Tongue piercings are a great way to express your identity and make a statement. If you're contemplating a tongue piercing, speak to your dentist about any potential risks beforehand. Infection is possible with every piercing, but the long-term implications on your dental health might affect your teeth, gums, and other regions of your mouth. This article explains what tongue piercings are, how to care for them, and the risks to be aware of.

What Is a Tongue Piercing? 

This sort of body piercing is done straight through the tongue. Oral piercings and teeth decorations are an old form of body modification and self-expression. This popular piercing is classified as an intra-oral piercing. Intra-oral piercings have both ends inside the mouth. 

Tongue Piercing Styles

There are a number of different alternatives to choose from for a tongue piercing. Metals used in tongue piercings include stainless steel, gold, and titanium. Studs are a popular type of jewellery consisting of a rod with metal spheres on both ends. Tongue rings are placed via the lingual frenulum, a small tissue strip connecting the tongue's underside to the mouth's floor.

Potential Piercing Risks and Oral Health Issues

Before getting pierced, make sure to do your research. You should know how long your piercing will take to heal, how to spot signs of infection, and how to properly care for your tongue piercing. Ask your dentist about possible risks and oral health issues to be aware of and how to prevent them. Make sure to go to a reputable piercing studio that prioritises high health and safety standards. HIV as well as hepatitis can be transmitted through dirty piercing equipment. 

You should expect some pain and swelling after getting your tongue pierced. However, the pain should not be severe, and should not be paired with excessive redness, swelling or pus. 

Oral Infections

Because our mouths are naturally moist, they can easily become a breeding ground for germs to thrive and flourish. Piercings further increase your chances of infection. An infected piercing should never be ignored. Seek immediate medical care. You will need to complete a course of antibiotics to clear it up. Infections can be fatal if your tongue swells and blocks your airway.

Chipped Teeth and Cavities 

After getting pierced, it may take some time to get used to your new jewellery. As a result, you may accidentally knock your teeth with your piercing, which can chip your teeth. To avoid dental damage, discuss with your dentist techniques to minimise the chances of banging your teeth, and consider investing in a dental guard to wear to bed at night. The jewellery may also collect plaque from food, causing tooth decay and cavities.

Keeping Your Piercing Problem-Free 

While a tongue piercing carries some risk, you may prevent them by adopting healthy behaviours. Here are a few suggestions for taking care of your tongue piercing: 

• Use an alcohol-free mouth rinse, especially while you are still healing.
• Resist the urge to fiddle with your jewellery, as this can cause irritation. 
• Keep an eye out for any signs of an infected tongue piercing.  
• Keep your piercing as clean as possible.
• Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride based toothpaste. 
• Do not forget to floss every day. 

Most dentists advise against getting a tongue piercing, but ultimately it is a personal decision. With proper oral hygiene it may be possible to avoid all, or at least most, of the negative consequences that could occur with a tongue piercing. A healthy tongue piercing can be a great way to express yourself and many people experience a boost of confidence with their body jewellery.