COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 5 /PR Newswire/ -- Whether on the tip of your tongue -- or in the middle -- perioral piercing is NOT the rage among dentists. In fact, the American Dental Association opposes oral piercing, and this position is supported by the Columbus-based Ohio Dental Association (ODA).

The risk of infection is present in oral piercing, dentists believe, whether it be the lips, tongue or cheek, because bacteria live so freely within the mouth -- and the likelihood also exists for secondary infection of the body from such procedures. Complications can include obstruction of the airway from swelling of the pierced area; nerve injury; blood poisoning; chips, cracks or other damage to the teeth from biting the object; foreign matters which can collect under, in or around the pierced object; sensitivity or allergic reaction to the metal; prolonged bleeding because of the tongue's vascular nature; swallowing of the "jewelry"; and more. Furthermore, the National Institutes of Health advises that piercing of any body part also invites bloodborne hepatitis transmission, especially when performed in a non-sterile, non-medical setting.

An individual who has undergone perioral or intraoral piercing -- procedures often performed without anesthetic -- may experience pain, swelling, infection and increased salivary flow after the piercing. Dr. Anthony Antolini, member of the ODA and dentist in Warren, Ohio, has seen an increase in the number of his own patients with an oral piercing -- and more dental problems from perioral piercing -- in the past two years. "These oral devices add another dimension in the mouth to keep clean and free from bacteria. I am totally against it because of the spread for disease, especially Hepatitis B and C, which are spread by blood."

Another major concern about oral piercing, Antolini said, is sterility and safety of the piercing process. He expresses doubt about the sanitation of the equipment used in piercing -- most piercing is not done in a medically controlled environment, with proper use of autoclaves, Antolini said -- and other sterilization measures are probably non-existent. "I just don't think this (piercing) is a safe thing to do. Kids are doing this to be different -- and you have to be very cautious about who you choose to do that."

To learn more about the risks of perioral piercing, contact the ODA at 614-486-2700. For information on other dental health issues and concerns, call the ODA or visit www.oda.org.

SOURCE: Ohio Dental Association

WEB SITE: http://www.oda.org/