Oral Health Foundation highlights dangers of tongue piercings
Britain’s leading dental charity, the Oral Health Foundation, has urged the public to be aware of the dangers of tongue piercings.
A recent survey carried out by the charity revealed that tongue piercings are the most common type of oral piercing, followed by lip and cheek piercings. Many people have more than one piercing, and research suggests that this is a trend, which has become particularly popular in the last few years.
Piercings may be in fashion, but the experts from the Oral Health Foundation are eager to raise awareness of the potential risks of piercings. For many, having a piercing is about looking good, but the charity is keen for the public to stop and think about the implications of adding piercings to the mouth.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the charity, explained that oral piercings increase the risk of dental diseases, as well as carrying a risk of injury to the teeth and gums. When you have a piercing, there is an immediate risk of infection. Once the stud has settled, there is still a high risk of dental problems, as piercings tend to trap food and bacteria and make it more difficult to clean your teeth properly. Metal studs and rings can also chip the teeth and cause damage to the soft tissue.
Dr Carter is eager to urge people to think twice about having oral piercings. He also called for those who do have tongue or lip rings or studs to take good care of their teeth and gums and to visit their dentist on a regular basis.
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