A pierced tongue, lip or cheek may be the "in" thing to do among teens, but many dentists recommend young people take the oral jewelry "out" immediately.
A recent study out of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, published in the July issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, found oral piercing can increase the risk for recessed gums, loose teeth and even tooth loss. Chipped teeth, infection and inflammation have also been associated with these piercings.
The study included case examples where young people with tongue, lip and cheek piercings had problems with their gums. It was concluded that a tongue piercing can potentially cause damage to gum tissue behind the lower teeth while a lip piercing may lead to injury with gum tissue in front of the lower teeth.
The study's authors said the research was conducted to help educate the public about the dangers of oral piercings.
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