Tobacco usage and tongue piercing can be very damaging to your child’s oral health. There are a number of problems associated with tobacco and tongue piercings, and in some cases, they can even be deadly. We have provided some basic information about tobacco usage and tongue piercing on this page, and we encourage you to contact Adaptive Dental Associates at 908-847-4498 for more information. If you have questions, or to make your child’s appointment with Dr. Robert Lo Giudice, Dr. Sheila Patel and associates, our dentists in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, please call us today at 908-847-4498.
Tobacco Usage
Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of death in society, as well as one of the most preventable. Smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to a number of problems, including:
- Oral cancer
- A reduction in your ability to smell and taste
- Compromised healing following oral surgery
- Stained teeth
- Increased risk of developing periodontal disease
Many people also consider smokeless tobacco a “safer” option; however, this belief is mistaken. Smokeless tobacco actually delivers a greater concentration of harmful agents into the body, and it is more addictive than regular tobacco.
We strongly recommend that parents discourage preadolescent and adolescent tobacco use in order to help their child preserve their oral health. There are a few ways in which you can do this, including speaking to your child personally about the dangers of tobacco use, leading by example and not using tobacco yourself, and monitoring your child closely.
Tongue Piercings
Many teenagers view tongue piercings as a way to express their growing individuality, while parents view it as an impermanent and less visible change. Unfortunately, tongue piercings can have a very serious impact on oral and overall health. The American Dental Association (ADA) strongly advises against any type of oral piercing.
To begin with, there are many unlicensed piercing parlors throughout the country. By visiting an unlicensed piercing parlor, your child’s risk of tetanus, tuberculosis, and hepatitis is greatly increased. There are also a number of complications that may result from getting a piercing, including:
- Bacterial infections
- Blood clots
- Blood poisoning
- Brain abscesses
- Chronic pain
- Damaged nerves
- Fractured or cracked teeth
- Heart infections
- Hypersensitivity due to the metal bar
- Periodontal disease
- Gum recession
- Scarring
- Problems enunciating and speaking normally
Long-term problems that occur as a result of tongue piercing include a heightened susceptibility to tooth decay, periodontal disease, and infection. Tongue piercings can also get tangled around the tongue or teeth, and they can actually be ripped out of the tongue.
If you have further questions about tobacco usage or tongue piercings, please contact our office to speak with one of our dentists.