There’s nothing like adding a decorative piece to your look. It’s a way to express who you are on the outside. Whether it’s a signature hairbow, bracelet, or an ear, nose, or tooth piercing.
But is a tooth piercing safe for your dental health?
What Are Tooth Piercings?
When getting a tooth piercing, a diamond, sapphire, ruby, or crystal is placed on the front of your tooth. You can breathe a sigh of relief! There’s no drilling or ‘piercing.’
Some people use them to hide imperfections or stains or redirect attention from crooked teeth. A temporary piercing can last up to 6 weeks, and semi-permanent piercings can last 6 months to a year since they’re cemented to your teeth.
How Is It Done?
The procedure is painless and quick:
- Cleaning: A professional will clean and prep the tooth using an acid etch.
- Adhesive: A composite and bonding agent is applied to the area.
- Attaching: Carefully, a piercing expert or dentist will use instruments to place the gem on the composite.
- Setting: A curing lamp is used to help the tooth piercing set and harden in about under a minute.
- Maintenance: After the procedure, avoid eating spicy or sticky foods. It may be tempting but don’t fidget with the piercing.
Note: A more complex procedure involving drilling can be done for tooth rings. We don’t recommend permanent procedures like this.
What Are The Risks?
Tooth piercings are considered safer than tongue piercings since they are linked to infection, herpes, nerve damage, etc.
But that doesn’t mean getting one comes without problems:
- Mistakenly swallowing it if it breaks off the tooth.
- Allergic reactions to the gem if your body comes into contact with the tooth piercing.
- Chipping or cracking adjacent teeth.
- Tooth Sensitivity.
- Wearing out your enamel.
- Gum inflammation or recession.
- Tooth decay since brushing doesn’t reach underneath the piercing.
- Mouth Infection.
- Bad breath.
The above side effects will be quite bad for your oral and overall health and some people could be more prone to these symptoms than others.
We suggest consulting your dentist first to see possible red flags.
How Do You Remove It?
If you’ve done a temporary tooth piercing, you can wait for it to fall off naturally (don’t swallow it!) or you could consult your dentist.
Since the process of getting a tooth piercing can change your tooth’s surface permanently, dentists don’t recommend it. But they can help you remove it.
Getting a tooth piercing can be harmful to your dental health since it impacts your tooth’s enamel. Only if you practice a good routine of brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly should you consider a tooth piercing.
But beware that long-term teeth piercings can increase the risk of getting cavities and periodontal (gum) disease.
Need a dental check-up? Book an appointment and we’ll be happy to put your oral health on the right path.
