Oral Piercing: What You Should Know

Link to Fact Sheet on Oral Piercing

Oral Piercing: What You Should Know 

Are there risks to getting an oral piercing?
Yes. Though most people consider piercing a low risk choice, 
there are significant risks associated with oral piercings. Common 
symptoms after oral piercing include pain, swelling and an 
increased flow of saliva. The mouth is full of bacteria and cannot 
be kept “clean” in the traditional sense. As a result, infection also 
occurs more readily after oral piercing, and, though not common, 
can include serious infections, such as hepatitis or endocarditis 
(inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart). Additionally, 
piercers have no standardized training and may have limited 
knowledge of anatomy and physiology. If a blood vessel or 
nerve is in the path of the needle during the piercing, severe and 
difficult-to-control bleeding or nerve damage can result. For some, 
blood poisoning, metal allergies, or blood clots can occur. 
Even after the initial healing process, there is the ongoing risk 
of serious damage to teeth and gum tissue posed by the mouth 
jewelry itself. Metal jewelry is often the culprit in cracked or 
broken teeth. Plastic jewelry reduces this risk, though cannot 
eliminate it entirely. For piercings of the lips, the “backside” of the 
jewelry, attached inside the mouth, can be a source of irritation 
to the opposing tissue. As the metal or plastic rests on the gum 
tissue, it can abrade and literally wear it away as it moves back 
and forth. This requires reconstructive surgery to repair and in 
some instances results in lost teeth. This happens more commonly 
than people realize. Therefore, it is very important to regularly 
check the tissues in contact with the metal or plastic piercing to 
ensure one’s continued health. If the jewelry is causing damage 
or infection, it is essential to discover this early in the process.