Unfortunately, lip, tongue, cheek and other mouth piercings come with their potential health risks. It’s in your best interest to talk to your Winnipeg dentist before getting oral piercings.

Dental plaque, peridontitis-causing bacteria and calculus may build up near the piercing and create an infection. You may have trouble healing post-piercing or reject the piercing, leading to rashes, swelling, excessive salivating, or unwanted bleeding. Ludwig’s angina, a fatal bacterial infection, or another bacterial infection, may enter your bloodstream through the piercing site. You may experience tissue overgrowth, gum recession, or chipped teeth. Reactions between your dentures or crowns and the piercing may cause a chemical reaction that irritates your mouth.

Depending on the state of your dental health, a piercing might not be the best option. If you choose to get a lip piercing despite the potential risks, take care of the site of the piercing. Rinse with mouthwash or salt water after your meals, remove your piercing before eating or playing sports, avoid public swimming pools, and monitor the area for signs of infection (such as pus).

Any area you pierce on your body is an area you should pay close, careful attention to as it’s more vulnerable to infections or other issues.