Concerns regarding Tongue Piercing . . .

Tongue piercing is becoming more common. Like other forms of body piercing, it carries serious risks during the procedure itself. These include the risk of local or systemic infection. Local infection can occur because the mouth is hard to sterilize and many places that pierce tongues do not always maintain a sterile environment.

Systemic infection is always a possibility and includes the risk of hepatitis and AIDS. The rinsing with mouthwash may not take care of an infection if it is serious. It is important to remember that piercing establishments are not regulated by law nor are the operators licensed. The operator's experience and competence can vary and are not guaranteed. Like other forms of body piercing, tongue piercing also can result in an allergy if the metals used are not of the highest quality. Many times, the stated price of the piercing does not include the jewelry to be placed.

Unlike other forms of piercing, the tongue also caries the increased risk of bleeding problems. The tongue has major blood vessels within it and many operators are not aware of this. The jewelry may also be swallowed if loosened and result in choking.

In addition, unlike other forms of body piercing, tongue piercing also caries the risk of damage to the surrounding teeth. The hard jewelry can chip and break the enamel or fillings of the teeth as one talks and eats. This damage can also result in the death of the tooth's inner pulp if the trauma to the tooth is chronic. This tooth damage may result in the need for expensive crowns to restore a smile or even a root canal to keep the tooth. These are important matters to consider before undergoing tongue piercing. If there is a problem after tongue piercing, it is important not only to contact the piercing establishment, but your physician and dentist as needed. Your smile and your health are important in the long run!

Question:
"I read the "article" about tongue piercing, because I was recently planning to get my tongue pierced. As mentioned, one should be sure that the highest quality metal be used for the piercing to avoid allergic reactions. Are there any specific suggestions for a metal? "

Reply:
How do we prevent tooth decay & What are Sealants?

There are several things that you can do to help prevent tooth decay. The most important of course is the diet. What you eat plays a very important role in the overall well being of your mouth and the rest of your body. Since sugars are directly related to the breakdown process, which causes decay, eliminating sugar from the diet will
have a direct impact on cavities.

Plaque and sugar interact with one another to form an acid, which breaks down the enamel of the teeth, resulting in a cavity. Proper removal of plaque will also greatly reduce the risk of getting cavities. Thorough brushing and flossing will not only remove sugar from the mouth but also the plaque, which has formed on the surfaces of the teeth since the last brushing. Certain foods will help to keep the mouth in a healthy state. These foods include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and any low sugar foods that won’t aid in tooth decay.

Sealants are a very good way of protecting the biting surfaces of teeth that have never had a filling nor have no decay. Sealants are a clear or white material, which is applied on the biting surfaces of the teeth. The purpose of sealants is to smooth over the normal crevices of the teeth were germs could easily accumulate, thereby protecting the teeth from decay.

Concerns regarding Tongue Piercing . . .

Tongue piercing is becoming more common. Like other forms of body piercing, it carries serious risks during the procedure itself. These include the risk of local or systemic infection. Local infection can occur because the mouth is hard to sterilize and many places that pierce tongues do not always maintain a sterile environment.

Systemic infection is always a possibility and includes the risk of hepatitis and AIDS. The rinsing with mouthwash may not take care of an infection if it is serious. It is important to remember that piercing establishments are not regulated by law nor are the operators licensed. The operator's experience and competence can vary and are not guaranteed. Like other forms of body piercing, tongue piercing also can result in an allergy if the metals used are not of the highest quality. Many times, the stated price of the piercing does not include the jewelry to be placed.

Unlike other forms of piercing, the tongue also caries the increased risk of bleeding problems. The tongue has major blood vessels within it and many operators are not aware of this. The jewelry may also be swallowed if loosened and result in choking.

In addition, unlike other forms of body piercing, tongue piercing also caries the risk of damage to the surrounding teeth. The hard jewelry can chip and break the enamel or fillings of the teeth as one talks and eats. This damage can also result in the death of the tooth's inner pulp if the trauma to the tooth is chronic. This tooth damage may result in the need for expensive crowns to restore a smile or even a root canal to keep the tooth. These are important matters to consider before undergoing tongue piercing. If there is a problem after tongue piercing, it is important not only to contact the piercing establishment, but your physician and dentist as needed. Your smile and your health are important in the long run!

Question:

"I read the "article" about tongue piercing, because I was recently planning to get my tongue pierced. As mentioned, one should be sure that the highest quality metal be used for the piercing to avoid allergic reactions. Are there any specific suggestions for a metal? "

Reply:

"I think it is great that you want to get the highest quality metal for your jewelry but hold it, what about the protection of your own high quality crystalline structures already in your mouth-your teeth? Remember now matter how high the quality of the jewelry in your tongue, all metal jewelry can injury one thing you cannot replace easily, the beautiful enamel of your teeth. Enamel of the teeth can permanently chip or even worse, the whole tooth, pulp and all can become injured. So not only think of how your body responds to metal with allergy, but think how your teeth will respond with an injurious force in your mouth of metal."

How about 17 year old Jennifer...

About a week ago Jen decided she could use some jewelry - only this time she wanted to wear it in her mouth. When Jen came into our office, her teeth ached and her entire right side of her mouth was swollen. When I saw her in our reception area, she held her throbbing jaw with one hand. In her other hand she held what looked like a tiny barbell with one end missing. It was jewelry that she had worn through her tongue before it became infected. She thought that she had taken precautions after she had paid for the barbell to inserted through her tongue. She had rinsed with some mouthwash she found at home in an attempt to control the "millions of bacteria" swimming around. However, when her tongue was pierced, it created an open wound, a breeding ground for germs. In a few days an infection developed. I asked Jen what happened to the other end of the barbell? She told me she swallowed it as it had come loose because of the pressure under her swollen tongue. She's thankful that she didn't choke on the remaining piece. Jen told me that she also wanted to add a hoop and a stud to her lips and a hoop above her eyelid at the same time as her tongue was pierced. Now the thought of piercing made her head throb!

Common symptoms after piecing includes pain, swelling, infection, an increased flow of saliva and injuries to gum tissue. If a blood vessel had been in the path of the needle, severe and difficult- to-control bleeding could have resulted. Jennifer could have suffered nerve damage as well as chipped or cracked teeth, blood poisoning, or blood clots. With regard the tongue - following piercing of the tongue swelling is common. Unlike an earlobe that is pierced, the tongue is in constant motion, which slows and complicates the healing process. A severely swollen tongue can actually close off your airway which could be life threatening!