Oral Piercing - Risky Business

The act of piercing body parts, especially the ears, has been around for centuries. Cultural piercing for beauty and status has evolved into a modern trend of expression and body art. Ear piercing seldom causes physical danger but piercing other body parts such as the tongue or lips can lead to infection. The bacteria found in the mouth can find its way into the freshly pierced tissue and can not only cause local infection, it can travel through the blood stream to the heart causing inflammation and serious health complications.

Risks:

The tongue has many blood vessels that can be damaged causing swelling and blood loss. Improperly sterilized piercing devices can lead to serious conditions such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis (all forms). Some people are allergic to the metal that is used while others experience loss of taste, movement and feeling in the tongue. Gums can be harmed and teeth can also be chipped and damaged by the metal jewellery worn. Other risks include difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, halitosis (bad breath) and possible aspiration (inhaling into lungs) or swallowing of the jewellery.

Precautions:

• Be informed about the dangers, complications and costs of piercing.
• Be aware that freezing is generally not used for this procedure and it can be painful.
• If you still choose to proceed with a piercing, choose your piercing establishment carefully with licensed and trained staff.
• It is critical that the equipment is properly sterilized. Look for the use of disposable gloves and on-site heat sterilization equipment.
• The jewellery must be of good quality and be removable.
• Follow all hygiene instructions carefully.
• Use plastic or acrylic barbells or jewellery.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol and spicy food for a few weeks.
• Try to avoid talking for a few days to reduce movement.
• Eat soft foods and take vitamins to supplement the change in diet.
• Avoid French kissing or oral sex for 2 weeks to reduce the risks of infection.
• Once a tongue piercing has healed, be sure to brush the area and the jewellery when you brush your teeth. Remove the device periodically to clean thoroughly.
• Seek medical attention at the first sign of a problem such as redness, numbness, tingling, swelling and pain.

Back to the previous page

 
Legal Notices

Copyright © 2007 Oral Health For All.  All rights reserved.
Website designed, hosted, and managed by Yoltek Communications Inc.