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Not Your Mother’s Jewelry: 5 Reasons Tongue Piercings Are Dangerous

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lip piercings Shelby Township

In this post from Ray McKinley DDS & Brittany McKinley-Holloway DDS — McKinley General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Shelby Township, we’ll get right to it. While tongue, cheek, and lip piercings are popular and even commonplace, there are lots of reasons to keep piercings where they belong—in your ears. Here are five really good ones:

  • Excessive drooling—YIKES!

  • Chipped teeth

  • Infection (some even in places you wouldn’t think can get infected)

  • Hypersensitivity to metal

  • Nerve damage

  • Drooling

Lip and tongue piercings may make you look cool and edgy. They may express your personality and creativity. But they can cause frequent drooling. That may not be the look you’re going for.

Chipped Teeth

Having any metal in your mouth can chip your teeth. It could  happen while eating, drinking, or sleeping.

Do you already have a tooth that’s weakened? These cracks can then be repaired before further damage or decay occurs.

Infection

Beware of infection. When it comes to oral piercings, you have to really watch the pierced area. Your mouth is teeming with bacteria. Upon piercing anything in your mouth, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream. Neglecting proper brushing habits can lead to infection. So can touching the piercing with dirty hands.

Hypersensitivity or Allergic Reaction to Metal

Many people love body jewelry. But too much of a good thing (like metal) can be bad. Having metal piercings can lead to hypersensitivity to any metal in your mouth, such as silverware. This is problematic for most people.

There is also the risk of an allergic reaction at the piercing site. If you know of a sensitivity to certain metals, you can get your piercing in a metal you aren’t allergic to. But you are still at risk of the other hazards discussed here.

Nerve Damage

Finally, there’s the risk of permanent nerve damage. If the previous dangers don’t convince you, this one should. Experiencing a numb tongue is usually temporary. But in extreme cases, it can be permanent

At Ray McKinley DDS & Brittany McKinley-Holloway DDS — McKinley General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Shelby Township, we understand the popularity of oral piercings. But fashions change, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Our services include general and restorative dentistry. Schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact Ray McKinley DDS & Brittany McKinley-Holloway DDS — McKinley General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry:

586-685-0880

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

45665 Village Blvd
Shelby Township, Michigan
48315

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WelcomingI don’t like dentist but this Dr. is the best I have had. Cannot even feel when u had a shot, the atmosphere is warm and very welcoming. I would definitely recommend them. My hygienist is absolutely fabulous. Her name is DONNA.
- P. P.
GentleI have been going here for years and Taylor has always taken great care of me! Would highly recommend her for being gentle around the gums. Also the staff always makes you feel welcome by knowing exactly who you are even when you only visit twice a year which is always impressive!
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FriendlyMcKinley Holloway Legacy Dentistry is the best Dentist office that I have been to. Dr. Holloway and the staff there are very friendly and nice. They treat you like family and give you the best possible care.
-N. P.
Kind!The staff are all very kind, and very friendly. I’ve been a patient for many many years. I wouldn’t think of going anywhere else for all my dental needs. Dr. Holloway, Taylor, Blake, Donna, Tina Are very attentive. They take their time with their patients and are never distracted when I’m in the chair
- L. C.
ComfortableAn office full of friendly people who do their best to make you feel comfortable and let you choose how you want to be treated. My experience has involved as much mental healing as it has physical.
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KnowledgeableEveryone in the office is very pleasant and knowledgeable. You are always greeted with a smile and they spend time explaining any questions you may have. I highly recommend this practice.
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RelaxedGreat dentist and staff. I am hard to get fully numb, but they took their time to make sure I was fully numb and relaxed before doing work for a new crown. I didn’t feel a thing.
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