Your Tongue Piercing Can Damage Your Gums and Pearly Whites - Be Prepared with a Dental Discount PlanBy Susan Braden 
A study has been conducted researching the effects of a tongue piercing on the mouth, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. The study, originally published in the Journal of Periodontology, noted that metal barbells can be damaging to your gums and pearly whites. Specifically, wearing a barbell for an extended period of time will increase your chances of gum recession and tooth chips. If you have a pierced tongue, you may want to make accessing a dental discount plan a priority. Gum RecessionThis data was collected by researchers from Loma Linda and Ohio State dentistry schools, who conducted a survey of 52 young people with these piercings. The researchers discovered that 35% of the participants who had had a pierced tongue for at least four years had receding gums. 50% of those with long-stemmed barbell piercings for at least two years also experienced recession of the gums. Long-stemmed barbells (over 5/8 of an inch long) are more dangerous to your mouth than short ones are. Dr. Dimitris Tatakis of Ohio State University noted, "During tongue movement, long-stem barbells are more likely to reach and damage the gums than short barbells. Over time, this damage may cause the gums to recede, which can lead to more serious dental and oral complications." Gum recession can lead to serious gum disease and infection, which can be very pricey to fix without a discount plan. Chipped TeethIn addition to the previous findings, nearly 50% of the participants with barbell-pierced tongues for at least four years had chipped teeth. Tooth chips were much more common in those that had short-stemmed barbells. It appeared that the tooth chipping was a direct result of participants biting on the piercing. Tatakis explained, "A short barbell is possibly easier to position between teeth, which could be one reason why we are seeing more chipped teeth in this group." If your teeth are being consistently chipped by your piercing, a discount plan can help cover the cost of repairs. Other Oral AffectsIn another study, Dr. Timothy Roberts of the University of Rochester School of Medicine in New York surveyed 4,500 people from age 12-21. He discovered that those with any type of body piercing are more likely to smoke, use drugs and develop other unhealthy habits. Specifically, a pierced tongue can be more prone to swelling. Furthermore, your piercing can cause a difficulty to chew, swallow and speak. ConclusionIn light of these studies and oral affects, it is wise to consider the risks before you decide to get a tongue piercing. Dr. Kenneth Bueltmann, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, puts it best, saying, "Taking precautions now will increase your chance of keeping your teeth for a lifetime, instead of needing dentures like many of your grandparents." If you feel you must have a pierced tongue, be sure to also find a dental plan that will help make tooth and gum repairs more affordable. For more information from Susan Braden about a dental discount plan, click here. |
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