Oral Piercings

Those who have considered trying piercing of the tongue, lips, or areas around the mouth may not be aware of the many risks involved.

Typically piercing studios are not regulated or licensed. Nor are the operators schooled in oral anatomy, cardiovascular studies, or sterilization protocol.

If the piercing needle passes through one of the tongue’s many veins, significant bleeding can occur. When the tongue or lip jewelry rubs against teeth, gums and other soft tissues of the mouth, injury can occur. This leads to gum recession, bone loss, tooth sensitivity, tooth fractures. If the jewelry comes loose in the mouth, there is a risk of swallowing or inhaling it. The following are potential hazards of oral piercing:

• Infection
• Pain and swelling
• Increased saliva
• Uncontrollable bleeding or nerve damage
• Injuries to the gum tissue
• Blood poisoning or blood clots
• Choking on stud, barbells, or hoops that come loose
• Teeth that chip or crack when they contact the jewelry

The American Dental Association, the National Institutes of Health, and the Hepatitis C Foundation are all firmly against oral piercing.

BEST ADVICE: SAY “NO” TO MOUTH JEWELRY AND LET YOUR HEALTHY SMILE MAKE THE FASHION STATEMENT!