Frequently Asked Questions

Tongue and Lip Piercing

Date Posted: 12/1/2001

Question What are the most common problems?

Answer Piercing can result in serious problems, such as trauma to teeth (due to constant hitting with a metal object), interference with chewing and speaking, hypersensitivity to metals, foreign debris in the pierced site leading to infection, and difficulty in breathing from airway obstruction due to swelling from infection. The mouth is teeming with bacteria, which cause no harm unless they get into deeper tissues. Piercing allows these bacteria to penetrate to the inner tissues of the tongue, where they have the potential to cause serious infections. Piercing also puts you at risk of contracting blood borne hepatitis. Additionally, this can result in secondary infection, which can also be serious. Dentists point out that metal inserted into the tongue constantly hits the teeth and can chip or fracture the enamel, sometimes leaving the nerve exposed. Microscopic cracks, which are difficult to diagnose, may also appear, causing severe pain. Damage can be so severe a full crown may be the only way to save the tooth — and the smile. Horror stories have also been reported of studs dislodging and pins becoming "lost" inside the tongue, requiring oral surgery to retrieve them.

More questions in this category:

What is the ADA's position on tongue and lip piercing?
Tongue Piercing
Is tongue and lip piercing safe?
What are the most common problems?
Who is qualified to do tongue or lip piercing?