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The number of teenagers and young adults with tongue piercings continues to grow. But many doctors and dentists they may be putting themselves at risk for what’s being called a “second tongue” – or even a fatal infection.

Whether it’s the ears, nose, eyebrows or belly button- all body piercings can be risky and painful.

“One of my friends got their eyebrow infected and they had to take it out,” says 19-year-old Aaron Arrell.

Camille Littlejohn had a similar experience with her earring. “It grew kind of swollen and just kind of pus-[filled],” she remembers.

But the Academy of General Dentistry warns that piercings in and around the mouth can be even more dangerous.

They say there are several risks involved.

One consideration is cosmetic.

“The first thing we do when we see a patient with a tongue bar is, we’re going to go in and look for broken teeth,” explains Dr. David Montgomery, a dentist. “We’ve had patients in that haven’t realized, and they’ve had three broken teeth.”

Montgomery says oral piercings can cause chipped teeth, recessed gums and even a build-up of scar tissue known as a “second tongue.”

Another risk, more dangerous, is infection caused by a virus.

“There’s good evidence that you could acquire Hepatitis B, probably Hepatitis C, and probably HIV infection [from piercings],” explains Dr. Arnold Lentnek, an infectious disease specialist.

There is also the risk of infection caused by bacteria.

“They can get a bacterial infection usually two, three, five days after the piercing – and the area will get red, hot, swollen [and] more or less painful,” Dr. Lentnek says.

Experts advice against piercings altogether.

But if you allow your child to get one, do your research.

“I think it’s very important that parents know the dangers and risks if their children want them done,” warns Dr. Johnathan Weiss, a dermatologist, “and make sure that their children are having tattoos and piercings done in reputable places.”

What We Need To Know

• While it might be difficult to dissuade your child from getting a body piercing, make sure you are both completely aware of all the risks and precautions. (Dr. Rick Lloyd, pediatrician)




• If you decide to allow your teen to get a piercing, go with them and make sure the shop is reputable, clean and professional. Also, make sure they use an autoclave for sterilization and use new needles. (r. Rick Lloyd, pediatrician)




• When getting a tongue piercing, make sure the bar is short and the ball is acrylic. This will help prevent any damage to teeth and gums. (Dr. David Montgomery, dentist)




• After the piercing, make sure to follow ALL instructions regarding care. This will help healing and prevent any infection. Wash your hands, don’t play with your piercing, eat healthy, and rinse with sea salt are just a few recommended measures. (Association of Professional Piercers)

Resources

• Academy of General Dentistry
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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