Do Your Piercings have You in Search of A Long Island Periodontist?

Mouth piercing has become more and more popular in the American culture today. When deciding on what type of piercing to get we often ask our friends and partners what would look best but most people wouldn’t consider checking with a Long Island Periodontist first. If more people knew about a recent case report indicating a connection between facial piercings and receding gums they may do just that.

The Journal of Periodontology recently published a case study that analyzed a 26 year old female who after noticing signs of progressive gum recession soon after receiving a barbell piercing in her lip. Her gums were examined by a skilled practitioner and it was noted that the barbell had direct contact with the receded area and was believed to be the cause.

For this young woman her desire to wear facial piercings has led to an unattractive defect and left the root of her tooth exposed and at higher risk for decay. But receding gums is not the only concern dental practitioners have for oral piercings. But the downside of facial piercings doesn’t stop there.

The mouth contains millions of bacteria making hygienic maintenance another important concern when considering this new trend. Infection is common with oral piercings along with swelling, increased flow of saliva, pain, fractured teeth, and interference with speech and metal hypersensitivity.

Oral piercings offer more than just the latest fashion. Before making your final decision on whether or not to start excepting various piercings it’s crucial to fully understand the risks of gum disease and when to seek treatment. To stay on top of your oral health monitor your mouth daily for these early warning signs; persistent bad breath, loose or missing teeth, bleeding while brushing or flossing, a change in the way your teeth fit in your mouth, receded gums, and red or swollen gums.

If signs of gum disease develop contact your local Periodontist right away. People looking for a Long Island Periodontist should contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.