friends who have pierced their tongue and are considering it yourself. You know it is going to hurt and that your tongue will swell for a few days, but figure you can stand to lose a few pounds anyway. Before you make your way to the piercing parlor, you should make an appointment to see your dentist and explain what it is you plan to do in your mouth. Do not be surprised if he or she is not thrilled with the idea and tries to talk you out of it. Here are just a few reasons dentists think tongue piercing in not a good idea.

Damage to Teeth

Once the piercing has healed and does not hurt any more, you may end up clicking the jewelry against your teeth. This is done accidentally as you speak, but it may also become a habit. As the metal jewelry hits a tooth, it can chip or crack the tooth. If you somehow manage to avoid this type of damage, you can be sure you are damaging the enamel. Odds are good you will end up with more cavities and tooth decay if you get your tongue pierced.

Damage to Gums

As you eat and talk, the jewelry in your tongue is going to come into contact with your gums. This can cause your gums to recede, resulting in gum disease. If you do not pay attention to this, and use extra care for your teeth and gums, the underlying bone will pull away from the root of your teeth. Eventually, they will become loose or fall out. In addition, you are going to be more susceptible to infections and abscesses. If you are not careful, the infection could travel to your heart.

Damage to Dental Appliances

If you had cosmetic dentistry such as veneers, caps, crowns or dental bridges, the jewelry you wear in your tongue can damage them. It can also be difficult to wear any necessary retainers when you have your tongue pierced. Ask yourself if it is worth it to destroy some, if not all, of the work you had done to give you a great smile.

You may think having your tongue pierced will add something to your allure or make you more attractive to the opposite sex. However, when you smile and your teeth and gums look bad, it will have the opposite effect. If you are truly determined to have the piercing done, talk with your dentist about ways to ensure you do minimal damage to your mouth.

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