Sofia Martinez
Tongue piercings are a common form of self-expression, but they can have adverse effects on oral health. Tongue bars, in particular, can cause damage to teeth in several ways. Firstly, the tongue bar can constantly knock against the teeth, leading to chipping and cracking of the tooth enamel. This exposes the sensitive layers underneath and can result in serious issues requiring surgery. Secondly, tongue bars can trap food, causing a build-up of plaque and bacteria, which leads to tooth decay and cavities. Lastly, the tongue bar can put pressure on the gums and cause them to recede, leading to long-term gum damage and dental defects. While plastic tongue bars are considered safer than metal ones, all tongue piercings come with risks, and it's important to be aware of potential oral health issues and how to prevent them.
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What You'll Learn
Tongue piercings can cause cracked, chipped, or sensitive teeth
Additionally, it is common for people with tongue piercings to develop the habit of biting or knocking the jewellery against their teeth when talking, eating, or even sleeping. This can not only chip or scratch the tooth enamel but also damage fillings. The jewellery can also trap food and debris, leading to a build-up of plaque and an increased risk of tooth decay and cavities.
The risk of tooth damage is present with all types of tongue piercings, and even those made from synthetic materials or plastic are not exempt. However, certain types of jewellery may reduce the risk of damage. For example, choosing a smaller ball or stud that fits snugly against the tongue can minimise contact with the teeth and gums. It is also important to avoid playing with the jewellery in the mouth, as this can increase the risk of chipping or cracking a tooth.
To prevent tooth damage and maintain oral health with a tongue piercing, it is essential to practise good oral hygiene and care. This includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, and using an alcohol-free mouth rinse during and after the healing period. It is also crucial to keep the piercing site clean and look out for any signs of infection, such as swelling, pain, tenderness, or discharge.
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Oral piercings can lead to tooth decay and cavities
Additionally, the jewellery can accumulate plaque as it traps food and debris, promoting the growth of bacteria and, subsequently, tooth decay and cavities. The mouth, being a moist environment, already provides an ideal place for bacteria to thrive, and an oral piercing further amplifies this risk.
The risk of tooth decay and cavities is also influenced by the type of jewellery used. For example, balls made of approved polymers can reduce the risk of damaging the teeth. In contrast, metal jewellery can be more abrasive and increase the likelihood of enamel loss and tooth decay.
Furthermore, tongue piercings can lead to gum recession, which can impact the amount of gum tissue surrounding the teeth. This reduced gum protection can make the teeth more susceptible to decay and cavities. Therefore, it is essential to prioritise oral hygiene and regularly consult a dentist to minimise the risk of tooth decay and cavities associated with oral piercings.
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Tongue bars can cause gum recession and damage
Tongue piercings can cause gum recession and damage, and it is a risk that all tongue piercing wearers run. The constant contact between the tongue piercing and the gums causes the tissue to wear away, and the longer someone wears a tongue piercing, the greater the chance of gum recession and dental defects. This gum recession is permanent, and severe cases may require a connective soft tissue graft, a surgical procedure known as a gingival graft.
Tongue piercings can also cause chipped teeth, as the inadvertent contact between the piercing and the teeth can chip away at the enamel, exposing the sensitive layers of dentin and pulp underneath. This can lead to more serious problems that may require surgery. The piercing can also trap food, leading to tooth decay and cavities, and the jewellery can accumulate plaque, providing another source of bacteria.
The risks of tongue piercings are not limited to gum recession and chipped teeth, as there is also a risk of infection, uncontrolled bleeding, metal allergies, hypersensitivity, excessive drooling, nerve damage, and tooth enamel loss. The tongue may also feel numb after getting pierced, which could be caused by temporary or permanent nerve damage, affecting one's sense of taste and mouth movement.
To minimise the risk of gum recession and tooth damage, it is recommended to replace the original, longer piece of jewellery with a shorter piece that fits snugly against the tongue. This reduces the chances of the jewellery contacting the teeth and gums. It is also recommended to opt for plastic jewellery made from synthetic materials instead of steel or titanium, as this will reduce the risk of damaging the gums and teeth.
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Tongue piercings can cause infections and other oral complications
Tongue piercings can also cause uncontrolled bleeding, metal allergies, hypersensitivity, excessive drooling, nerve damage, chipped teeth, gum recession, and tooth enamel loss. The tongue jewellery can cause constant pressure against the back teeth, which can move them and create unnatural gaps between the teeth. Food can get trapped in these gaps, leading to tooth decay. Tongue piercings can also damage fillings and accumulate plaque, which can lead to cavities.
In addition, the tongue may feel numb after getting pierced, which could be caused by temporary or, in some cases, permanent nerve damage. This can affect an individual's sense of taste and mouth movement. Tongue piercings can also cause gum recession, as the barbells can be in constant contact with the gums, causing the tissue to wear away. The longer someone wears a tongue piercing, the greater the chance of gum recession and dental defects developing.
To reduce the risk of oral complications, individuals with tongue piercings should implement healthy habits such as brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush, flossing daily, and using an alcohol-free mouth rinse during and after the healing period. It is also important to keep the piercing site clean, avoid playing with the jewellery, and look for signs of infection, such as swelling, pain, tenderness, or discharge.
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Plastic tongue bars are better for teeth than metal alternatives
Tongue piercings can cause a lot of damage to teeth and gums, and dentists advise against them due to the risk to oral and general health. However, if you are considering getting a tongue piercing, plastic tongue bars are better for your teeth than metal alternatives.
Firstly, metal tongue piercings are often made of stainless steel, gold, or titanium. These metals are hard and can easily knock against and chip teeth. Plastic, on the other hand, is a softer material and will not damage teeth in the same way if accidental contact is made. Metal piercings can also cause tooth enamel loss, whereas plastic tongue bars will not.
Secondly, the material used in oral piercings can affect the amount of bacteria that collects on the jewelry. Austrian researchers found that tongue piercings can increase the bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to infection and tooth decay. Plastic tongue bars are less abrasive than metal and will therefore reduce the risk of infection and tooth decay.
Thirdly, plastic tongue bars can be removed and replaced more easily than metal ones. It is important to remove tongue bars occasionally to properly clean the tongue and tongue bar. This will help to prevent infection and keep the mouth healthy.
Finally, plastic tongue bars are often smaller and can be made to fit snugly against the tongue. This reduces the risk of tooth and gum damage as there is less chance of the bar coming into contact with the teeth.
In conclusion, while tongue piercings of any kind can damage teeth and gums, plastic tongue bars are a better option than metal alternatives as they are less likely to chip teeth, cause enamel loss, or infection, and can be more easily removed and replaced for cleaning.
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Frequently asked questions
No tongue bar is great for your teeth and gums. Dentists and health professionals advise against these forms of self-expression due to the risk to your oral and general health. However, if you are going to get a tongue piercing, plastic tongue bars are better than metal ones as they are less abrasive and reduce the risk of damaging your teeth and gums.
Tongue piercings can damage teeth by continually banging against them, causing small cracks that get larger over time. This can lead to decayed or broken teeth and extreme sensitivity. Tongue piercings can also trap food, leading to tooth decay and cavities.
If you are looking for other ways to express yourself through oral piercings, you can consider tooth gems, dental grills, or gold crowns.
If you already have a tongue piercing, there are some healthy habits you can implement to avoid oral health issues. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush, flossing daily, and using an alcohol-free mouth rinse during and after the healing period. It is also important to avoid playing with your tongue bar and to look out for signs of infection.
