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Tongue Piercing

There has been an upsurge in the amount of teenagers getting tongue piercings.  Teenagers often view these piercings as a harmless expression of their growing individuality.  Oftentimes, parents allow teens to pierce their tongues because the metal bar is impermanent.  In addition, tongue bars are not as visually apparent as a tattoo or eyebrow piercing might be.

Unfortunately, tongue piercings can have a serious (even deadly) impact on health.  Pediatric dentists routinely advise adolescents to avoid intraoral or perioral piercings for a number of good reasons.

Why is tongue piercing harmful?

First, there are a growing number of unlicensed piercing parlors in throughout the country.  Such parlors have been recognized as potential transmission vectors for tetanus, tuberculosis, and most commonly – hepatitis.  Second, a great number of painful conditions can result from getting a tongue piercing (even in a licensed parlor).  These conditions include:

  • Bacterial infections
  • Blood clots
  • Blood poisoning
  • Brain abscess
  • Chronic pain
  • Damaged nerves (trigeminal neuralgia)
  • Fractured/cracked teeth
  • Heart infections
  • Hypersensitivity reactions (to the metal bar)
  • Periodontal disease/gum recession
  • Problems enunciating
  • Scarring

What are the most common tongue piercing problems?

To pierce a tongue, the body piercer must first hold it steady with a clamp.  Next, a hollowed, pointed metal needle is driven through the tongue.  Finally, the piercer attaches the tongue bar to the bottom end of the needle, and then drags it upwards through the tongue.  Two metal screw-on balls are then used to secure the tongue bar.

Most commonly, severe pain and swelling are experienced for several days after the piercing episode.  Moreover, the new holes in the tongue are especially infection-prone, because the oral cavity is home to many bacteria colonies.  In the medium term, saliva production may increase as the body responds to a completely unnatural entity in the mouth.

Are there long-term problems associated with tongue piercing?

Long-term problems with tongue piercings are very common.  The screw-on balls constantly scrape against tooth enamel, making teeth susceptible to decay and gums susceptible to periodontal disease.  Soft tissue can also become infected in specific areas, as the tongue bar continues to rub against it.

If the tongue bar is inappropriately long, it can get tangled around the tongue or teeth.  In a similar way to an earring getting ripped out of the ear, a tongue bar can be ripped out of the tongue.  This is extremely painful, as well as difficult to repair.

In sum, the American Dental Association (ADA) advises against any type of oral piercing, and so does the pediatric dentist.

If you are a concerned parent, or would like the pediatric dentist to speak with your teen about tongue piercing, please contact our office.

Frequently Asked Questions
Tongue Piercing, TX

Tongue piercing carries significant oral health risks even when performed in a clean, professional environment. The mouth contains millions of bacteria, which makes infection a real concern after piercing. Additional risks include excessive bleeding, swelling that can block the airway, nerve damage, chipped or cracked teeth, gum recession, and long-term damage to your oral health. Most dentists, including the American Dental Association, advise against tongue and oral piercings.
The most frequent issues include chipped or cracked teeth from biting down on the jewelry, gum recession where the metal repeatedly contacts the gums, damaged dental work (crowns, fillings, veneers), increased plaque buildup around the piercing, persistent bad breath, and difficulty with normal speech and eating. Many of these problems develop slowly and can lead to permanent damage over time.
Yes, and tooth damage is one of the most common complications. The metal jewelry constantly contacts the back of the front teeth during talking, chewing, and even at rest. Over time, this can cause chips, cracks, fractured fillings, worn enamel, and even broken teeth. Damaged teeth may require fillings, crowns, root canals, or extraction.
Yes. The repeated rubbing of metal jewelry against the gum tissue — especially behind the lower front teeth — gradually causes the gums to pull back. This exposes the tooth roots, increases sensitivity, raises the risk of decay, and can eventually lead to tooth loss. Gum recession from piercings often requires gum grafting to repair.
The mouth is one of the most bacteria-rich environments in the body, which makes oral piercings especially vulnerable to infection. Common issues include localized infections, swelling, abscess formation, and in rare but serious cases, conditions like Ludwig’s angina (a dangerous infection of the floor of the mouth) or even bloodstream infections like endocarditis, which can affect the heart.
Yes, especially in the early healing phase. Many people experience slurred speech, drooling, difficulty pronouncing certain words, and trouble chewing for the first few weeks after piercing. Some adjust over time, but others continue to experience subtle speech and eating challenges as long as the jewelry remains.
Initial healing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, though full healing inside the piercing channel can take 3 to 6 months. During this time, swelling, soreness, bleeding, and increased saliva are common. Following strict aftercare instructions is essential to reduce the risk of infection or other complications.
Yes, significant swelling is common in the first several days. In rare but serious cases, swelling can be severe enough to partially block the airway and interfere with breathing. Anyone considering a tongue piercing should be aware of this risk and seek emergency care immediately if breathing becomes difficult.
Yes. Higher-quality materials like surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, niobium, or solid gold are less likely to cause allergic reactions and infections than lower-quality metals. Some people opt for plastic or acrylic jewelry, which is gentler on teeth and gums but still carries other risks. Regardless of material, no jewelry eliminates the dental hazards of tongue piercing.
If you choose to keep your piercing, protect your oral health by removing the jewelry when sleeping, exercising, or eating; choosing softer materials like acrylic or plastic balls to reduce tooth contact; cleaning the piercing daily with an antibacterial mouthwash; brushing and flossing thoroughly twice a day; and scheduling regular dental checkups to catch any damage early.
Many dentists and the American Dental Association recommend removing oral piercings due to the long-term risks. If you’ve noticed gum recession, chipped teeth, sensitivity, or other oral problems, removal is strongly advised. Most piercings can be removed and the hole will gradually close, especially if the piercing is relatively recent. We’re happy to discuss your options during a consultation.
Yes. We can repair chipped or cracked teeth with bonding, fillings, or crowns; treat gum recession with gum grafting; replace damaged dental work; and address any infections or other complications. The sooner damage is addressed, the more conservative the treatment options are likely to be.
Yes. Lip, cheek, frenulum (the tissue connecting the lip or tongue to the gums), and uvula piercings carry many of the same risks as tongue piercings, including infection, gum damage, tooth damage, and nerve injury. All oral piercings should be approached with caution and full awareness of the long-term consequences.
We strongly encourage you to talk to your dentist first. Understanding the risks, your specific oral health status, and what to expect long-term will help you make an informed decision. If you proceed, choose a licensed, reputable piercer who uses sterile equipment, follow aftercare instructions carefully, and commit to regular dental checkups so we can monitor your oral health closely.