There are many medical problems and some very serious associated with tongue piercing and other forms of oral piercing. Most people who pursue these piercings are unaware of the health risks. They seek to increase their attractiveness, or to identify with a particular subculture, or even, in some cases, express allegiance to an alternative belief system.
We do not feel there is anything morally wrong with this choice. However, we do believe people risk harming themselves in needless ways if they choose to get their tongues or lips pierced. Oral piercing is very different from ear piercing.
Unlike the ear lobe, the tongue is a muscle, and a very important muscle at that. It performs a multitude of tasks, chief of which are helping the individual speak clearly, helping the person chew food, and helping the person taste what they eat and drink.
The tongue contains many blood vessels and nerve endings that will be damaged if it is pierced.
The tongue is pierced by placing a cork under the tongue. A long needle is then plunged through the tongue. This creates a hole, into which a barbell-shaped stud is inserted.
Piercers do this without giving their clients any anesthetic. Clients feel every moment of the pain, and the pain is often very intense.
After the pain, swelling sets in. The swelling is very noticeable and lasts for 3 to 5 days. Bacteria on the tongue can invade this opening during this time. Infections will sometimes occur in the bloodstream, creating more pain, and oozing pus that runs into the mouth and throat.
People with oral piercings who experience any of these symptoms needs to go to the emergency room immediately.
One of the biggest problems with tongue piercing is the nature of the needle used in the piercing. It is very thick. It can easily hit a vein in the tongue and cause major bleeding. It can also crush or sever a nerve and cause the tongue to become permanently numb.
Tongue jewelry carries with it its own set of problems as well. The hard ball on the end constantly hits against the fragile tooth surface, much like a wrecking ball.
People always want to chew on this ball for some strange reason. Many end up cracking their teeth when they do so.
Lip rings do another kind of damage. They wear away the gums and increase the risk of gingivitis. They expose tooth roots and cause teeth to become more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods.
For medical reasons, therefore, dentists simply cannot recommend oral piercings. However, the beliefs and personal lifestyle choices of people who choose this form of body art must be respected at the same time. For these persons, we recommend following some precautions to minimize risks.
1. First, choose a shop that both looks and smells clean. If it doesn't, it isn't.
2. Make certain the piercer has proper training and follows all OSHA guidelines for blood borne diseases.
3. Make sure all needles are properly sterilized without exception.
4. The piercer should explain the procedure and provide follow up care instructions.
5. After piercing, a new toothbrush should be used to minimize the risk of infection.
In conclusions, oral piercings often cause severe damage to the mouth. We recommend that people not get these piercings, not to limit self-expression, but to safeguard the highest good for patient health.
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