Body piercing is a popular form of ornamentation in many cultures. Many youth have adopted the practice. Years ago, it was rare to see piercing in any body part other than the earlobe. Today, it seems any area of the body may be targeted.

A popular piercing site is the oral cavity. The most common site for oral piercing is the lip (accounting for about 38 percent of piercing sites), followed by the tongue (8 percent). One study found more than 10 percent of undergraduate students had their tongues pierced.

The newest type of mouth ornamentation is the "grill." This is a decorative cover that fits snugly over the teeth. The most expensive grills are made of gold, silver or platinum and may be encrusted with jewels. Grills are typically designed to be removable.

Risks of Oral Piercing

Oral piercing is popular. However, not many people are aware of the risks associated with the practice. Tongue piercing can cause swelling that, in severe cases, can obstruct the airways. There are millions of bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of infection at the piercing site. Doctors have even reported cases where bacteria entered the bloodstream and infected the heart. Oral piercing can also cause a significant amount of bleeding or transmission of infectious disease (like hepatitis).

The jewelry used for oral piercing can also cause problems. A patient may react to the metal in the jewelry. Tongue piercing may cause excessive production of saliva, problems with clear speech and difficulty with chewing or swallowing. Pieces of the jewelry may become loose and be accidentally swallowed, causing choking or damage to the digestive tract.

Tongue and lip jewelry can chip the teeth when speaking, eating or swallowing. In some cases, a broken tooth may require a root canal or extraction. The jewelry may rub against the gums or other oral tissues, causing gum recession or tissue loss.

The newly popularized grills have their own set of problems. Food can become trapped between the metal and the teeth, leading to tooth decay and possible gum disease. Trapped bacteria can also cause bad breath. Each time the grill is removed and replaced, excess pressure is placed on the bone that anchors the teeth. Some people hold the grill in place with permanent glue, which can damage the teeth or gums.

Preventing Problems

Many health experts recommend against oral piercing because of the risk of infection and damage to the oral tissues. Patients who choose to have an oral piercing should seek help from a licensed piercer who uses sterilized equipment.

The oral piercing site should be cleaned after every meal and jewelry should be brushed to remove bacteria and food particles (just like brushing the teeth). Oral jewelry should be removed while eating or sleeping to prevent accidental aspiration or components.

Mouth grills should only be used occasionally and should be removed while eating. Clean the grill after every use to remove food, bacteria and debris. Wearing a grill sometimes changes the way the teeth come together, which may place significant stress and inflammation of the temporomandibular joint. Some people may need to perform jaw exercises after wearing a grill to reduce some of the inflammation on the joint.

For specific questions about oral piercing, talk to your dental health care provider. For general information on safety and risks:

Academy of General Dentistry

American Academy of Periodontology

American Dental Association

The Association of Professional Piercers