Possible Complications of Oral Piercing
- Impaired speech
- Infection
- leding/Swelling during insertion
- Can chip teeth
- Potential for aspirating
- Permanent scaring
- Lip drooping
- Altered taste
Body piercing, also known as "body art" or "body decoration", is a cultural phenomena that has occurred throughout history, and, until recently, was confined to third world countries. This practice has now become increasingly common in the western world, despite the fact that it can at times cause complications.
Most commonly seen is the "tongue bar" which is a small metallic barbell placed through the tongue, with one ball on each side of the tongue, held by a connecting bar. The lips and cheeks are also chosen as the site for inserting various sized rings. Although this habit is gaining popularity, it is not a harmless fad. Foremost is the potential for infection, especially during and immediately after the insertion. Bleeding complications are possible should a blood vessel be punctured. Residual numbness can occur if a nerve is inadvertently traumatized.
Individuals should be aware that speech can easily be affected when the tongue or lips are pierced.
Another consideration should be whether this is a short term desire, because should an individual wish to remove this in the future (which, no doubt, will occur eventually with age and maturity), scarring may remain, thereby creating esthetics complications.
The probability of accidentally biting on these metal barbells is quite high and it has been reported in the dental literature that this occurrence is common. This results in the fracturing of enamel or\and dentin, thereby requiring unexpected dental care.
After seriously considering the side effects, should an individual still desire to go ahead with oral piercing, it is strongly recommended that he or she keep an extremely high level of oral hygiene and to have the condition of the tissue around the metal evaluated by a dentist on a regular basis.
