ST. PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – Facial piercings in the lips, tongue and cheeks have become popular forms of self-expression among teens and young adults.

But for those considering a facial piercing, there are some important factors to consider first, said Minnesota Orthodontist Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth. While they may appear stylish to some, there are some oral health risks associated with this trend.

Many people who have these facial piercings develop a habit of playing with them. For example, those with tongue rings sometimes run the barbell against their teeth or bite on it. This can damage the surface of the teeth and even chip teeth. Eating with this jewelry in can chip the teeth as well, Eisenhuth said.

Lip rings can rub against the teeth and scratch the surface or even wear a groove in them. For patients with braces, there is a slight chance that oral piercing jewelry can damage orthodontic appliances, which could lengthen treatment time. Patients who wear clear aligners don’t have this problem, said Eisenhuth, who also is a Minnesota invisible braces provider.

Other problems associated with oral piercing jewelry include increased tooth sensitivity, gum damage and gum recession.

Researchers from Ohio State University College of Dentistry and the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry conducted research on 52 people with pierced tongues and discovered that among those whose tongue piercings had been in place for four years or longer, 35 percent of them had experienced gum recession.

Among people in the study who had worn long-stemmed barbells for two years or longer, half of them were diagnosed with receding gums.

“Long barbells have an increased opportunity to damage the gums because they reach the gums more easily than short barbells,” Eisenhuth said. “Gum recession is bad on its own, but long-term consequences can mean some pretty significant dental problems.”
Eisenhuth said she is particularly surprised when her orthodontic patients have facial or oral piercings.

“These are patients who are here to improve their smiles, their self-confidence and their long-term oral health by undergoing orthodontic treatment,” said the Minnesota braces specialist. “To put something near your teeth that can work against all the improvements being made through orthodontic treatment doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.

Infection is another common side effect of oral piercings, often because of touching them or getting food caught around the piercing site.

“Touching oral piercings increases the opportunity for bacteria from your hands to enter piercing sites,” said Eisenhuth.

Bleeding and nerve damage is an issue for some with facial piercings. Damaging the tongue’s blood vessels can cause serious blood loss. These piercings also can cause swelling and discomfort. When it comes to tongue piercings, the tongue can swell enough to close off the airway, Eisenhuth said.

Facial and oral piercing jewelry, which can include studs, rings, barbells and hoops, can affect a person’s ability to eat and speak properly.

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about orthodontic treatment using heat-activated arch wires, you want to learn more about the Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth’s orthodontic practice or you would like to schedule a consultation with her, please call: (651) 406-8100 or visit her Web site: http://doctorjennifer.com/.

About Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth

Dr. Eisenhuth attended the University of Minnesota Dental School and graduated in the top of her class. She earned the Minnesota Association of Orthodontic Achievement Award and several academic achievement awards. She entered her orthodontic residency at the University of Minnesota and earned a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science degree.Dr. Eisenhuth is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

She takes pride in caring for the orthodontic needs of residents in the Twin Cities- St. Paul and Minneapolis, and their surrounding regions, including Mendota Heights, Inver Grove Heights, Burnsville, Apple Valley and Eagan, Minnesota. Her office is located at 3340 Sherman Court, Eagan, Minn., 55121.

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