Many current trends come and go, but unfortunately some of them can lead to oral health complications. Oral piercings and dental grills are popular with today’s youth and eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia may seem crazy for a short period of time, but can lead to costly health and dental problems in the long run.
oral piercings they have been a popular trend among teens and young adults for several years. Oral piercings can include the tongue, lip, cheeks, frenulum (fold of skin at the bottom of the tongue), uvula (tissue suspended from the center of the soft palate), and labret (the area between the lower lip and chin).
Complications with oral piercings not only occur during the procedure, but can also remain long after the piercing. Constant contact between oral jewelry and your gums and teeth can cause permanent damage including:
- receding gums
- chipped or fractured teeth
- nerve damage
- periodontitis (gum disease) resulting in loose teeth or tooth loss. Periodontal disease has also been linked to an increased risk of other conditions, including heart disease, preterm birth, diabetes, and respiratory disease.
- HIV, hepatitis, tetanus and other communicable diseases transmitted during the procedure if precautions are not taken
- eating problems
- loss of taste
- trouble speaking
- increased salivation
- scar
- oral jewelry can hide other dental problems during dental x-rays
Types of jewelry worn for oral piercings include a barbell (common for tongue piercings) and rings. Only oral jewelry made of surgical grade stainless steel, 14K solid gold, niobium, or titanium should be worn. Using these materials will lessen the chance of an allergic reaction or infection. If using a tongue bar, switching to a plastic ball can reduce the risks of chipping and fracturing teeth.
dental grills They are another trend that is spreading among today’s youth and young adults. A “grill” in hip hop culture refers to a cosmetic dental appliance that features jeweled diamond-encrusted silver, gold, or platinum caps to be worn over the teeth. Grills can be purchased from as little as $40 to thousands of dollars. While there are no studies showing that grills are harmful to the mouth, there are also no studies showing that long-term use is safe. If one chooses to wear this type of “mouth jewelry”, there are a few things to consider: the grills should be removed before eating and cleaned daily to remove plaque bacteria and food debris. Limiting the amount of time a grill is used can also reduce the amount of bacteria that builds up in the mouth – bacteria is the cause of both cavities and periodontal (gum) disease.
According to the American Dental Associationbulimia nervosa it is an eating disorder that harms your overall health and is particularly destructive to your teeth. These are repeated secret bingeing followed by purging: self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, fasting, diuretics, or diet pills. The digestive system contains strong acids that break down food. When vomiting is used to purge food from the body, these acids attack tooth enamel. Repeated vomiting can severely erode tooth enamel, and over time, teeth will become weak, worn, and translucent. Your mouth, throat and salivary glands can become swollen and tender and bad breath can result.
anorexia nervosa is another eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a desire to be thinner, and an inability to maintain a minimum normal weight for height and age. It’s self-induced hunger.
Each of these disorders robs the body of minerals, vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients necessary for good health, leading to potential damage to teeth, muscles, and major organs.
Frequent vomiting and nutritional deficiencies often associated with eating disorders can seriously affect oral health. According to the National Association of Eating Disorders, studies find that up to 89 percent of bulimic patients have signs of dental erosion, due to the effects of powerful stomach acid. Over time, this loss of tooth enamel can be significant, and teeth change color, shape, and length. They can also become brittle, translucent, and sensitive to temperature. The lips may become red, dry and cracked, and the patient may also experience chronic dry mouth. If left untreated, this can also contribute to an increased risk of tooth decay. These conditions alone or in combination can create the need for comprehensive dental care to restore teeth to a condition that ensures they will remain in the mouth for a lifetime.
Acid reflux, a condition that can cause liquid stomach contents to regurgitate (back up or reflux) into the esophagus and mouth, can cause similar dental erosion if left untreated. If you experience this condition, you should see your doctor for consultation and possible treatment. In short, there are many things that can affect the general health of the mouth. It has been well documented for some time that a person’s commitment to good oral hygiene, a healthy diet and lifestyle will help maintain a flawless smile. Oral health is an important factor in total body health. Visiting the dental office for treatment with your dentist and dental hygienist on a routine basis will ensure that any areas of concern are found early and treated to give you the best chance of having a healthy smile for a lifetime.