Tongue Piercing
Body piercing has become a popular form of body modification in today’s
society. Tongue piercings are one particular procedure with high risks. Despite
their popularity, it is important to know the associated risk factors with the
piercing process.
There are many health risks involved with oral piercings some
including chipped or cracked teeth, blood clots, blood poisoning,
receding gums or scar tissue. Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria
that can easily promote infection in an oral piercing. Your tongue could
swell large enough to close off your airway, can affect your speech and
can even be a danger if swallowed.
Common symptoms after piercing include pain, swelling, infection, an
increased flow of saliva and damage to gum tissue. Difficult-to-control
bleeding or nerve damage can result if a blood vessel or nerve is cut by
the piercing needle. Even without complications, healing takes four to
six weeks.
Take the advice of the American Dental Association and just avoid
oral piercings.
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