Teens Should Think Twice About Oral Piercing

Filed in archive Oral Health , Studies on June 25, 2008

Piercings in the mouth area (tongue, lips) maybe the in thing with teeners. But on a medical standpoint, experts warn that teeth and jewelry don't mix.


© Rodrigo Galindez



Such were the findings recently reported by Tel Aviv University researchers:

Dr. Liran Levin, a dentist from the Department of Oral Rehabilitation, School of Dental Medicine at Tel Aviv University has found that about 15 to 20 percent of teens with oral piercings are at high risk for both tooth fractures and gum disease. Resulting tooth fractures as well as periodontal problems, he says, can lead to anterior (front) tooth loss later in life.

High rates of fractures due to piercings are not found in other age groups, and cases of severe periodontal damage in teens without oral piercings are similarly rare, says Dr. Levin, who conducted the study with partners Dr. Yehuda Zadik and Dr. Tal Becker, both dentists in the Israeli Army.

Well, oral piercings are 'add-ons' right? It is not impossible for bad microbes to be lodged in there. Call me prudish, bias or whatever... but I just see nothing good with oral piercings, much less in any other part of the body. But then, that's just me and piercings aren't my kind of thing. Sorry.