Oral piercings can be found on the tongue, lip, cheek, or other soft tissue around the mouth. It’s important to consider potential complications stemming from oral piercings so that you can maintain your best oral health.

Common problems associated with oral piercings:

• Swelling, bleeding, or infection

Piercings can make it more challenging for infections to go away on their own, and might require antibiotics. Also, open wound infections might discharge pus, creating an unpleasant experience.

• Chipped teeth

Chipped teeth might require veneers or crowns, which can also be damaged from the piercing.

• Cuts and scars in the mouth

The piercing might create lacerations in the mouth that take time to heal and can reoccur.

• Jewelry can get stuck in soft tissue

If a piercing becomes impacted, it sometimes requires surgical removal.

• Hypersalivation

Excess salivation can lead to issues like drooling.

• Palatal erythema

Palatal erythema is an inflammatory condition and is marked by bright red, irritated tissue that occurs due to the accumulation of blood in dilated capillaries.

• Oral lichenoid lesions

These lesions are often an allergic response, and a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the mucous membrane lining of the cheeks, lips, and tongue. It is considered a precancerous condition.

• Keloid formation

Keloids are a thick, raised scar.

If you have or are considering an oral piercing, it’s important to be aware of these potential issues and schedule regular cleanings to maintain your best oral health.