By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert
When you’re considering a mouth or facial piercing, you’re likely thinking about self-expression and style—but it’s just as important to understand how that decision can affect your oral health. While piercings can be a meaningful way to express your individuality, research shows they can also introduce risks that may impact your teeth, gums, and it can even affect the way your dental team at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN is able to evaluate your oral health. Knowing the facts helps you make the best decision for your long-term smile.
One of the most immediate ways oral piercings affect your dental care is through radiographs (X-rays). Because most oral jewelry is made of metal, it can create significant “artifacts” or distortions on dental images. These streaks and shadows can obscure important structures, making it harder for us to detect cavities, bone loss, or other conditions accurately. This is why we ask you to remove your jewelry before imaging to ensure your radiographs are diagnostic and complete—because clear imaging is essential for catching problems early and protecting your health. We find some piercings can be very difficult to remove.
Beyond imaging challenges, the physical presence of lip, tongue, or intraoral piercings can directly affect your teeth and gums. Scientific studies consistently show an association between oral piercings and gingival recession, tooth fractures, and even tooth mobility. In fact, research has found gingival recession in up to 39% or more of piercing sites, along with complications like chipped teeth and soft tissue damage. You may not even notice these changes at first, which makes regular dental visits even more important for early detection and prevention.
The reason for these issues often comes down to repeated trauma. When jewelry rubs against your gums or teeth—or if you find yourself playing with it subconsciously—it can gradually wear away gum tissue and weaken the enamel. Over time, this can lead to exposed roots, increased sensitivity, and a higher risk of periodontal problems. Studies also show that lip piercings, in particular, are strongly associated with localized gum recession. But, even tongue piercings will contribute to chipped teeth and recession because the tongue is nearly always moving.
At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, you’re supported by a team that understands your desire to express who you are—whether that includes piercings or not. Our goal is never to judge, but to make sure you have clear, science-based information before making decisions that affect your health. If you’re thinking about getting a piercing—or if you already have one—we can help you understand the risks, monitor any changes, and guide you toward protecting your smile for years to come. Keep in mind as well that your safety during dental procedures is a top priority for us and with some piercings, the chance of pulling or tugging on the jewelry could cause some serious damage.
Ultimately, you deserve to feel confident in both your self-expression and your oral health. Before moving forward with a mouth or facial piercing, we recommend that you take the time to weigh the potential risks and benefits. And if you already have one, staying proactive with your dental care is key. If it’s been a while since your last visit, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with Eggert Family Dentistry—because your smile deserves expert care, no matter how you choose to express yourself. Call or text us today at 651.482.8412!