Body piercing is a form of self-expression for people of all ages. It allows wearers to express their individuality and make a statement with a simple piece of jewelry. Although tongue piercings require special care to prevent infection, they also give wearers a way to differentiate themselves from their peers and are growing in popularity among piercing enthusiasts.
The Children's Hospital of Boston recommends that pregnant women, diabetics, and those with immune disorders or heart conditions avoid piercing at all times.
History
According to the Iowa State School District, the earliest tongue piercings were performed by the Mayans and Aztecs in Central and South America. These ancient people pierced the tongue to draw the attention of the gods. They also believed that tongue piercing allowed users to develop an altered state of consciousness, making it easier to communicate with the gods. Many American Indian tribes in the Pacific Northwest also used tongue rings for religious and decorative purposes.
Types
Most tongue rings consist of a metal barbell with small beads or charms that screw onto either end. Piercing facilities generally use fairly long bars on new piercings, though users often switch to shorter bars once the piercing has healed. The thickness of the bar is a matter of personal preference and is measured using gauge. The lower the gauge of a tongue ring, the thicker the bar will be.
The Children's Hospital of Boston recommends choosing tongue rings carefully to avoid infection. Implant grade stainless steel is among the safest materials, followed closely by 18 karat gold, titanium or niobium. Silver rings should never be used in the mouth because of the risk associated with tarnishing.
Tongue Ring Safety
There are ways to protect yourself and increase the your safety when you get a tongue ring. First, look for a facility that is licensed by the state or recommended by the Association for Professional Piercers. Never, ever allow a piercing technician to use a piercing gun to insert your piercing. Guns are hard to clean and pose a number of health and safety risks. Make sure the piercer wears gloves and uses a disposable, sterilized needle. Never try to pierce your tongue by yourself or let a friend do it. Once the piercing is complete, follow all care instructions provided by the facility, and consult your doctor if you experience complications.
Risks
Most health organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Periodontology, recommend against wearing tongue rings. The dental association warns that people with tongue rings should expect pain, swelling, infection and increased flow of saliva. This extra saliva can cause embarrassing drool. The millions of bacteria in the average mouth make tongue infection a strong possibility. Swelling of the tongue may occur and could interfere with breathing, and you can choke on your tongue ring if it slips out of position. If the piercing technician strikes a blood vessel or nerve, you may experience hard-to-control bleeding or nerve damage.
Scientific Studies
According to a February 2009 study at Ghent University Hospital in Belgium, most tongue ring wearers experience problems with speech or articulation. These problems last up to 6 weeks, when they generally subside or become less noticeable.
In a March 2002 study published in the Journal of Periodontology, researchers found that tongue rings caused long-term damage to gums and teeth. According to the study results, 35 percent of subjects showed gum recession after four years of wearing a tongue ring. This type of gum recession can lead to serious oral health issues over time. Nearly half of the study's participants also had chipped teeth due to either biting the barbell by accident or habitually playing with the barbell between the teeth.
References
- American Academy of Periodontology: Researchers Find Tongue Piercing Could Lead To Gum and Tooth Problems
- American Dental Association: Oral Piercings
- Columbia University College of Dental Medicine: Tongue Piercings Not That Risky, But Things Can Go Wrong
- Iowa State School District: History of Tattoos and Body Piercings
- Childrens Hospital of Boston: Body Piercing
