Dr. Yehuda Zadik, who co-authored the study with Dr. Tal Becker, warned that a piercing causes "repeated trauma to the gum area and is in many cases a precursor to tooth loss," most often the front teeth. Piercings can also cause periodontal disease.
Zadik and Becker studied teenagers from around the world, and discovered that the percentages of teens with such piercings varied from 20 percent in Israel to 3.4 percent in Finland.
Both dentists advise parents to dissuade teens from getting piercings. However, if the teen is insistent, tell him to have the piercing performed by a person who uses disposable tools. The teen should rinse regularly with a chloroxidine mouthwash for two weeks after the procedure, and should have the piercing professionally cleaned twice a year to remove tartar buildup and calculus formation.
Posted By: Aspen Education Group