The Health Risks of Oral Jewelry
Why Shiny Adornments Aren’t Always Safe
Body modification trends come and go, but piercings have remained a popular method of self-expression for decades. We typically see piercing as a safe way to decorate ourselves, but the process always comes with health risks. Oral piercings on the lip, tongue, or cheek are no exception, and the dangers might be more severe than you realize. All piercings pose the risk of blood-borne diseases like hepatitis B and C or infection at the piercing site. Nerve damage is also a possible negative permanent side effect. These are reasons to always choose a reputable piercer — to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes. But even when everything goes right during the piercing and healing process, oral jewelry can cause damage over time. Research shows that 50% of patients with lip piercings and 44% of those with tongue piercings suffer from gingival recession. This gum disease exposes the root of your tooth and can be very painful, and your gum tissue can’t grow back. Metal hitting the teeth can also cause chips and fractures; 26% of people with tongue piercings experience tooth damage.
Refer a Friend, Get a Brighter Smile! That’s right! Every time you refer a friend to Dr. Maddahi, you get one FREE teeth cleaning! plus built-up plaque. Removable grills or fronts placed over the teeth are also a cause of concern. While studies do not yet show grills are harmful to your oral health, there is also little evidence proving their safety. For all the reasons listed above, the American Dental Association recommends against oral piercing and other forms of tooth adornment. But if you have oral jewelry, there are steps you can take to make the risk of complications less likely. Specifically, avoid playing with the jewelry using either your hands or tongue. Dentists also recommend avoiding the urge to tap your teeth with the metal, cleaning the jewelry regularly, and wearing it as infrequently as possible. Of course, robust oral health routines like brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash also help. Oral jewelry can be fun and make people feel good about themselves. But anyone considering them should know the risks involved. A temporary fad is not usually worth permanent damage to your teeth, and it’s simply wise to put your health first.
Lip, tongue, and cheek piercings are not the only type of oral jewelry. Gems adhered to a tooth’s surface can cause similar health problems to piercings
Grilled Steak Salad With Peaches Inspired by Delish.com
This summer salad is both hearty and healthy!
INGREDIENTS •
1 lb skirt steak, fat trimmed 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tbsp light brown sugar
• • • • •
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• • • • • •
1 large lemon, juiced 6 cups baby arugula
Call us today at 310.888.7797 to get started and to start earning your free cleaning!
2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Kosher salt Black pepper
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large resealable plastic bag or baking dish, combine steak, vinegar, garlic, and brown sugar. Marinate 20 minutes at room temperature. 2. Remove steak from marinade, coat with vegetable oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. 3. On a grill or pan set to high heat, cook steak until desired doneness. Rest 5–10 minutes, then thinly slice against the grain. 4. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil and lemon juice to make dressing. Season with salt and pepper. 5. In a large serving bowl, add arugula, peaches, blue cheese or feta, and steak. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss.
www.drmaddahi.com 3
If you want to stop receiving this newsletter, call 310.888.7797
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator