What are the facts about Tongue Piercing?
Tongue piercing is becoming more common especially in teenagers. Like other forms of body piercing, it carries serious risks during the procedure itself. These include the risk of local or systemic infection. Local infection can occur because the mouth is hard to sterilize and many places that pierce tongues do not always maintain a sterile environment. Systemic infection is always a possibility and includes the risk of hepatitis and AIDS. It is important to remember that piercing establishments are not regulated by law nor are the operators licensed. The operator's experience and competence can vary and are not guaranteed. Like other forms of body piercing, tongue piercing also can result in an allergy if the metals used are not of the highest quality. Unlike other forms of piercing, the tongue also carries the increased risk of bleeding problems as the tongue has major blood vessels within it. The Jewellery may also be swallowed if loosened and result in choking. In addition, unlike other forms of body piercing, tongue piercing also caries the risk of damage to the surrounding teeth. The hard Jewellery can chip and break the enamel or fillings of the teeth as one talks and eats. This damage can also result in the death of the tooth's inner pulp if the trauma to the tooth is chronic. This tooth damage may result in the need for expensive crowns to restore a smile or even a root canal to keep the tooth. These are important matters to consider before undergoing tongue piercing. Common symptoms after piecing include pain, swelling, infection, an increased flow of saliva and injuries to gum tissue. If a blood vessel had been in the path of the needle, severe and difficult- to-control bleeding could have resulted. Patient can suffer nerve damage as well as chipped or cracked teeth, blood poisoning, or blood clots. With regard the tongue - following piercing of the tongue swelling is common. Unlike an earlobe that is pierced, the tongue is in constant motion, which slows and complicates the healing process. A severely swollen tongue can actually close off your airway which could be life threatening!

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