The popularity of tongue piercings among teenagers is on the rise, often viewed as a harmless way to express their developing identity. Parents may permit these piercings, seeing the metal bar as temporary and less conspicuous than tattoos or other facial piercings.

However, it's crucial to understand that tongue piercings can have serious, even life-threatening, health consequences. Pediatric dentists consistently advise adolescents to avoid any piercings in or around the mouth due to significant health risks.

Why Is Tongue Piercing Harmful?

Firstly, the increasing number of unregulated piercing establishments nationwide creates a high risk of transmitting serious infections such as tetanus, tuberculosis, and most commonly, hepatitis. Secondly, even when performed in licensed parlors, tongue piercings can lead to a range of painful and dangerous conditions, including:

Bacterial infections in the mouth or bloodstream
Formation of blood clots
Sepsis (severe blood infection)
Brain abscess (a serious infection in the brain)
Persistent pain in the tongue or surrounding areas
Nerve damage, potentially leading to trigeminal neuralgia (intense facial nerve pain)
Chipped or fractured teeth from contact with the metal
Endocarditis (infection of the heart's inner lining)
Allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to the metal bar
Gum disease and recession of the gums
Difficulty speaking clearly (dysarthria)
Permanent scarring of the tongue tissue

What Are The Most Common Tongue Piercing Problems?

The process of piercing the tongue involves using a clamp to stabilize it, followed by forcing a hollow, sharp needle through the tissue. The tongue bar is then attached to the needle and drawn through the newly created channel. Metal balls are screwed onto both ends of the bar to secure it in place.

Immediately following the procedure, significant pain and swelling are common for several days. Moreover, the new openings in the tongue are highly vulnerable to infection due to the mouth's natural abundance of bacteria. In the short to medium term, the body's response to this foreign object may include increased saliva production.

Are There Long-Term Problems Associated With Tongue Piercing?

Long-term complications from tongue piercings are frequently observed. The constant rubbing of the metal balls against tooth enamel can weaken it, increasing the risk of tooth decay and making gums more susceptible to periodontal disease. The soft tissues of the mouth can also become chronically irritated and potentially infected due to the ongoing friction from the tongue bar.

If the tongue bar is excessively long, it can become entangled around the tongue or teeth, creating a risk of accidental tearing, similar to an earring being forcefully removed. This can result in severe pain and significant tissue damage that is difficult to repair.

Therefore, the American Dental Association (ADA) strongly advises against any form of oral piercing, a recommendation fully supported by pediatric dentists.
If you are a concerned parent or would like your pediatric dentist to discuss the potential dangers of tongue piercing with your teenager, please do not hesitate to contact our office.