Tongue Piercing Information

Why Pierce a Perfectly Good Tongue?

A word from the editor: We have had lots of e-mails from those who do piercings who take offense to the information presented. They complain that it is too negative and that most people don't have these complications. I imagine that when someone does exhibit these complications they seek medical advice from their doctor not their piercing professional. We know that people will get the "pros" of piercing when they talk to their friends or their friendly body piercer. We think that the "cons" of piercing need to be presented as well. And yes, we are biased - we don't think you should get your tongue pierced. We have seen many of the complications that arise as a result of having tongues pierced - and they are not pretty. It is our hope that before you make a decision to pierce your tongue you look at all of the information available. And in that spirit we have to ask...

Why would anyone pierce a perfectly good tongue? We can see piercing your earlobes. They don't do anything. Even your belly button doesn't really do anything. But your tongue!! You will use your tongue every hour, every day for the rest of your life. Why do you want to put a gaping hole in that?

Did you know that bad breath is caused by bacteria? When you put a hole in your tongue you have made a moist place for more bacteria to hide. Many of the tongue studs we have seen are encrusted with plaque! Yuck. Isn't fresh breath more attractive than a stud in the tongue? No one is going to want to get close enough to even see the tongue jewelry if your breath smells.

If you are still considering oral piercing you need to realize that serious risks are involved. According to the American Dental Association's Council on Scientific Affairs. "The piercing of oral structures presents risks of infection because of vast amounts of bacteria in the mouth and may cause airway obstruction because of swelling."

The tongue is packed with muscles, has four types of taste buds, and is capable of more feeling than any other part of the body! Being a muscle it bleeds when punctured which creates the risk of blood clots that could produce life-threatening strokes. The tongue is in constant motion, which slows and complicates the healing process. Swelling of the tongue after piercing is common.

Some other complications from oral piercings include aspirated jewelry, broken teeth, blood poisoning, keloid scars, nerve damage, numbness at the site of the piercing, prolonged or permanent drooling, a damaged sense of taste, and toxic shock. And that's not all. Other problems include speech impairment, nerve damage, eating difficulties and metal allergies and, as we said before, BAD BREATH. This is attractive??? I don't think so.

In addition, the National Institutes of Health has identified piercing as a possible vehicle for blood borne hepatitis transmission. So, if you still plan on getting pierced be very careful who you have do the piercing. Are the tools, needles, jewelry, and the hands of the person doing the piercing sterile? If not, you could be putting yourself at great risk.

All in all, maybe you want to think twice before getting your tongue, lips, and/or cheeks pierced. You look pretty good just the way you are!!

Recently the CDA Journal published some new findings that we thought we ought to pass along:

It has been reported that piercing the tongue, lip, or cheek could cause gum recession. Not only is this unattractive, but it leaves the root of the tooth more vulnerable to decay and periodontal disease. Some people have experienced gum recession around the area of the oral piercing. The jewelry can rub against the gums and cause them to recede, or pull back from the teeth. This can lead to gum disease and eventual tooth loss.

There is also the risk of toxic shock syndrome. TSS is potentially fatal so it is important that if you experience high fever, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea, dizziness, a rapid pulse and a sunburn-like rash that you get evaluated by a healthcare professional immediately.

The barbell placed in a pierced tongue can come off. If the post is swallowed it can potentially obstruct the airway, it can become aspirated in the lung, or it can perforate the bowel or the intestine, causing death.

The American Dental Association, the National Institute of Health and the National Hepatitis Foundation have all taken a position against tongue piercing.

We hope you consider the downside risks before undergoing this unnecessary and invasive procedure.

If you decide to have your tongue pierced do us this favor. The next time your are in the dentist's chair and you have to have an injection don't whine. You've already shown you can have a barbell pierced into your tongue - a dental injection should be a breeze.

Okay, now we'll get off of our soapbox. We just thought it was important for you to get "the other side" of the story regarding tongue piercings. We know that it is your body and you are free to make your own choices regarding your body. We think it is a simple choice -- now you have the information to make an informed decision!