Tongue piercing is bad for your health and should be avoided. It can cause infections, speech impediments, breathing problems and broken teeth.
One case, which was published in the British Dental Journal concerned a 25-year-old woman who was admitted to hospital after her tongue swelled up and she had difficulty swallowing. She was found to be suffering from a rare condition called Ludwig's angina, which did not respond to antibiotics. The stud was surgically removed, but the woman later collapsed. She left hospital eight days later after further treatment.
Advertisement
Infection can cause the tongue to swell, blocking or restricting the airway. In addition, bacteria under the tongue often spread quickly and can lead, in extreme cases, to the potentially fatal toxic shock syndrome or blood poisoning. If piercing equipment is not sterilised, there is also the risk of infections like HIV and hepatitis being passed on. And if that doesn’t put you off - accidentally biting a tongue stud can cause teeth to crack!
Other problems
There is also the possibility of a person developing an allergic reaction to a stud if it is not made from gold, titanium or surgical steel. Other potential dangers include deep cyst formation, scarring, damage to veins and nerves and neuromas - overgrowths of nerve tissue.
Although dentists advise against tongue piercing, they do realise that people will follow fashion trends regardless. They appeal to potential tongue piercers to ensure that it is done cleanly and hygienically by a professional who is knowledgeable about physiology - like a dentist.
After-care instructions
People should ask their dentists for advice on oral hygiene while the piercing is healing. This includes advice on brushing to avoid inflaming the tongue and the need to use mouthwash to clean the bits of the mouth, which the brush cannot reach.
Brought to you by the South African Dental Association (SADA) in the interests of healthy teeth, a healthy mouth and a healthy smile. Contact: SADA on 011 484 5288 or Share-Call 0860 110 725 or email nstanley@sada.co.za.
Bookmark with:
What are social bookmarks?