Can tongue piercings cause throat infections?

Can tongue piercings cause throat infections?

If you pierce your tongue, lips, cheeks or uvula (the tiny tissue that hangs at the back of the throat,) it can interfere with speech, chewing or swallowing. It may also cause: Infection, pain and swelling. Your mouth is a moist environment, home to huge amounts of breeding bacteria, and an ideal place for infection.

What diseases can you get from tongue piercing?

Lead to serious health problems, like gum disease, uncontrolled bleeding, a long-term infection, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Lead to an allergic reaction to the metal in the jewelry. Damage the nerves in your tongue, a condition that is usually brief but can sometimes be long-lasting.

Can tongue piercing cause problems?

The American Dental Association recommends against tongue piercing. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but the ADA recommends against tongue piercing because of risks including “swelling, bleeding, infection, chipped or damaged teeth, gingivial recession, lacerations/scarring, hypersalivation, etc.”

Does a tongue piercing affect oral?

Tongue piercings can be a fun form of self-expression and individuality. Like any piercing, there’s a risk for infection—but when it comes to your oral health, the long-term effects could impact your teeth, gums, and other areas of your mouth.

What do dentists think of tongue piercings?

A tongue piercing is a popular way of self-expression but most dentists will tell you oral piercings are not the best way to express your individuality.

Has anyone died from a tongue piercing?

Doctors are warning that tongue piercings could lead to fatal infections, after a 22-year-old Israeli man died in hospital weeks after getting his tongue pierced. Although this is a rare case, oral physicians say there is always a risk of infection when surgery is performed in the mouth.

Do plastic tongue piercings ruin your teeth?

People with tongue piercing tend to habitually bite the barbell. The study found receding gums, a problem that can lead to tooth loss, in 35% of those who had pierced tongues for four or more years and in 50% who had worn the long-stemmed barbells for two or more years.

Does a tongue piercing make your breath stink?

It’s harder to brush around studs in the tongue or rings in the lips, so plaque can build up over time. If you don’t clean your oral piercing regularly, your breath can start to stink as a result. Even if you get oral piercings in a sterile environment, you can develop an infection after the piercing.

Do tongue piercings rot your teeth?

Unfortunately, yes. A tongue piercing can cause damage to teeth. Piercings are usually hard metal, which inside the mouth can cause damage. Biting down onto the piercing or playing with it can result in scratching or chipping teeth, as well as increased tooth sensitivity.

Why do people get infections from tongue piercings?

How infections develop. Infection occurs when bacteria become trapped inside the piercing. Tongue piercings — especially new ones — are more prone to infections than other piercings because of all the bacteria in your mouth. Much of the bacteria is introduced by eating and drinking.

Is it safe to remove a tongue piercing too soon?

Removing the stud too soon can increase your risk of tears and infections. The hole may also close up if you remove the jewelry too soon. Once the time comes to remove the jewelry used for the piercing, it’s best to see your piercer. They can ensure a safe removal process and show you how to correctly put new jewelry in.

When to know if your lip piercing is infected?

During the first two weeks, you may experience: Redness or swelling that extends beyond the piercing site may be a sign of infection. Other early signs of infection include: Mild infections can typically be treated at home.

What should I look for in a tongue piercing?

You’ll also want to ensure that any jewelry you select for your tongue piercing is of good quality. Look for jewelry made with steel, titanium, or 14-karat gold. Less desirable metals are more likely to cause an allergic reaction or lead to infection. Be sure to keep up with your regular dental checkups over the lifetime of your piercing.

What happens if you get a tongue piercing?

Even if you get oral piercings in a sterile environment, you can develop an infection after the piercing. Your mouth is moist, which breeds bacteria and makes it an ideal place for infection. Watch for swelling, since your tongue can potentially block your airway and make it difficult to breathe.

Can a tongue piercing be treated with antibiotics?

OTC antibiotics have long been used to treat infections. However, these aren’t useful — and can even be dangerous — for piercings. Topical creams and ointments can trap bacteria inside the piercing and make things worse. Plus, they aren’t intended to be used inside your mouth.

Can a piercing cause an infection years later?

Sometimes, you can end up with an infection years later, after they have healed. This is what is commonly known as old ear piercings infections. Their causes are similar to the above with the only exception being caused that are related to the process.

How are oral piercings affect your oral health?

In recent years, oral piercings have become more and more popular, especially among young people. If you want to pierce your lip, tongue, or any other area of your mouth, consider the effect it will have on your oral health. You may be surprised by the number of places people may choose to pierce in and around their mouths.