Piercings can be dangerous warn dentists
The Irish Dental Association (IDA) said its members are seeing an increasing number of patients coming to them as a result of damage caused by oral jewellery — such as tongue, lip or mouth piercings — which can result in infections, illnesses and in some cases death.
The vast majority of these patients present at this time of year, to coincide with holidays, concerts and the start of college.
As thousands of students enjoy fresher week, dentists have warned that oral piercings can be dangerous in young adults, particularly those who knowingly or unknowingly suffer heart murmurs — a common condition among teenagers and young people.
The mouth harbours high levels of bacteria, which can enter the blood system as a result of oral piercings. This can lead to a condition, known as Infective Endocarditis, where the bacteria become attached to a person’s heart, leading to serious illness.
There has been a massive increase in cases of this condition worldwide, and it often requires high doses of antibiotics and, in some cases, heart surgery to cure. The Irish Dental Association said the risk of this happening in Ireland is high, because there is no regulatory code for piercing establishments.
They said the risk is even higher at piercing booths at music festivals, concerts and holiday spots, where poor hygiene standards can result in the spread of Hepatitis and HIV.
Dr Kevin O’Boyle, of the dental association, said that most young people are not aware of the risks.
Many of these people do not realise the very real threat they place themselves in by getting such piercings,” he said.
Dr O’Boyle warned people to look out for symptoms including fever, night sweats and general poor health.
There are other risks of tongue piercing that are not life-threatening, but may result in costly dentists’ fees down the line.
“While a fractured or chipped tooth may not cause many problems at first, the long term effects will be painful and, in many cases, costly. One of the more painful and unpleasant aspects of oral jewellery happens when the gums recede. In order to correct receding gums, the patient must undergo painful grafting of the gum, a treatment which will help to alleviate some pain and infection, but it can never return the gum to full health,” Dr O’Boyle said.
