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New Brunswick Dental Society FAQs

Do tongue and mouth piercing have any affect on my dental health?

With more young people piercing their tongues and lips they are also risking numerous dental problems. Tongue piercing, at the time of placement of the metal stud can often result in severe swelling and pain due to the numerous nerve endings. This can make eating and talking very difficult. A severely swollen tongue may actually block a persons airway. Infection is a real danger with tongue piercing. Allergic reactions may occur if the stud is not pure metal. Blood poisoning and blood clots are other potential concerns. As the tongue is constantly moving, healing from tongue piercing is slow and can take up to a month. Teeth and gums are also affected by tongue and lip piercing. Teeth can often become cracked or chipped from the barbell moving in the mouth. Gum tissue may also be damaged by continuous contact with the metal ball. Extra dental care needs to be taken with pierced tongues. When brushing your teeth you should also brush your tongue. The ball should be removed and thoroughly cleaned, although not with a jewelry cleaner. The hole in the tongue should also be rinsed with a small stream of water. Ask your dentist if you have questions or problems.