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So
you want to pierce your tongue?
Oral piercing can cause pain, swelling, infection, drooling, taste
loss, scarring, chipped teeth, and tooth loss. Most dentists discourage
oral piercing because of these risks.
Regulations
vary in each state, so be careful if you decide to get any kind
of piercing. To avoid serious infections such as HIV or Hepatitis,
make sure that you ask the person performing the piercing about
care after the piercing, possible side effects, cleanliness and
anything that may concern you.
Does
the piercer use a fresh needle for every piercing?
Some may reuse needles to keep down the cost of the piercing. Make
sure they completely sterilize all needles and instruments in an
autoclave, which uses extreme heat to sanitize instruments. If they
are not prepared to answer your questions in a clear, professional
manner, go somewhere else. Also, make sure that they use the
right kind of metal, such as surgical-grade stainless steel. Some
people have allergic reactions to certain metals, which can lead
to further complications.
Chipped
teeth
Fractured teeth are a common problem for people with oral piercings.
People chip teeth on tongue piercings while eating, sleeping, talking
and simply chewing on the jewelry. The fracture can be confined
to the enamel of your tooth or may go deep into your tooth, which
may require a root canal or extraction.
Possible
infections
Any infection can be serious. See Dr. McBride at the first sign
of a problem. It is not unusual for the tongue to swell after being
punctured, but in some cases the tongue becomes infected and swells
so much that it can cut off your breathing. In rare cases, doctors
may pass a breathing tube through a patient's nose until such an
infection passes.
Dentists
are learning that oral infections can lead to infections in other
parts of the body. Your mouth has high levels of bacteria. When
you puncture any part of the oral cavity, this bacteria may find
its way into your bloodstream. Bacteria
can reach your heart and cause a variety of health problems.
How
do I maintain my piercing?
Once your tongue has been pierced, it will take three to four weeks
to heal. Barring complications, you will be able to remove the jewelry
for short periods of time without the hole closing. Some suggest
that you remove the jewelry to protect your teeth every time you
eat or sleep. Some parlors sell plugs that you can place in the
hole, which should allow you to remove the jewelry for as long as
necessary.
The
piercer will place a larger, starter "barbell" in your
tongue to give it enough room to heal when your tongue swells. If
you decide to keep the piercing, make sure to get a smaller barbell
after the swelling goes down, which will be less likely to get in
the way of your teeth and more difficult for you to chew on.
Keep your piercing clean. Use an antiseptic mouthwash after every
meal and brush the jewelry the same as you would your teeth. After
the tongue has healed, take the piercing out every night and brush
it as you would your teeth to remove any unseen plaque. Consider
removing the piercing before eating, sleeping or strenuous activity.
If you
have any questions about how to keep your mouth healthy, ask Dr.
McBride or the hygienist. Also, remember to brush and floss a minimum
of twice a day and have regular checkups. |
