Unfortunately, tongue piercings can have a serious (even deadly) impact on health. Pediatric dentists routinely advise adolescents to avoid intraoral or perioral piercings for a number of good reasons.
First, there are a growing number of unlicensed piercing parlors in throughout the country. Such parlors have been recognized as potential transmission vectors for tetanus, tuberculosis, and most commonly - hepatitis. Second, a great number of painful conditions can result from getting a tongue piercing (even in a licensed parlor). These conditions include:
To pierce a tongue, the body piercer must first hold it steady with a clamp. Next, a hollowed, pointed metal needle is driven through the tongue. Finally, the piercer attaches the tongue bar to the bottom end of the needle, and then drags it upwards through the tongue. Two metal screw-on balls are then used to secure the tongue bar.
Most commonly, severe pain and swelling are experienced for several days after the piercing episode. Moreover, the new holes in the tongue are especially infection-prone, because the oral cavity is home to many bacteria colonies. In the medium term, saliva production may increase as the body responds to a completely unnatural entity in the mouth.
Long-term problems with tongue piercings are very common. The screw-on balls constantly scrape against tooth enamel, making teeth susceptible to decay and gums susceptible to periodontal disease. Soft tissue can also become infected in specific areas, as the tongue bar continues to rub against it.
If the tongue bar is inappropriately long, it can get tangled around the tongue or teeth. In a similar way to an earring getting ripped out of the ear, a tongue bar can be ripped out of the tongue. This is extremely painful, as well as difficult to repair.
In sum, the American Dental Association (ADA) advises against any type of oral piercing, and so does the pediatric dentist.
One key piece of our Bridgewater dental practice's success is our focus on building a foundation of trust with our patients. We understand that each patient is a unique individual with a variety of needs, and we know that some patients can feel uneasy about their dental visits. We also know that creating a relaxing and positive experience is vitally important to patient satisfaction. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing you with personalized care to make your consultations as comfortable and pleasant as possible. We truly thank you for allowing us to handle your dental care needs and we look forward to meeting you soon!