Oral Piercings: What Your Dentist Wants You to Know Before You Commit

Young woman with a tongue piercing.

As dentists, we get it—oral piercings can seem like a bold form of self-expression. But before you head to the studio for that tongue barbell or lip ring, let’s talk about what it could mean for your mouth. We’re not here to rain on your parade—just to give you the facts so you can make an informed decision. Spoiler alert: oral piercings often cause more problems than you might expect.

1. Cracked or Chipped Teeth Are More Common Than You Think

That metal barbell or ring may look cool, but it can be brutal on your teeth. We see it all the time—patients come in with chips, cracks, or damaged crowns because the jewelry hit just the wrong way.

Even day-to-day activities like chewing or talking can cause that metal to knock against your teeth. And if you’re into sports or other physical activities, the risk goes way up. One accidental impact can lead to a cracked tooth—or worse.

Quick Tip: The American Dental Association (ADA) strongly advises removing oral piercings before playing sports and using a mouthguard to protect your teeth. Trust us, it’s way better than needing a crown or a root canal.

2. Your Teeth and Gums Weren’t Made for Metal

Here’s the thing: your teeth are covered in enamel—the hardest substance in your body—but once it’s gone, it doesn’t grow back. Constant rubbing from metal jewelry can wear that enamel down, leaving you with sensitivity, discoloration, and a higher risk for cavities.

Worse yet, your gums can also take a beating. Repeated contact from a piercing can irritate and even cause them to recede. Gum recession can expose the roots of your teeth, making them vulnerable to decay and, in some cases, leading to tooth loss. And unfortunately, once your gums recede, they don’t just bounce back.

3. Bacteria Love Oral Piercings

Your mouth is already full of bacteria, and piercings give them one more place to hide. The area around a tongue or lip piercing can be tough to keep clean, even with the best brushing and flossing habits.

This buildup can lead to bad breath, gum infections, and more serious conditions like periodontitis. Infections near the piercing site are not just uncomfortable—they can also spread if not treated quickly.

Quick Tip: If you already have a piercing, make sure to clean both the jewelry and the area around it every day. And keep an eye out for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or persistent pain.

4. There Are Risks You Might Not See Coming

Beyond the obvious dental risks, oral piercings can have deeper consequences. Nerve damage is a real possibility, especially with tongue piercings. Some people experience numbness or tingling that doesn’t go away. You could also have trouble speaking clearly or even tasting food.

More to Think About:

  • Prolonged bleeding and swelling after the piercing.
  • Discomfort that makes eating and talking difficult.
  • Long-term effects like permanent loss of sensation or speech issues.

These aren’t just minor inconveniences—they can seriously impact your daily life and your overall health.

Think Twice Before You Pierce

We’re not here to judge your choices—we just want to make sure you know what you’re getting into. Oral piercings come with real risks, from cracked teeth and enamel damage to infections and nerve problems. If keeping your smile healthy is important to you (and it should be!), it’s worth thinking twice.

Got questions or already have a piercing and want to make sure your oral health is on track? We’d love to help. Schedule a dental cleaning or consultation, and we’ll make sure your mouth stays in top shape—pierced or not.

young woman with a tongue piercing licking lips

Schedule a dental cleaning to keep your oral piercing problem-free

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