NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 30, 2009 — Like clothing and hairstyles, oral piercings give teens and adults a way to express themselves. While trendy, this fashion statement poses a number of potential oral and overall health care risks.

“Before getting a lip, cheek or tongue piercing, people need to be aware of the potential side effects,” said Dr. Jed Jacobson, D.D.S., M.S., M.P.H., chief science officer at Delta Dental of Tennessee. “For those people who already have oral piercings, routine dental exams are the best way prevent any complications from occurring. A dentist can also give information on caring for the piercing to prevent temporary or permanent damage to the mouth.”

• Swelling – Piercing may cause swelling of the tongue. In extreme cases a severely swollen tongue can actually close off the airway and prevent breathing.
• Prolonged bleeding – A blood vessel punctured while piercing may cause severe bleeding.
• Damage to the sublingual salivary glands - An improperly placed tongue piercing may damage the sublingual salivary glands, which produce five percent of saliva entering the oral cavity.
• Choking - Jewelry may become loose in the mouth, creating a choking hazard.
• Plaque build-up – Plaque may build up on piercings, requiring more frequent cleanings.
• Damage to the teeth and gums - Jewelry may come in contact with both the teeth and gums, causing chipped or cracked teeth or gum recession.
• Allergic reaction – Jewelry containing certain metals may cause an allergic reaction.
• Nerve damage – A piercing that strikes a nerve may cause nerve damage, leading to numbness or loss of sensation at the piercing site.
• Infection – The wound from the piercing, coupled with teeming bacteria in the mouth, may create an increased risk of infection.

Make sure to follow any home-care instructions, including cleaning, provided by your dentist or piercing specialist. A dentist can prescribe an antimicrobial rinse to help keep the pierced site and jewelry clean. Proper oral hygiene is critical to preventing immediate, short-term or long-term complications.

If complications arise from an oral piercing, schedule an appointment with a dentist. Dentists are trained to monitor and manage oral health problems and will work with a physician to manage serious conditions.

To find out more about dental health, contact a Delta Dental dentist. Find a local Delta Dental dentist by visiting http://www.deltadentaltn.com/ and clicking on the “Dentist Search” link.

Delta Dental of Tennessee, with its affiliates in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio and Tennessee, is one of the largest dental plan administrators in the nation. In 2008, the enterprise paid out nearly $2.1 billion for dental care for more than 6.6 million enrollees. Offices are located in Okemos and Farmington Hills, Mich.; Indianapolis and Greenwood, Ind.; Louisville, Ky.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio; and Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis, Tenn.