Nothing speaks of lifestyle change quite like a lip or tongue piercing. Whether you've just broken up with a long-term partner, quit your job or battle a general frustration with life, piercings are an expression of the inner rebellion most of us try to quell on a daily basis. They hurt! why else would you voluntarily run a needle through your lip? Piercings are trendy in certain social circles and sometimes they can even look quite sexy. But dentistry healthcare professionals hate them for what they can do to your teeth and gums. And the problem is that virtually no one who gets piercings done is aware of the associated health risks.

Oral Piercings: Know the Risks

Many people who have piercings done remove them after a few months. What was initially inspired by fashion, peer pressure or a particularly rebellious mood soon passes, leaving you with only the day to day challenges associated with having a piercing. When asked, many people say that oral piercings are not worth the pain, risks and expense. In the long run you end up pulling them out anyway and you'll be lucky to escape without scarring or some other form of permanent damage.

If, after all is said and done, you STILL want a piercing, there are certain steps you can run through to protect yourself as best you can:

Find a Reputable Piercing Studio ~

First and foremost, ensure that the place you get your piercings has an excellent reputation and high standards of hygiene and sterilization. And don't fool yourself into thinking that you can do it yourself. You do not want your tongue or lip to become infected. Not only is it painful, but incredibly dangerous too. Infection can cause blood poisoning and a swollen tongue can quite easily obstruct your airways. You even run the risk of contracting a serious illness, such as Hepatitis or HIV. Spend the extra money on a reputable agency and you will have nothing to regret.

Protect your gums and dental enamel ~

The backs of lip piercings, which are generally made of stainless steel, rub against the gums. Repeated trauma to the gums can cause them to recede from the teeth, exposing the root and risking infection. So, when shopping for a lip piercing, try to find one that isn't made with a stainless steel back. Opt instead for soft plastic if at all possible.

The same applies to tongue piercings, which tend to tap against your teeth as you talk and when you eat. Additionally, people with piercings can't seem to resist chewing on them or rolling them between their teeth. This does tremendous damage to the dental enamel, causing abrasion, cracks and even chips (see picture below). Avoid that habit and opt instead for softer materials.

When it comes to oral piercings, be aware of the risks and try to mitigate them as far as possible. Follow the instructions provided to you to the letter and avoid playing with your piercing, as this just increases your risk of infection. Keep your piercings clean and if they ever cause you problems, remove them immediately until you can get advice from your dentist in Chicago.