If you are thinking of having your tongue or lower lip pierced (the two most popular types of oral piercing), it is important to realize that this is not a routine procedure.

 

The risks involved in oral piercings are more serious than those associated with piercings of other parts of the body, primarily because the mouth:

 

• holds significant amounts of different bacteria
• is a warm, moist environment, making it a breeding ground for infections
• contains several major blood vessels and nerves
• is lined by a mucous membrane that is easily damaged

 

Possible oral health consequences

• Teeth can wear prematurely due to friction from the jewellery
• Repetitive impacts owing to chewing or playing sports can cause teeth to crack or break, leading to serious deterioration, loss of vitality and, eventually, loss of the tooth.
• Gums can be irritated and bleed.
• Gum recession may occur. In extreme cases, a gum graft may be necessary.
• Speech problems can develop.
• A tongue nerve may be damaged, which could lead to paraesthesia, a sensation akin to the feeling of being partially anesthetized.

 

Possible overall health consequences

 

• If it is not done with sterilized or disposable materials, piercing can lead to local or systemic infections such as tetanus, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
• Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the metal.
• The scientific literature reports rare but extreme cases in which serious infections are carried by the blood to the heart or brain.