The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that each child have an orthodontic check up no later than age 7, because some malformations can be corrected if found early. For details on orthodontic treatment, visit the American Association of Orthodontics web site . Back to Top of Page Oral Piercing One increasingly popular form of attention-getting for teens and young adults is oral piercing. This is when the lips, cheeks, tongue, and even gums are pierced and adorned with metal studs or barbells. Oral piercing can present a unique set of dangers to teens intent of being on the biting edge of fashion.
Teens can suffer swelling and pain for days following a piercing.
One to two weeks of a swollen tongue can put a damper on fun lunches with friends. Then there is always the chance of accidentally biting a metal mouth ornament and chipping or cracking a tooth, or swallowing a tiny piece of metal from a broken mouth ornament. And if a teen does not care for their piercing properly, infection is also a pretty sure bet. Picture blood poisoning from impure metals, possible nerve damage, or even excessive saliva flow causing a nasty drool. Personal freedom is a good thing, but exercising personal responsibility can keep teens from suffering pain, infection, and real regret over getting an oral piercing.