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.

f 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."