Tongue piercings are a prevalent trend among adolescents and young adults, and they can be a great form of self-expression. For parents concerned, it’s essential to be mindful of the risks associated with this practice, as tongue piercing can have severe implications for your child’s oral health. Through this article, we’ll explore the risks associated with tongue piercing and how you can help your child maintain good oral health.
Can Tongue Piercings Harm Your Child’s Oral Health?
Tongue piercing themselves aren’t inherently a problem – they can be a great form of self-expression for those seeking to express themselves. But because tongue-piercing is a body modification, it can come with some risks to their health. Because of how intricate the mouth is, tongue piercing can lead to several oral health problems if they don’t take care of their mouths during the first few months of healing. These include:
- Infection: Oral piercings are often prone to infection due to exposure to high levels of bacteria in the mouth. These infections can spread to other areas of the body if not cared for right away and can be pretty painful.
- Nerve Damage: Tongue piercings can damage the nerves that control taste and sensation in the tongue, causing numbness and tingling. This numbness can make it difficult to eat, swallow, or speak.
- Gum Damage: The metal bars used for piercings can rub against the gums, causing irritation and contributing to gum disease.
- Tooth Damage: In rarer cases, metal jewelry in the mouth can also chip or crack teeth, especially if they have an accident.
- Swelling and Difficulties Speaking: As the tongue is swollen during the first few weeks of healing, their new tongue piercing can make it difficult for them to speak or eat correctly.
As a parent, it’s essential to talk to your child about the risks associated with tongue piercings. If you’re looking for ways to help start the conversation, follow these tips:
- Help Educate Them: Start off the conversation by educating them about the potential risks of tongue piercings while still acknowledging and respecting their wishes. Giving them a space to learn from you and hear you are essential as a parent.
- Provide Them With Choices: If they are uncertain, provide them with different alternatives for expression, such as clothing or jewelry. Giving them alternatives that help them express themselves can help them recognize and respect you as a parent and friend in their life.
- Encourage Independence with Informed Decisions: If they still wish to get a tongue piercing, help educate them about how to care for their mouths with an oral piercing and make sure they choose a reputable piercing studio that uses proper sterilization techniques and has experience with tongue piercings.
Visit Southhill Comprehensive Dentistry For Quality Oral Care Today!
As a parent, it’s essential to talk to your child about the risks associated with oral piercings and help them make an informed decision. By taking these steps, you can help your child maintain good oral health and avoid the potential risks of tongue piercings. For more information, seek out Southhill Comprehensive Dentistry in Spokane, WA, today by calling (509) 747-8779 to make an appointment with Dr. Ulysses Vargas.
