Oral piercing is a popular form of body-art in Santa Barbara, but just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s safe. I’m Dr. Jon King, a dentist serving the Goleta, Montecito, and Santa Maria areas. When my patients ask me about the safety of oral piercings, I make sure they consider the possible dangerous consequences.

First, Santa Barbara patients should know that infection is always a major concern with any piercing, but because the mouth is the perfect environment for breeding bacteria, oral piercings are especially problematic. Your ability to chew, swallow, and speak can also be impaired by an oral piercing.

Oral piercings can lead to an increase in saliva flow and, possibly, excessive drooling, something my Santa Barbara dental patients generally want to avoid. (I don’t know anyone in Santa Barbara who thinks drooling is attractive.) It’s also important to know that chipped or cracked teeth, damage to dental fillings, and metal sensitivity are other possible issues.

Another serious risk associated with piercings that should concern Santa Maria, Montecito, and Goleta residents is nerve damage. Many people experience temporary numbness after a piercing, but for some, the damage is acute and sensations never return. An injured nerve can also impact facial movements as well as your sense of taste.

Do you really want to risk looking like a stroke victim for the rest of your life?

If you’ve read through this and still want to settle upon a tongue bar or lip piercing, please communicate with your Santa Barbara area dentist so you can examine the safest decision possible for your dental health.

If you are looking for an experienced dentist in the Santa Barbara area to count on for accurate information and the highest quality care, we welocme you to King Dental Group. Call 805-687-1548 today to schedule an appointment. We offer Trudenta TMJ treatment, holistic bioaesthetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and more!

We may even convince you that safe, effective cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening, veneers, or bonding would be a smarter and safer way to express your personality and boost your confidence. Give us a call today!

Contact King Dental Group:

805-687-1548

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1919 State St Ste 205
Santa Barbara, CA
93105