Dental problems from tongue piercings mean poor fit or bad habits
September 03, 2004
By: Lori Wilkerson
Tongue piercings are becoming increasingly popular, especially
the center piercing with tongue barbells that go directly through
the center of the tongue toward the front of the mouth. There have
been complaints from dentists and doctors in recent years that these
tongue piercings cause damage to the teeth and gums of wearers,
while some maintain that this doesn’t have to be a problem.
The reality seems to be that problems arise when tongue piercings
either aren’t cared for properly or become the focus of repetitious
nervous habits or behaviors by the wearer. The most common complaint
is that tongue rings cause damage to the teeth and/or gums by
clicking against them when talking or eating.
This is actually quite uncommon unless the wearer has in a ring
or barbell that is too large for the piercing, and the barbell or
ring is free to slide up and down in the hole. If a barbell fits
snugly it is not likely to be able to reach the teeth in order to
click against them without an effort on the wearer’s part, which
brings us to the next problem.
Some piercees develop a nervous habit of sticking the top of
their tongue against the back of their teeth, deliberately catching
the top bar of their tongue jewelry between their front teeth. This
is an extremely bad habit and can lead to chipped teeth and a host
of other problems. Piercers should caution their clients that there
is no reason, ever, to “play with” tongue piercings in this manner.
Tongue piercings with poorly fitting barbells or rings can also
irritate the roof of the mouth or the underside of the mouth, where
the flesh is particularly tender. Either of these conditions is
usually due to poorly fitting jewelry, not the presence of the
jewelry itself. If you are beginning to experience irritation of the
inside of the mouth or the gums, see your piercer to have him check
the size of your tongue jewelry. And never, ever, click, tap or
touch your tongue ring or barbell against your teeth or gums. Once
the habit is started, you’ll find it hard to break.
About the Author:
Lori Wilkerson is a successful freelance writer and publisher of
http://www.body-jewelry-useek.com. Body jewelry, piercing and tattooing information you seek to perfectly adorn your body.
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