Tongue Piercing and Teen Oral Health

There has been a rise in teenagers getting tongue piercings, often viewed as a harmless way to express individuality. Parents sometimes allow these piercings because the metal bar is considered temporary and less visually noticeable than tattoos or eyebrow piercings.

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However, tongue piercings can have serious health consequences. Pediatric dentists strongly advise against intraoral or perioral piercings for adolescents.

Why Tongue Piercing is Harmful

Tongue piercings can be dangerous for several reasons:

  • Many piercing parlors operate without proper licensing, increasing the risk of transmitting tetanus, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.
  • Piercings can lead to painful or serious conditions, including:
  • Bacterial infections
  • Blood clots and blood poisoning
  • Brain abscesses
  • Chronic pain and damaged nerves (trigeminal neuralgia)
  • Fractured or cracked teeth
  • Heart infections
  • Allergic reactions to the metal
  • Periodontal disease and gum recession
  • Speech difficulties
  • Scarring

Common Tongue Piercing Problems

The procedure involves clamping the tongue, piercing with a hollow needle, and inserting a barbell with screw-on ends. Common short-term issues include:

  • Severe pain and swelling for several days
  • Increased infection risk due to oral bacteria
  • Higher saliva production as the body reacts to the foreign object

Long-Term Risks

Long-term complications are common:

  • Screw-on balls can constantly scrape tooth enamel, causing decay, and rub against gums, leading to periodontal disease.
  • Soft tissues can become infected where the barbell rubs.
  • An improperly sized barbell can get tangled around teeth or tongue, or be ripped out, causing extreme pain and difficult repairs.

The American Dental Association (ADA) and pediatric dentists advise against any oral piercings. If you are concerned about tongue piercings or would like guidance for your teen, please contact our office.