So you’re thinking about getting your tongue pierced? It is one way to stand out in a crowd, just like millions of other people who have had a piercing. A little bit of oral bling may get you noticed, but it could also get you into trouble.
If your piercing is not done properly, the nerves in your tongue could be damaged. Worse yet, a blood vessel could be punctured, leading to severe bleeding.
A hole in your tongue is just that – a hole. That means that infection could have another way to access your body. Tongue piercings have been linked to things as drastic as herpes and hepatitis. A piercing also increases your chances for endocarditis, a swelling of your heart valves.
A tongue ring can make it harder to your to clean your mouth, and to eat and speak. If the piercing or an allergic reaction causes your tongue to swell, it can interfere with your ability to breathe.
The stud itself can be a problem. If it breaks, it could pose a choking hazard. When the stud repeatedly strikes your front teeth (and it will), it may cause your teeth to chip or create a gap in your front teeth.
So, while piercing your tongue may seem like a great idea when you talk it over with your friends, you should also talk it over with our [dr_type]s, Drs. [doctor_name]. You owe to yourself to understand the risks associated with tongue piercing, and what you need to do keep a healthy mouth if you decide to go ahead with it. If you live in the [city], [state], area, you can make an appointment at [practice_name] by calling [phone]. We look forward to seeing you soon!
