Lip Ring Problems

Though lip piercings may seem harmless, they can be dangerous because of their close proximity to the mouth and their high risk for infection. If you get a lip piercing, it is important to know the problems that may result, so you can make wise choices during and after the procedure.

Receding Gums

• Lip piercings have been associated with gingival recession, the term for receding gums that may expose the nerve and sensitive part of the tooth. Studies done by Ohio State University have shown that people with lip piercings experience twice the amount of gum recession as someone without a piercing.

Gum Disease

• When the gum recedes, it will not grow back, making it painful and more difficult to clean. This increases the chance of gum disease.

Ludwig's Angina

• Lip piercings can cause the bacterial infection Ludwig's angina, which affects the floor of the mouth after any type of trauma, such as a tooth infection, a mouth injury or a lip piercing. The piercing is an open door for infection that can enter the bloodstream and cause the floor of the mouth to rapidly swell, leading to airway blockage and restricted swallowing.

Endocarditis

• Lip piercings can lead to endocarditis, which occurs when bacteria enter through the wound. The microorganism that causes endocarditis infects the heart valves or endocardium, creating severe medical problems that could result in death.

Blood Borne Disease

• Lip piercings are a huge risk for blood borne diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis. If needles and other tools aren't cleaned properly, you are at serious risk for becoming infected.