Local Dental Care - New York Tooth Decay In Young Children

Child's Dentist: Tongue Piercing Damages the Mouth

Tongue piercing carries some very serious risks. It can cause a wide range of problems, some even permanent. The pain from the piercing itself might be much more than temporary. It can actually get worse because of excessive swelling and infection and require medical treatment.

The mouth is a hard place to sterilize, so infections are common. Piercing establishments don't always maintain a sterile environment either. They are not regulated by law and many operators are not even licensed. The piercing operator might not be experienced or be thinking of your health and safety. He or she may not even know that the tongue has major blood vessels within it. If pierced in the wrong place -- bingo! You bleed badly. Excessive swelling of your tongue can even block your breathing passages.

The tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria. Piercing the tongue causes an open wound. Bathing it in antiseptic mouthwash isn't enough to kill bacteria. Without the ability to keep bacteria out, infection can develop, and lead to throbbing pain and a trip to the doctor or dentist.

Even if you get through the piercing without too much pain, swelling, or bleeding, you still run the risk of other complications. The jewelry might chip your teeth. It can damage your teeth from the inside, too, and that trauma may require an expensive root canal or crown. Over time, the jewelry can irritate your gums. Or, your fancy jewelry can go right "down the tubes" -- you might swallow or even choke on it, or have it lodge in your lungs.

Tongue Piercing Can Cause:

• Pain
• Swollen tongue
• Infection
• Severe bleeding
• Blood poisoning
• Increased saliva flow
• Gum injury
• Internal resorption (the tooth dissolves from the inside out)
• Chipping of teeth
• Tooth damage requiring crowns, root canals, or other restoration
• Delayed healing
• Allergic reactions to metals
• Choking
• Difficulty eating
• Difficulty speaking
• Life threatening diseases (for example, AIDS and hepatitis) caused from infected needles

Mouth jewelry attracts attention, sometimes the type you aren't looking for -- like dental and medical attention. Be cool. Think smart. Don't put your jewelry where your mouth is.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Facts About Dental Fluoride

We have all received the benefit that fluoride offers in preventing tooth decay. The following facts will provide you with information to assure that your child's teeth receive the optimum amount of fluoride.

• Fluoride strengthens the outer layer of enamel, making teeth more resistant to the acid attack of decay-causing bacteria. It can be of benefit not only when the teeth are forming, but also after they have erupted (come in).
• Primary (baby) teeth begin to develop at six weeks during pregnancy. Fluoride supplements for mom during her pregnancy do not benefit baby's developing teeth. Only tiny amounts of fluoride are found in breast milk.
• Well water may contain large amounts of fluoride. Before giving your child fluoride supplements, have your well water tested for fluoride content. Fluoride sticks to the sides of glass containers. Use a plastic container for an accurate test result.
• Bottled water may also contain significant amounts of fluoride. The amount of fluoride will vary with the season of the year, the water table, and the plant from which the water was obtained.
• Juices, tea, and soft drinks may contain fluoride. White grape juice has the highest concentration of fluoride. Fish and chicken baby food may also provide fluoride.
• Do not assume that your home water filter system removes all fluoride. The age of the system and the filter may have a significant effect on your fluoride level. Have your water tested before giving your child a fluoride supplement.
• Do not use fluoridated toothpaste before two years of age. Dispense only a dab the size of a match head for children under five. Children's toothpaste has the same amount of fluoride as the adult brands.
• If your home water supply is not fluoridated, the water at school, daycare, or the caregiver's home may be optimally fluoridated.
• Your physician or pediatric dentist may prescribe a fluoride supplement. Once the chewable tablet is begun, fluoride and vitamins should be taken separately. Vitamins work best with food, and fluoride is best absorbed from an empty stomach. Fluoride tablets should be taken at bedtime after the teeth are brushed. Chew, swish, and swallow.
• There are many sources of fluoride other than your home water supply. When considering a fluoride supplement for your child, remember your fluoride facts!

by Jane A. Soxman, DDS



+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.