Ethan Clarke
Tongue piercings can cause a variety of oral health issues, including chipped teeth, gum damage, and tooth decay. The constant pressure and contact between the piercing and the teeth can lead to unnatural gaps, cracked tooth enamel, and increased bacteria, which can result in infections and other serious problems. While plastic tongue bars are recommended over metal ones to reduce the risk of damage, all tongue piercings come with potential dental complications.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic tongue bars are better than metal ones
While tongue piercings are a fun form of self-expression, they can put your teeth and gums at risk. Tongue piercings can cause constant pressure against the back teeth, which can move them out of place and create gaps where food can get trapped, leading to decay. Tongue piercings can also cause chipped teeth, cracked teeth, gum damage, tooth enamel loss, and tooth sensitivity. The mouth is a moist environment that contains millions of bacteria, and piercings provide an easy entry point for infection.
However, if you are set on getting a tongue piercing, plastic tongue bars are better than metal ones. Plastic tongue bars reduce the risk of damaging teeth and gums. The material used in oral piercings can affect the amount of bacteria that collects on the jewelry, and plastic is less abrasive than metal. Austrian researchers have examined how tongue piercing affects oral health, and their findings support the idea that plastic tongue bars are a better option than metal ones.
After getting a tongue piercing, it is important to replace the initial jewelry with a snugger piece that fits closer to the tongue, reducing the chances of contact with the teeth and gums. The balls on the tongue bar should be made of an approved polymer, and a smaller ball should be used on the underside of the tongue. It is also important to avoid playing with the jewelry, as this can lead to a habit of rubbing the tongue against the teeth, increasing the risk of damage.
To maintain oral health with a tongue piercing, it is recommended to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush, floss daily or use an interdental cleaning device, and use a mouth rinse during and after the healing period. It is also important to keep the piercing site clean and look out for signs of infection, such as swelling, pain, tenderness, or discharge. Regular dental check-ups are crucial to monitoring the health of your teeth and gums.
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The risks of infection
Tongue piercings, especially new ones, are more prone to infection than other piercings. This is because the mouth is a moist environment that contains millions of breeding bacteria, which can easily be transferred to the piercing.
Infection occurs when bacteria become trapped inside the piercing. Much of the bacteria is introduced by eating and drinking, but kissing, oral sex, and other sexual activity can also transfer bacteria. In the days immediately following the piercing procedure, serious infections of various types can occur that can impact the entire body. For example, oral piercing could lead to more serious infections, like hepatitis or endocarditis. An infection can quickly become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Signs of infection after a tongue piercing include fever, chills, shaking, or a red-streaked appearance around the piercing site. To prevent infection, it is important to keep the piercing site clean and free of any matter that may collect on the jewellery. Use a mouth rinse after every meal and refrain from clicking the jewellery against your teeth. Be gentle and aware of the jewellery’s movement when talking and chewing.
To reduce the amount of bacteria, debris, and dirt that gets into the piercing, learn to evaluate everything that may come into contact with your tongue and adjust accordingly. Refrain from using lipstick, lip gloss, and other lip products. You may need to throw away any products that you use while the infection is active. Avoid sharing food and drinks to minimise the spread of infectious bacteria. Avoid open-mouth kissing and oral sex to reduce the transfer of bacteria and saliva.
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Cracked teeth
Tongue piercings can cause teeth to crack in a variety of ways. Firstly, the constant pressure of the stud or ring against the teeth can cause teeth to move, creating gaps that can trap food and lead to decay. Secondly, it is easy to accidentally bite down on the stud or ring, which can crack the tooth enamel and expose the sensitive layers of dentin and pulp underneath. This can result in more serious problems that may require surgery. The risk of cracking a tooth is greater with short-stemmed barbells as they are easier to clench between teeth.
The material of the stud or ring also plays a role in the likelihood of tooth damage. Metal studs or rings can cause teeth to crack if bitten down on, but acrylic studs or rings are a safer option as they are softer and less likely to damage teeth. However, plastic studs or rings can still damage teeth if constantly rubbed against them, as they can wear down the enamel and cause cracks over time. This risk can be mitigated by using a snug-fitting piece of jewellery that fits close to the tongue, reducing contact with the teeth. It is also important not to play with the stud or ring in your mouth, as this can increase the risk of damage.
While tongue piercings can cause cracked teeth, the risk depends on individual anatomy, placement, and aftercare. Some people may have a tongue piercing for many years without experiencing any issues, while others may develop problems within a few years. Regular dental check-ups are important for monitoring the health of your teeth and gums and identifying any potential issues.
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Gum recession
While plastic tongue bars may not be as harmful to teeth as metal ones, they can still cause gum recession. This is because the bar is in constant contact with the gums, causing the tissue to wear away. The longer someone wears a tongue piercing, the greater the chance of gum recession. Gum recession occurs in more than 44% of individuals with tongue piercings.
To prevent gum recession, it is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, and cleaning interdental spaces with dental floss or interdental brushes. It is also important to avoid playing with the jewellery, as this can cause the tongue to rub against the teeth and gums, increasing the risk of damage.
Some people choose to replace the original piercing with a smaller bar, stud, ring, or hoop that fits snugly against the tongue, reducing the risk of damage. Opting for a single tongue piercing in the middle of the tongue is also recommended as the safest option.
If gum recession does occur, severe cases may require a connective soft tissue graft, also known as a gingival graft. However, it is always best to consult with a dentist or health professional for advice, as they typically advise against tongue bars due to the risks to oral and general health.
While some people may have tongue piercings with no issues, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take the necessary precautions to protect oral health.
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Nerve damage
Plastic tongue bars are considered safer than metal ones as they are softer and won't chip your teeth. However, some sources argue that they can still cause damage to teeth and gums. The tongue is supplied by the hypoglossal nerve and the lingual branch of the trigeminal nerve, and these nerves can be damaged during piercing, potentially causing permanent paralysis of the tongue.
Tongue piercings that come into constant contact with the gums can cause gum recession, exposing more of the tooth root and making it easier for bacteria to build up and damage the tooth. This can eventually lead to tooth loss if not properly cared for. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends against tongue piercing due to risks including "swelling, bleeding, infection, chipped or damaged teeth, gingivial recession, lacerations/scarring, hypersalivation, etc.".
Additionally, tongue piercings can make it harder to brush properly, leading to plaque buildup and potentially causing bad breath. While plastic tongue bars may be a safer alternative to metal ones, they can still pose risks to oral health and nerve damage is a potential complication that should be considered before getting a tongue piercing.
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Frequently asked questions
Tongue piercings can cause dental issues regardless of the material used. However, plastic tongue bars are better than metal ones as they are less abrasive and reduce the risk of damaging teeth and gums.
Tongue piercings can cause cracked, scratched, or sensitive teeth, as well as damage to fillings. They can also trap food and debris, leading to tooth decay and cavities. In addition, the constant pressure against the back teeth can cause them to move, creating unnatural gaps that further trap food and lead to gum and teeth decay.
To prevent dental issues, it is recommended to replace the initial jewellery with a smaller piece that fits closer to the tongue, reducing contact with the teeth and gums. It is also important to avoid playing with the jewellery in your mouth and to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush, and flossing daily.
