It probably doesn’t take much thought to come to the conclusion that most dental professionals would recommend against you getting a tongue piercing. While oral piercings are becoming more and more commonplace and even a part of fashion, those dental professionals do have some valid points to take into consideration when deciding to add that new piece of hardware.
Even though piercings today are fairly safe and, when cared for properly, cause few issues, there are some problems that can arise from tongue or other oral piercings that might not come to mind right away.
- Tooth chipping – One of the biggest concerns with metal tongue piercings, especially barbells, is that they can be in constant contact with your teeth. This is a concern because the piercing will move a lot in your mouth and whenever it hits your teeth, it has a chance of wearing them down and chipping them. The wear and chipping can lead to more serious problems over time.
- Gum recession – In addition to being in contact with your teeth, the piercing will be in contact with your gums. According to recent studies, gums inside the front of the mouth are more likely to recede if the tongue is pierced. This is caused by repeatedly pushing the piercing against the front teeth. When gums recede, the bone underneath is reabsorbed by the body. This can loosen the teeth and ultimately cause them to fall out.
- Infections – As with any piercing, during the healing process, there is a risk for infection. Food and bacteria in the mouth can be constant sources for infections. It is very important to follow proper care instructions for your tongue piercing to decrease the risk of serious infection.
- Crown fracturing – Similar to tongue piercings chipping your teeth due to constant contact, dentists also suggest that a piercing could fracture some types of restorations, such as crowns made of porcelain or porcelain and metal.