Tongue Piercing: Safety Measures and Risks

Tongue piercing started as a ritual practice by the ancient Aztecs, the Haida, Kwakiutul, the Tlinglit tribes of the American Northwest, and the Mayas of Central America. The tongue was pierced to draw blood to appease the gods. It was also supposed to create an altered state of consciousness. This would allow the shaman or priest to communicate with the gods.

I've always found tongue piercing to be quite pointless. In our society, those who have pierced tongues are apparently trying to make an attempt at individuality. All it really does for them is make them talk funny.

If you decide to go ahead with a plan to pierce your precious mouth muscle, I'd like to give you a few tips on doing it safely and fill you in on the risks. Becoming well-informed will help you better avoid the dangers.

The first thing you need to do is select the right piercer. They need to have had suitable training. The hole puncher you choose should practice safe piercing techniques and cross-contamination control. Use of sterile instruments and jewelry as well as sterile disposable needles will help avoid infection. Look for a hygienic workplace that conforms to state and local regulations. Be sure they have all applicable permits and licenses. They should be able to provide documentation concerning the sterilizer they use. This person should be clean, professional, and experienced. The piercer should take the time to instruct you in proper care guidelines and offer written instructions. Make sure they are going to be available for follow-up and any questions you might have later. This way, if you have trouble later, the problem can be resolved before damage occurs.

Placement of your tongue piercing is critical to ensure comfort and health. It should be placed in the center of the mouth, along the midline of the tongue. This would measure about 3/4 of an inch or so back from the tip of your tongue. When placed with the top placed slightly further back than the bottom, the top can lean back a little where there is more room.

Your jewelry should be appropriate for tongue and oral piercings. This will guarantee that the jewelry is the right size for the mouth. If it is not size appropriate, you risk damage to your teeth and other parts of the inside of your mouth. Consider using acrylic balls on the tongue barbells to minimize the risk of damage to your teeth. Threaded ends should be on securely and tightened every day so the jewelry will stay in place. Tooth and gum damage are prevalent in those who play with their jewelry excessively. Refrain from doing this.

Caring for your piercing afterward is extremely important. Make sure you get written instructions about the use of antimicrobial alcohol-free mouth rinses and sea salt rinses. Use a clean toothbrush and keep it really clean during your healing process. Don't share cups, plates, or eating utensils with anyone. Keep foreign objects out of your mouth, including your fingers. Don't talk too much. This could inhibit proper healing.

If you have some swelling, the best things to do are suck on shaved or chipped ice, elevate your head above your heart while you sleep, and use over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen to limit swelling.

There are other documented risks that you should take into consideration. Since the barbell is worn permanently or most of the time, it can lead to chipped teeth and difficulty speaking and eating. Sometimes the tongue remains swollen for several days and has gotten so swollen that it has blocked the trachea, causing difficulty breathing.

According to an article on ABC News.com, one 18-year-old woman died from a horrible infection caused by bacteria in her mouth due to her tongue piercing. It was estimated that one in five piercings result in infection. Because the mouth is warm and moist, it is a haven for bacteria. The bacteria can easily thrive in a wound like this and cause such a major infection.

Many times, this is not information that is shared with the client looking to get a tongue piercing. If you still intend on getting that piercing, take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. Ask plenty of questions, check for adequate paperwork to make sure the piercer is safe and professional, and think about how bad you really want to do this to yourself while you weigh out the risks.