A leading health clinic is
calling on people to understand the risks associated with oral piercings after
uncovering their amazing popularity.
The clinic wants everyone
who has, or is considering getting, an oral piercing to understand the risks
associated with them and take the necessary steps to avoid the health problems
which they are related to.
CEO of the dental clinic in ahmedabad, Dr.Alaap
Shah And Dr.Kinjal Shah BDS, MDS, discussed the hazards which oral piercings
can have on a person's oral health.
Dr Alaap said: "Our
research has found that a sizeable amount of people are choosing to have oral
piercings, they have become a extremely stylish form of self-expression but not
everyone realizes the possible long and short term damages that they can have
on our mouths.
"Oral piercings are a
major source of chipped or cracked teeth due to trauma when they come into
contact with the teeth; many people even have a habit of biting or playing with
their piercing which can be extremely risky and can often lead to wide dental
work.
"The mouth also
contains a massive amount of bacteria and is an ideal place for infection to
arise, this is particularly the case with new piercings as it is an open wound
and needs constant care and attention to avoid infection. An infection can
quickly lead to other more serious conditions such as blood poisoning.
"The act of getting a
piercing is itself extremely dangerous as if done wrongly can cause issues such
as stable numbness of the tongue, blood loss, excessive swelling which affects
breathing and swallowing and and in harsh cases and increased risk of HIV and
Hepatitis B."
The Oral Health Foundation
is encouraging people to fully research the health risks associated with oral
piercings and if they still wish to have it done ensure that they do so with a
trustworthy provider and confirm that it is done in a clean and safe
environment.
Dr Aalap added: "On a
day to day basis oral piercings can interfere with such basic functions such as
speech, chewing and swallowing, there is positively a lot of things to think
about before going out to get an oral piercing.
"But, as our research
shows, many people already have oral piercings. Our advice to these people is
to keep it as clean as probable; using an antiseptic mouthwash habitually can
help to do this.
"Try to avoid playing
or fiddling with it and having it come into contact with teeth, especially when
speaking or eating as this leads to teeth wear which can lead to general dental
interference.
"If you are taking
part in sports remove the jewellery to minimise the risk of any injure through
trauma.
"Most importantly although
ensure you visit your dentist frequently, as often as they suggest, to look
after the generally health of your mouth and avert any long term problems from increasing."
