Tongue Piercing Risks

Tongue piercing is very trendy. Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous and even life threatening. This is a procedure that should be thoroughly researched and considered carefully. If you do elect to get your tongue pierced, be sure you go to a reputable, qualified piercer and follow all post-piercing instructions carefully.

Infection

Infections---including hepatitis and HIV---can be transmitted by improperly sterilized piercing needles. Localized infections can spread to other parts of the body via the large blood vessels in the tongue and cause severe and possibly fatal infection in the brain or other parts of the body.

Excessive Bleeding

The tongue contains very large blood vessels. If a blood vessel is damaged during tongue piercing, the resulting blood loss can be severe, and surgery may be required to close the vessel and stop the bleeding.

Nerve Damage

There are many nerves in the tongue that can be damaged by improper piercing placement. This can lead to trouble speaking, tasting and numbness in the tongue. Severe and persistent nerve pain, called neuralgia, is also possible.

Broken Teeth

Tongue jewelry often chips or cracks the front teeth. Crowns and fillings used to repair damaged teeth can also be damaged by tongue jewelry. Gum damage can also result from tongue jewelry.

Airways and Intestines

Tongue jewelry can sometimes work loose or come apart. Swallowed jewelry can get stuck in the intestines or tear them. Inhaled jewelry can cause problems breathing and either swallowed and inhaled jewelry may need to be surgically removed.

Resources

• Tongue Piercing Risks