Tongue Piercing: Is it the Ultimate Fashion Statement or a Threat to Your Oral Health?

So you want to get a tongue piercing? At SimplyFloss we encourage individuals to educate themselves before making decisions so let’s dive into the potential oral impacts!

Like anything, there are pros and cons to a tongue piercing.. they can have an impact on oral health, both positive and negative! Here are some potential impacts:

Positive Impacts:

• Improved self-esteem and confidence: Some people find that their tongue piercing improves their self-esteem and confidence, which can positively impact their overall oral health and wellbeing.

Oral Impacts:

• Oral Infections: Tongue piercings can increase the risk of oral infections, such as endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart), tetanus, and hepatitis B or C.
• Oral Injuries: Tongue piercings can cause oral injuries, such as chipped or broken teeth, cuts on the tongue, and damage to the gums or other oral tissues.
• Speech Difficulties: Some people experience speech difficulties, such as difficulty speaking clearly or pronounced speech impediments, after getting a tongue piercing.
• Allergic Reactions: Some people experience allergic reactions to the materials used in tongue piercings, such as nickel or other metals, which can lead to swelling, itching, and redness.
  
  

So you want to go ahead and get the piercing? Here’s what to expect for your aftercare!

1. Proper Oral Hygiene: It's important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day to prevent oral infections.
2. Rinsing with Salt Water: After getting a tongue piercing, rinse your mouth with salt water several times a day to help reduce swelling and prevent infection.
3. Avoiding Oral Irritants: Avoid oral irritants, such as alcohol, tobacco, and spicy or acidic foods, for the first few weeks after getting a tongue piercing to prevent oral discomfort and delay healing.
4. Cleaning the Piercing: Clean the piercing regularly with a saline solution or an antiseptic mouthwash to prevent infection and promote healing.
5. Avoiding Oral Contact: Avoid oral contact, such as kissing or oral sex, for the first few weeks after getting a tongue piercing to reduce the risk of infection and allow for proper healing.
6. Monitoring for Signs of Infection: Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, and pain, and seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
7. Regular Dental Check-Ups: Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor oral health and address any issues that may arise from the tongue piercing, such as oral injuries or infections.
   
   
   

   
   
   Bear in mind, not everyone has issues, but they’re a high possibility! It's important to consider the potential impacts of a tongue piercing on oral health before making a decision to get one! If you do decide to get a tongue piercing, it's important to follow proper aftercare instructions and to see a dentist regularly to monitor oral health and address any issues that may arise.
   
   Happy Smiling - Team SimplyFloss
   
   

   Sources:

   1. Healthline. (2022, January 6). Tongue Piercing Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know. https://www.healthline.com/health/tongue-piercing-healing-stages 
   2. Mayo Clinic. (2022, January 6). Tongue Piercing: Risks, Aftercare, and More. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/piercings/art-20047317 
   3. Medical News Today. (2022, February 1). Tongue Piercing: Risks, Aftercare, and What to Expect. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327479 
   4. American Dental Association. (2022, January 25). Mouth Jewelry: What You Need to Know. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/oral-piercing-jewelry