Oral piercings: the risks for your teeth and gums
In short: a tongue or lip piercing has its dental small print. The metal knocks and rubs against teeth and gums all the time, and over the years it can chip teeth, break fillings and make gums recede, on top of the infection risk when it’s put in. No need to panic, but worth knowing and keeping an eye on.
Why it affects the mouth
Because it’s inside the mouth, constantly moving. When you talk and eat, the metal ball hits the teeth again and again. That repeated knocking is what, in the long run, causes damage; it’s not one big blow, it’s the persistence.
The most common risks
- Chipped or worn teeth: the tongue one mainly hits the back teeth.
- Broken fillings or crowns: metal against ceramic is unforgiving.
- Receding gums: the lip one rubs the gum and gradually lowers it, exposing the root.
- Infection and inflammation: especially when it’s put in, which is why where and how matters.
- Bleeding gums and, sometimes, difficulty talking or eating at first.
If you already have one
No need to dramatise, but do look after it:
- Scrupulous hygiene (the area collects plaque easily).
- Check the ball is well tightened (swallowing a loose part is a classic).
- Don’t play with it between your teeth (the typical habit that does most damage).
- Check-ups: to catch wear or a gum starting to recede in time.
The honest recommendation
From a dental point of view, the safest thing is not to wear one, especially the tongue one. If you decide to get one or already have it, at least do it with good hygiene and check-ups. And if it’s already causing trouble (wear, recession), it’s usually best to remove it before the damage is irreversible.
Got a piercing and want us to check how your teeth and gums are doing? Come for a check-up; we’ll tell you how things are, no lectures. The first visit is free: book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Does a tongue piercing damage the teeth?
It can. The metal ball knocks against the teeth when you talk and eat, and over time chips them, wears them down or even breaks fillings. It's one of the most common problems in people who wear a tongue piercing for a long time.
Is it true a piercing can make the gums recede?
Yes. The constant rubbing of the piercing (especially the lip one) against the gum gradually makes it recede, exposing the root of the tooth. It's damage that doesn't recover on its own, which is why it's worth watching.
If I already have a piercing, how do I reduce the risk?
Keep scrupulous hygiene, check the ball is well tightened, avoid playing with it between your teeth, and have check-ups to catch wear or recession in time. If they appear, the best thing is usually to remove it.
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