When it comes to fashion trends, piercings are thought to be a way someone can express themselves without making the life-long commitment of something like a tattoo. After all, piercings can be removed, right? Oral piercings – in the tongue or lip – might appear to have a temporary option, but in this case, being trendy has a permanent cost: tooth damage, and even tooth loss. Wilmette cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg, will tell you more about the downfalls of oral piercings, and how we can help if you if you succumb to damaged teeth as a result of this fashion statement.
Damaged Gum Tissues
A research study published in Journal of the American Dental Association pointed out that constant contact between oral jewelry and gum tissues can cause nerve damage, gum recession, fractured, and chipped teeth. According to University of Maryland Dental School associate professor, Dr. John K. Brooks, “wearing oral piercing ornaments, even over relatively short periods, may result in significant deformities to gingival tissue (gums) that might not respond satisfactorily to surgery and, in fact, may lead to tooth loss.”
Tooth Damage and Loss
The clinical trial followed five volunteers classified as “young adults.” Each of them had either a tongue or lip ring. Three out of the five patients showed signs of periodontitis (severe gum disease). This condition can lead to tooth loss over time as a result of gums and bone separating and forming something called periodontal pockets. One 19-year-old woman in the study showed significant gum recession in only five months of sporting her oral piercing. Dr. Brooks noted that if there is no way to talk someone out of an oral piercing, they should at least be diligent about visiting their dentist regularly for checkups so that any problems can be stopped in their tracks.
Consult with Wilmette Cosmetic Dentist
If you are in need of a cosmetic dental consultation as a result of damage to your teeth, your Wilmette cosmetic dentist can help. To schedule an appointment, call our 60091 dentist office at 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.
