Tongue Piercing-Weighing the Pros and Cons

Considering getting your tongue pierced? Think again. Watch out for these potential risks that tag along with the piercing.

A popular piercing fad in the Western world after nose and ear piercing, tongue piercing is now one of the season’s must-haves. Before getting it done, it is important to consider a few facts so you’ll be able to take a better decision regarding tongue piercing.

Ancient illustrations depict pictures of the Aztecs and the Mayans having their tongue’s pierced. Though the ancients used it as a method of pain infliction, God-honoring and other religious practices, today, it is a worldwide trend. Teenagers get their tongue pierced and clasp jewelry onto it-which is now gaining popularity, even in India.

Tooth Gaps may Result from Tongue Piercing
A study by University at Buffalo researchers says that 'playing' with a pierced-tongue stud can eventually result in a gap between the front teeth.

The procedure: Tongue piercing is usually done right through the center of the tongue. While getting your tongue pierced, the piercer will check your tongue underside for large blood vessels and mark the place for the piercing. The tongue is then held with forceps and a pierced with a needle from bottom to the top. In cases when the tongue is pierced from top to bottom, a cannula needle is used.

The after-effects: You should expect pain and swelling for at least 2 days post-piercing. It is not unusual that the tongue will swell up to double its size after the piercing, and may cause problems while speaking or eating. It is thus recommended that after the piercing, one should suck on crushed ice, which helps reduce pain and inflammation. Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs can also be taken, if the pain is unmanageable.

Post-piercing, it is advisable to avoid spicy food, alcohol and nicotine, and allow the tongue to heal.

Metal Tongue Studs Can Cause Infection
Tongue piercing is a fashion these days, a bold statement that lures many teenagers. But, people tend to overlook the possible health hazards that can be caused by tongue piercing.

The risk-factor: The International Dental Society has confirmed that tongue piercing can lead to a risk of damage to the teeth including chipped teeth, gum recession and even cutting of the tongue. If done improperly, the person may suffer from nerve damage, breathing difficulties, inability to swallow, paralysis of the tongue and infection. Using sterile equipment is highly important to reduce possible risks of HIV and other infections. In some instances, the ornament may come loose and may go down your throat causing lung or intestinal tears.

The stats: 14-41% of those having their tongues pierced reported dental fractures. Deadly brain abscesses affected around 2% people, whereas 19-68% of subjects reported recession of gingival tissue.

15-year-old Schoolgirl Needs Surgery After Tongue Piercing Ruptures Vein
Reece-Marie Hall, a 15-year-old schoolgirl, had to be rushed into emergency surgery after a tongue-piercing procedure went awry and instead ruptured a vein.

References:

http://www.drhendry.ca/InfoAndLinks/TonguePiercing/Piercing.html
http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/pondering-pros-and-cons-tongue-piercing

Tongue, Lip Piercings can Cause Dental Complications
Youngsters should think twice before getting their tongue or lips pierced, a new study has warned.

Source-Medindia