Oral piercing, specifically tongue piercing, has become a popular form of body expression.  Generally the piercing is done without anesthetic, so the procedure can be quite painful.  After the piercing is done, a “barbell” is placed in the piercing to keep the hole open.  The initial barbell placed is quite long as the tongue will swell after the procedure is done.

There are many complications that can arise during or after the piercing.  Some of the most common problems are:

-Swelling or infection.  Some swelling is normal as the result of the trauma.  However, the mouth is home to millions of bacteria and infection is a very real possibility.  Swelling of the tongue can be a life threatening event as the airway can quickly become compromised.

-Damage to teeth and gums.  As the initial swelling decreases, the barbell that is placed becomes loose and is often played with or bitten down upon, which can cause damage to teeth.  The barbell can also cause recession of the gum tissue.

-Nerve Damage.  Tongue numbness can occur as the result of it being pierced.  This condition can be permanent.

Individuals certainly have the right to express themselves as they see appropriate.  I would just encourage anyone considering an oral piercing of any sort to consider the risks and do their research before proceeding.  Contact Douglas Dental if you have questions regarding this or any other dental concerns.