Do you have a teenager who wants to get a lip or tongue piercing? It may look cool, but oral piercings pose many hazards to your child's teeth.
- Infection and Swelling: The most common complaint after an oral piercing is infection and swelling. This can cause pain, and if left untreated in some cases, create dental problems down the road.
- Chipped or cracked teeth: Hard metal studs inside the mouth can cause damage to the teeth, which may require dental procedures to fix.
- Nerve Damage: A tongue piercing can lead to nerve damage. Although most will go away a few hours after the piercing, there is a risk for more long-term damage that will require your child see a pediatric dentist. Severe nerve damage can affect your child's sense of taste and smell.
If your child is serious about getting an oral piercing, make sure they know the risks and have them be prepared to talk to their dentist if any of the above problems occur.
As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to take care of all your children's dental needs. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.
About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists
Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years. They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.