At some point in our lives we have all felt the need to fit in. For teenagers this need to fit in can come at an unhealthy cost. The most common of all trends in teenagers today includes oral piercings. Unfortunately, not much thought goes into the negative risk factors behind this social trend. Some of the risks include:

• Severe Infection- The mouth has a substantial amount of bacteria which is worsened by oral piercings. The bacteria traps around and under the piercings. Piercings are the breeding grounds for bacteria.
• Prolonged Bleeding- Piercings can cause damage to the tongue’s blood vessels which can cause blood loss.
• Swelling and nerve damage- Because the tongue is in always in motion the healing process is long and drawn out. During the healing process it is customary to have swelling. The tongue has an abundance of nerves which can be very risky. If the nerves are damaged it is usually permanent.
• Bloodborne disease transmission- Oral piercings have been identified by the National Institute of Health as a possible factor in transmissions of hepatitis B, C, D, and G.
• Deterioration of the gums and enamel- In some cases the placement of the oral piercings can have a negative effect on the gums and enamel. Constant contact with the gums can cause recession. Bulky metal piercings banging against the teeth can cause the teeth to chip which causes unnecessary repair expenses.

The moral of the story is check out all the negative factors involved in oral piercings. Spread the word to your children and friends to help discourage them from making a mistake.

Teeth are porous and made up of hollow tubelike structures called dentin tubules. These form the part of the tooth between the enamel (surface) and the pulp (core) of a healthy tooth. Some people develop stronger tooth enamel in their formative years, thanks to genetics and good brushing and flossing. But people with weaker enamel soak up things they eat and drink through their dentin tubules, and the surfaces of their teeth look stained.

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