Author: Laura Gater
Body piercing is still popular today in the U.S. and other western societies. One common type of body piercing is tongue piercing, which involves placing a “barbell” type stud through the tongue. The number of adults between ages 21 and 31 who have their tongue pierced is increasing, notes Melvin K. Pierson, DDS, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
Piercing technicians are usually not medically trained or licensed, and their profession is not regulated. The needles and instruments and needles used for body piercings may not be sterile. There is a chance that a blood vessel or artery could be punctured during the procedure.
General Dentistry, the AGD’s clinical, peer-reviewed journal provided an in-depth look at one tongue piercing case (January/February 2006). A young woman’s pierced tongue developed a large, round lump right next to the piercing. The lump, which she called her “second tongue,” didn’t hurt, nor was it infected, but it continued to grow. It was actually formation of scar tissue. Improvement was noted after frequent use of Listerine® and hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, and the tongue stud was replaced with a shorter shaft.
“Keep the wound clean, clean. Make sure the bar is short so food and bacteria won’t be pumped into the tissues,” advises Ellis Neiburger, DDS, lead author of the study cited above.
Although this article cited an extreme case, some very common dangers are associated with tongue piercing.
“I see a lot of damage caused by piercing. The damage is almost always in the pre-molars, the middle teeth, almost parallel to the piercing,” says Dr. Pierson. “The best way to prevent damage is to not get your tongue pierced.”
Hazards of tongue piercing
• Infection (caused by unsterile instruments)
• Pierced artery or blood vessel
• Tooth fractures and chips
• Development of scar tissue on tongue
© Copyright, PeopleMenders.com Inc., 2009. All Rights Reserved.
About the Author
Laura's writing specialties are medical, health and business topics.
Just a few of her published writings: Medical Imaging, 24x7, Podiatry Management, Strategic Healthcare Marketing, Advance for Imaging & Radiation Therapy Professionals, Podiatry Management, RT (Respiratory Therapy),Corrections Forum, Radiologic Technology, For the Record, Plastic Surgery Products, Orthodontic Products, Chiropractic Products, Podiatric Products, and The American Journal of Managed Care (supplement on NSAIDs).
Laura is also the temporary medical producer for several websites, writing news briefs. She has also done healthcare research and reports, provided public relations for several non-profit organizations and taught freelance writing classes.
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