Piercing the tongue, lip, or cheek — Is this an innocent teenage fad of fashion and
self expression or a prelude to oral health problems? Before piercing this area
of your anatomy, it is wise to have a complete understanding of the
health-related risks. If you still wish to go through with the procedure,
consider what to look for in an oral piercing studio and learn how to care for the pierced area.
What health risks are associated with oral piercings?
There are numerous potential risks. Among them:
Infection — There’s a risk of infection associated with oral piercing
due to the wound created, the vast amount of bacteria in the mouth, and the
introduction of additional bacteria from handling the jewelry.
Transmission of diseases — Oral piercing is a potential risk factor for
the transmission of herpes simplex virus and hepatitis B and C.
Endocarditis — Because of the wound created by the piercing, there’s a
chance that bacteria could enter the bloodstream and lead to the development of endocarditis
— an inflammation of the heart or its valves — in certain people
with heart health problems.
Nerve damage/prolonged bleeding — Numbness or loss of sensation at the
site of the piercing or movement problems (for pierced tongues) can occur if
nerves have been damaged. If blood vessels are punctured, prolonged bleeding can
occur. Tongue swelling following piercing can be severe enough to block the
airway and make breathing difficult. An increase in salivary flow – stimulated
by the jewelry – might result in temporary or permanent drooling.
Gum disease — People with oral piercings – especially long-stem tongue
jewelry (barbells) – have a greater risk of gum disease than those without oral piercings.
The jewelry can come into contact with gum tissue causing injury as
well as a recession of the gum tissue – which can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.
Damage to teeth — Teeth that come into contact with mouth jewelry can chip
or crack. One study in a dental journal reported that 47 percent of people wearing
barbell tongue jewelry for four or more years had at least one chipped tooth.
Difficulties in daily oral functions — Tongue piercing can result in
difficulty chewing and swallowing food, and speaking clearly. This is because the
jewelry stimulates an excessive production of saliva. As noted above, temporary or permanent
drooling is another consequence. Taste can also be altered.
Allergic reaction to metal — A hypersensitivity reaction – an allergic
contact dermatitis – to the metal in the jewelry can occur in susceptible
people.