Oral piercings have been in fashion for a long time. Many teens and adults tend to get their cheeks, lips, mouth, or tongue pierced to stand out from the crowd. It surely adds a touch of style to the look; however, it may cause several health complications and risks. To summarize, getting an oral piercing (or any piercing, for that matter) is always a risky idea. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Instead, you just need to know how to take care of a piercing.

If you are planning to get an oral piercing, make sure you choose a professional who has mastered the art of piercing. For a safe experience, make sure you shortlist a well-qualified professional to do the needful. Check reviews online and select a licensed piercer who specializes in oral piercing. Upon your visit, keep a check on the sanitary practices of the piercer and make sure you confirm whether the tools have been properly sterilized or not.

Before getting an oral piercing, you need to have adequate knowledge regarding dos and don’ts to prevent yourself from its harmful side effects. With an oral piercing, you are more susceptible to difficulty in chewing or swallowing as well as developing infections, prolonged bleeding, swelling, cracking of teeth, and injured gums. Don’t forget to make regular visits to your dentist, who can advise you on the best way to care for an oral piercing.

Ways to Maintain Good Dental Hygiene With An Oral Piercing

The key to a safe oral piercing is good dental hygiene. Here’s a list of ways you can maintain your dental hygiene with an oral piercing.

1. Keep it clean

Brushing your teeth twice a day is a surefire way to prevent bacterial buildup around your oral jewelry. Gargle with an antibacterial mouth wash after every meal. You can also formulate an all-natural, chemical-free mouth wash by dissolving salt and water in a container.

2. Do not touch it

Avoid playing with or rotating your jewelry as it may dislocate the ornament, or perhaps, widen the hole. Also, avoid nail-biting as it may spread germs and bacteria inside your mouth.

3. Get a checkup done

Be sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. With the use of suitable tools, a dentist will lookout for any potential risks involved and guide you accordingly.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking is already injurious to health, but the addition of metallic jewelry on a pierced mouth, it may cause serious burns. To avoid the risk of developing oral scars, quit smoking.