There has been an upsurge in the number of teenagers getting tongue piercings. Teenagers often view these piercings as a harmless expression of their growing individuality. Oftentimes, parents allow teens to pierce their tongues because the metal bar is impermanent. In addition, tongue bars are not as visually apparent as a tattoo or other piercing might be.
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.
Why is tongue piercing harmful?
First, there are a growing number of unlicensed piercing parlors throughout the country. Such parlors have been recognized as potential transmission vectors for tetanus, tuberculosis, and most commonly hepatitis. Make sure to always visit a licensed parlor. Second, a great number of painful conditions can result from a tongue piercing. These conditions include:
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Bacterial infections
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Blood clots
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Blood poisoning
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Brain abscess
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Chronic pain
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Damaged nerves (trigeminal neuralgia)
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Fractured/cracked teeth
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Heart infections
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Hypersensitivity reactions (to the metal bar)
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Periodontal disease/gum recession
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Problems enunciating
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Scarring
What are the most common tongue piercing problems?
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. The new holes in the tongue are especially infection-prone, because the oral cavity is home to many bacteria colonies. Saliva production may increase as the body responds to a new, unnatural entity in the mouth.
Are there long-term problems associated with tongue piercing?
Long-term problems with tongue piercings can be common. The screw-on balls will scrape against tooth enamel, which makes 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 them.
If the tongue bar is inappropriately long, it can become 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 summation, the American Dental Association (ADA) advises against any type of oral piercing and so do most pediatric dentists.
If you are a concerned parent, or would like a pediatric dentist to speak with your teen about tongue piercings, please contact our office.