Can tongue or mouth-area piercings really affect my oral health?

While piercing your tongue or lip may seem cool, you could actually inadvertently be doing permanent damage to your teeth and gums -- even if the piercings are only worn for a short amount of time.

Some of the damage we have seen caused by mouth piercings includes:

• Receding gums
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Periodontitis and other forms of gum disease
• Tears to fragile tissue
• Nerve damage, especially as a result of tongue piercings
• Tooth loss

Dr. Maher does not recommend piercings in the facial area. Clothing and hair are better ways to express your unique personality and fashion sense without risking permanent damage!