There has been an increase in teenagers getting tongue piercings. Teens often view these piercings as a harmless way to express individuality, and some parents allow them because the metal bar is considered temporary and less visually noticeable than tattoos or facial piercings.
Request an AppointmentWhy Tongue Piercing Can Be Harmful
Pediatric dentists routinely advise adolescents to avoid intraoral and perioral piercings due to serious health risks. These include:
- Bacterial infections
- Blood clots
- Blood poisoning
- Brain abscess
- Chronic pain
- Damaged nerves (trigeminal neuralgia)
- Fractured or cracked teeth
- Heart infections
- Hypersensitivity reactions to the metal bar
- Periodontal disease and gum recession
- Speech difficulties
- Scarring
Common Tongue Piercing Problems
The piercing process involves clamping the tongue, inserting a hollowed needle, and securing a metal bar with screw-on balls. This can lead to:
- Severe pain and swelling in the days following the piercing
- High risk of infection due to bacteria in the mouth
- Increased saliva production as the body reacts to a foreign object
Long-Term Issues
Long-term complications are common and may include:
- Enamel wear and tooth decay from the metal balls scraping teeth
- Gum disease and soft tissue infections from constant irritation
- Potential for the tongue bar to become tangled or torn out, causing severe pain and difficult repairs
The American Dental Association (ADA) and pediatric dentists advise against any type of oral piercing.
If you are concerned about your teen’s tongue piercing or would like guidance from a pediatric dentist, please contact our office.