Oral Piercings and Dental Issues

Over the years, oral piercings have become a popular fad among both men and women. While they may seem like a fashionable addition to your overall appearance, oral piercings come with a lot of risk and potential for long-term health issues. Read on to learn about the dental issues associated with oral piercings.

Oral Piercing Complications

Though you may consider oral piercings stylish or attractive, keep in mind that piercings require care and a hygiene routine to keep them healthy. Here are a few potential complications of oral piercings:

Chipping and fracturing of teeth. The metal of a lip or tongue piercing can crack or break your tooth, which can expose a nerve and lead to the need for a root canal or other dental work. Though a cracked or broken tooth can be repaired, keep in mind that anything manmade is a severe compromise over your original tooth structure. The materials used to repair teeth are not as strong as natural teeth and will have to be replaced over a lifetime. Overall, its best to keep your natural teeth healthy for as long as possible, and you can do this by avoiding lip and tongue piercings.
Allergic reaction. Many tongue piercings are made with nickel, which many people find they’re allergic to. Unfortunately, the way many discover this allergy is by having an allergic reaction to the piercing after it’s placed.
Potential to swallow parts. It’s possible to swallow part of a piercing that comes loose or breaks over time.
Infection. Your mouth is filled with millions of bacteria. When you pierce your tongue, risk of infection is great because the piercing is constantly exposed to that bacteria. In addition, a condition called Endocarditis can occur when the bloodstream is exposed to the bacteria and can cause severe complications.
Speech and chewing changes. It can be more difficult to speak or chew normally after a piercing, thought this may get better over time with practice.
Immediate swelling. Everyone’s bodies react differently to piercings. If you have extreme swelling, it can potentially block airways and make it difficult to breathe for an extended period of time.
Split tongue/bifid tongue. In some cases, an oral piercing will split the tongue in half causing a lengthwise cleft where the appearance resembles a snake’s tongue.
Gingiva trauma. This is more common in lip piercings, as the piercing can come into contact with the gums and cause scratching, cuts, or other trauma that can lead to infection.

Can You Remove an Oral Piercing?

If you remove an oral piercing, there is a chance that the hole won’t heal and you’re left with a laceration on your tongue for a long time. This is also true for lip piercings. If the hole doesn’t heal, the opening can be exposed to constant bacteria and lead to an infection, virus, hepatitis, or systemic infection. You’ll also have to live with a constant source of irritation when you eat, drink, or brush your teeth.

If you do decide to get an oral piercing, it’s important to maintain a daily oral hygiene routine that involves brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and monitoring your piercing for any changes in appearance and feel. Ask your dentist for more information about the potential issues with oral piercings, and consider if it’s worth the risk of infection, tooth trauma, and more.

At Bogart Dental Clinic we are here to provide the best possible service to everyone who enters our clinic. Whether you come with a oral piercing we will not treat you different however we will ensure that it is not infected and your oral health is good. Give us a call today at 647-955-3235 if you have any questions regarding your oral piercing or just need a check up.

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What to Do if You Chip a Tooth?

By Elizabet Uzel • July 21, 2026

A chipped tooth can happen when you least expect it. Whether you bit into something hard, suffered a sports injury, or experienced an accidental fall, seeing a piece of your tooth break off can be alarming. The good news is that many chipped teeth can be repaired quickly and effectively with modern dental treatments. If you've chipped a tooth, knowing what to do next can help reduce discomfort and protect your smile until you can visit your dentist. Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Damage Not every chipped tooth is a dental emergency. Some chips are small and only affect the outer enamel, while others expose deeper layers of the tooth and require immediate care. Take a look at the affected tooth in a mirror if possible. If you notice severe pain, significant bleeding, or a large portion of the tooth has broken off, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Step 2: Rinse Your Mouth Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris and help keep the area clean. If the injury caused bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean piece of gauze until it stops. Step 3: Save Any Broken Pieces If you can find the chipped fragment, carefully pick it up and store it in a clean container or a small amount of milk. While it's not always possible to reattach the piece, bringing it to your dental appointment gives your dentist the opportunity to determine whether it can be used during treatment. Step 4: Protect the Tooth A chipped tooth may have sharp edges that can irritate your tongue, lips, or cheeks. If needed, cover the rough edge with temporary dental wax, available at most pharmacies, until you can see your dentist. Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth and stick to soft foods until the tooth has been evaluated. Step 5: Manage Discomfort If you're experiencing pain or sensitivity, consider: Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Avoiding extremely hot, cold, sugary, or acidic foods and beverages that may trigger sensitivity. When Should You See a Dentist? Even if the chip seems minor, it's important to schedule a dental examination. A small crack can weaken the tooth and increase the risk of further damage or decay if left untreated. Seek prompt dental care if you experience: Severe or persistent tooth pain Sensitivity that doesn't improve A large piece of the tooth has broken off The tooth appears cracked down to the gumline Swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection Difficulty biting or chewing How Dentists Repair Chipped Teeth The best treatment depends on the size and location of the chip. Your dentist may recommend one of the following options: Dental Bonding For small chips, tooth-coloured composite resin can be carefully shaped and polished to restore the tooth's natural appearance. Dental bonding is often completed in a single visit. Dental Veneers If the chip affects a front tooth or involves cosmetic concerns, a porcelain veneer may be recommended to restore both appearance and strength. Dental Crowns For larger fractures that weaken the tooth, a dental crown provides full coverage and protection while restoring function. Root Canal Treatment If the chip exposes the tooth's nerve or causes significant damage to the pulp, root canal therapy may be necessary before restoring the tooth with a crown. Can a Chipped Tooth Heal on Its Own? Unlike other parts of your body, tooth enamel does not regenerate. A chipped tooth won't repair itself, even if it doesn't hurt. That's why prompt dental care is important to prevent further damage and maintain your oral health. Tips to Prevent Chipped Teeth While accidents can't always be avoided, you can reduce your risk by: Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports. Avoiding chewing on ice, hard candies, or popcorn kernels. Never using your teeth to open packages or bottles. Wearing a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth. Visiting your dentist regularly for preventive care and early detection of weakened teeth. Don't Ignore a Chipped Tooth A chipped tooth may seem like a minor inconvenience, but delaying treatment can lead to bigger dental problems. Early evaluation allows your dentist to recommend the most conservative and effective treatment, helping you preserve your natural tooth and avoid more extensive procedures later. If you've chipped a tooth, contact our dental team as soon as possible. We're here to provide prompt, compassionate care and restore your smile with treatment tailored to your needs. At Bogart Dental we offer only what you need dentistry in Scarborough. Call us today at 416-222-82-96 for a general review to discuss the best procedure for you.