Dentists Warn Against Oral Piercing

Ornaments Can Chip Teeth, Introduce Bacteria

POSTED:5:01 p.m. EST November 17, 2003

WASHINGTON -- Although some people consider them fashion statements, researchers are finding out that piercings to the tongue or lip may prove to be hazardous to your gums, teeth and even to your heart.

"My best friend got his done in the Army, and about a week later I got mine done," said Moses Rodriguez.

Twenty-five-year-old Moses Rodriguez had his tongue pierced three years ago. He's a drama student at Montgomery Community College in Rockville.

After his tongue jewelry chipped a tooth, he started wearing plastic studs, but otherwise, he says he's had no problems.

But the American Dental Association warns that he's likely to have problems with gum disease in a few years.

"We found that the oral piercings can cause the gums to pull away from the root, potentially causing the tooth to be lost. The most common injury to the mouth from oral piercing is chipping or fracturing of the teeth themselves," said Dr. John Brooks.

Brooks is an associate professor at the University of Maryland Dental School. In a recent study, Brooks examined young adults with oral jewelry.

In many cases, patients had some degree of receding gums and gum injuries. Some suffered from severe periodonititis, or inflammation of the gums.

"The piercing, when it pushes against the gum tissues, causes inflammation. And from that we start to see breaking down of the tissue, particularly if there is a lot of plaque in the patient's mouth. And as the tissues break down they loosen and separate from the root," Brooks said.

And there are other, even more serious potential side effects when you get your lip or your tongue pierced.

"Those procedures introduce bacteria, even in small amounts into the body and that bacterial introduction can lead to a heart valve or heart infection," Dr. Ramon Oskui said.

Oskui, a cardiologist with Washington Hospital Center, warns that bacteria found in the mouth can be dangerous if it gets into the bloodstream.

Both Brooks and Oskui warn that this fashion trend is not worth the permanent damage it can cause.

"The dental profession recommends those who wear piercing to stop wearing them before losing their tooth...it's not worth jeopardizing your smile," Brooks said.

Moses Rodriguez has heard the warnings, more than once.

"My dentist looks at me and (says), "You shouldn't have gotten that done. It's not healthy for your teeth.' But I haven't had any problems with my tongue at all since I've had this," Rodriguez said.

Anyone wanting more information about the risks of oral piercings can visit the Web site of the American Dental Association at www.ADA.org.