Body Piercing And Bad Breath
Our purpose of discussion that relates to body piercing
is obviously directed toward oral piercing. It is not our intent to
make any judgment of the practice, merely to point out some of the
risks involved for those who choose to engage in this kind of activity.
The most obvious risk factor is infection which can
occur when there is a lesion on any part of the body. However, as
we know that the mouth is the perfect environment for bacteria to
grow, whether it is “good” bacteria or “bad”
bacteria.
You might think that the risk is greater at the time
of piercing and that would be correct. However, continual handling
of the jewelry after placement greatly increases the odds of infection
down the road.
Oral piercing may also put you at risk for blood contamination
and increase the possibility of hepatitis B, C, D and G. Damage to
the blood vessels in the tongue or cheek can induce prolonged bleeding
and in some cases nerve damage can occur.
Just having the jewelry in the mouth can damage the
soft tissue around the teeth causing the gums to recede. Constant
clicking of the jewelry against natural and/or restored teeth can
cause the enamel or veneers to crack or chip.
Oral jewelry can also create more saliva than is necessary.
Some people have reported problems with speech and a pronounced reduction
in the ability to pronounce words properly. Others say that their
ability to chew was impaired.
Another worse case scenario is the risk of having
the jewelry dislodge causing a dangerous choking situation or even
swallowing the jewelry and having it end up in the digestive tract
which is dangerous itself.
Finally, there is no doubt that having a foreign body
in your mouth is going to create a poor environment for healthy teeth.
Keeping the area around the piercing 100% clean 100% of the time is
impossible.
It only takes a few tiny particles lodged in or around
the entrance and exit of the jewelry stud to create tooth decay. And,
that’s even before you add in the factors discussed above.
So, if you do choose to engage in the practice prepare
yourself for some pretty hefty maintenance and the possibility of
infection or even worse circumstances.
These examples are not the norm, of course, but if
you do experience any of them, it would be prudent to contact a physician
especially if they replace previously normal breath odor.
