Reasons to Convince your Teen to Avoid Oral Piercings

Posted on 5/15/2026 by Life Long Dental

A young teen holds a toothbrush in one hand and presses a finger to her lips with the other, eyes upturned in a thoughtful and wondering way like she has unanswered questions.

Thinking about getting an oral piercing? It might seem like a cool way to express yourself, but it's important to understand the risks involved. As a dentist, I often see the long-term consequences of these types of piercings, and I want to share some important information that might make you think twice.

Potential Damage to Teeth

One of the biggest concerns with oral piercings, especially tongue and lip piercings, is the potential for damage to your teeth. The constant clicking or rubbing of metal jewelry against your teeth can lead to chipped teeth and cracked teeth. This isn't just a cosmetic issue; cracks can deepen over time, potentially requiring extensive and costly dental work like root canals or crowns to save the tooth. The repair costs will greatly outweigh the piercing costs.

Gum Recession and Bone Loss

Oral piercings can irritate your gums, causing them to recede. When gums pull back, they expose the roots of your teeth, which are more sensitive and vulnerable to decay. This can also lead to bone loss around the teeth, weakening their support and potentially leading to tooth loss in the long run.

Infection Risks

Your mouth is full of bacteria. An oral piercing creates an open wound, providing a direct pathway for these bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Infections can range from minor localized issues to more serious systemic infections that require antibiotics and even hospitalization. The risk of infection is especially high immediately after getting the piercing and during the healing process.

Nerve Damage

The tongue is a complex organ with many nerves that control taste and movement. Piercing the tongue can potentially damage these nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or even loss of taste. In some cases, this nerve damage can be permanent.

Difficulty with Speech and Eating

A tongue or lip piercing can interfere with your ability to speak clearly and chew food properly. The jewelry can get in the way of your tongue's natural movements, causing a lisp or other speech impediments. It can also make it difficult to bite and chew certain foods, potentially affecting your nutrition.

Increased Saliva Flow

Your mouth may react to the presence of the foreign object by producing excess saliva. This can be annoying and can also affect your ability to speak clearly.

Interference with Dental X-rays

Metal jewelry can block the view of your teeth and jawbone on dental X-rays, making it difficult for your dentist to diagnose problems like cavities or bone loss. You may need to remove the piercing before X-rays, which can be inconvenient and uncomfortable.

Allergic Reactions

Some people are allergic to the metals used in oral piercings, such as nickel. Allergic reactions can cause swelling, redness, and itching around the piercing site.

While oral piercings might seem like a fashionable trend, it's essential to weigh the risks against the benefits. Consider the potential long-term consequences for your oral health and overall well-being. Talk to your dentist or doctor if you have any questions or concerns. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual circumstances.

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Dental Blog - Silverdale, WA • Life Long Dental
Dr. Gillespie has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Did you like a topic? Please contact us today! Life Long Dental is your dentist in Silverdale, WA.
Life Long Dental, 3100 NW Bucklin Hill Rd, Suite 209, Silverdale, WA 98383 + (360) 633-2377 + lifelongdental.com + 6/9/2026 + Related Terms: Dentist Silverdale WA +