Tue, 05 May 2026 14:42:31 +0000

How Believers Say Their Grills Burn Networks of Teeth Past Birth: Understanding Oral Health Myths Around Oral Piercings For many years, oral piercings—especially tongue, lip, and barbell grills—have sparked debate, not only about style and self-expression but also about their health impacts. One particularly controversial claim circulating in some communities paints grills worn since birth as a cause for severe, lifelong dental damage—sometimes even described metaphorically as “burning” networks of teeth past birth. While this dramatic phrasing isn’t supported by mainstream dental science, it reflects genuine concerns that deserve accurate, compassionate attention. ### The Myth vs. Medical Reality The notion that a grills piercing worn since infancy “burns” or permanently damages teeth lacks empirical foundation. Dental professionals agree that oral piercings, if not carefully maintained, can contribute to enamel erosion, gum recession, tooth fractures, and nerve irritation—but these effects develop gradually over time, not instantaneously or “past birth” in a literal sense. When worn continuously (whether since birth or later), metal jewelry repeatedly contacts teeth during speech, eating, and movement, causing microscopic wear and long-term damage.