Child Oral Health

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Oral Piercings and Grills

Child Oral Health Common Pediatric Concerns Oral Piercings and Grills

Piercings

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) "strongly opposes" the practice of piercing perioral and intraoral tissues and use of jewelry on these tissues.

Oral piercings are increasingly popular, but there are significant risks.

Procedure-related risks:

  • Swelling – most common symptom post-piercing
  • Prolonged bleeding
  • Nerve damage

Jewelry-Related Complications:

  • Injury to the gums and dental fractures, scarring
  • Interference with oral hygiene, speech, chewing and swallowing
  • Allergic/hypersensitivity reaction to metal
  • Aspiration or ingestion if jewelry becomes loose

For treatment information, see "Oral piercing complications" page
in the Acute Dental Problems module".

m2_oralpiercing1
Rebecca Slayton DDS, PhD
Rebecca Slayton DDS, PhD

Grills

Grills on the teeth can increase the risk of developing caries and trigger allergic reactions to the metal.

  • Counsel grill-wearers to:
    • Remove the grill to eat and sleep
    • Brush and floss regularly
    • Limit amount of time the grill is worn
m2_grill1
Scott Eidson DDS
Scott Eidson DDS

References

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Policy on Intraoral/Perioral Piercing and Oral Jewelry/Accessories. Revised 2011. Reference Manual 35 (6): 65-66. 

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