You decide. Oral piercing is a popular trend, but this fashion statement comes with some serious health risks. Get the facts before you decide if piercing.

You You decidedecide

Oral piercing is a popular trend, but this fashion statement comes with some serious health risks.

Get the facts before you decide if piercing is right for you.

HipHip—but how healthy?

What are What are the risks?the risks? Your mouth is teeming with bacteria.

The tongue’s blood vessels are ideal for spreading infection to the brain and other parts of your body.

Food can accumulate around jewelry leading to a greater risk of infection.

INFECTIOINFECTIONN

Additional Additional risks…risks… Puts you at risk for serious

blood borne diseases such as HIV or

Hepatitis

Possible nerve damage

Serious blood loss can result from damage to blood vessels

Tongue can become so swollen

it blocks the airway

Can cause painful, serious swelling

Damage to teeth—jewelry can chip or crack teeth

Injury to gums—by rubbing against gums, the metal can cause soft tissue to recede. This results in loose teeth or receding gums which cause tooth loss.

Choking hazard—stud can loosen

Impairs speech—affects word pronunciation

Drooling—Would this bother you?

What about the What about the Jewelry?Jewelry?

Allergic reactions to metal

Interferes with routine dental exams and X-rays

Interferes with chewing and swallowing

Impacts normal saliva production

Increases athletes risk of injury

Barbells and Barbells and rings in the rings in the mouthmouth

Infections in the mouth affect the the health of your entire body.

Your health is Your health is importantimportant

Speak with your dentist and other health professionals.

Make informed decisions about your health and your life.

SOURCESAmerican Dental AssociationAcademy of General DentistryAmerican Academy of Periodontology

A message from the New York State Dental Association

www.nysdental.org

© 2004