Tongue piercing has grown immensely over the last several years. This trend, seen mainly in adolescents and young adults, can present considerable dental and medical risks. The dental dangers include chipping of teeth and gum problems, which may be directly related to size of the piercing and the length of time worn. The medical complications can include infection, allergic reaction and excessive bleeding.

Tongue piercing can cause a variety of dental problems. The most common are chipped teeth and having the gum pull away from the teeth. A recent study showed that 50% of people who had worn a long barbell stem piercing (longer than 1.59 cm) for more than two years had gum pull away from the inside of their lower front teeth. Chipping of the back teeth occurred in nearly half of all people who had worn the piercing for more than four years. Tongue piercing can also interfere with speaking or swallowing, and dental problems created by the piercing will require treatment.

The main medical dangers involved with tongue piercing are infection, metal allergy and bleeding. In fact, The National Institutes of Health has identified piercing as possible route for the transmission of hepatitis. In the case of tongue piercing, the bacteria rich mouth can cause an infection at the piercing site. Untreated, the infection could cause swelling to the throat, and prevent a person from breathing. Tongue piercing can cause an allergic reaction, excessive bleeding during or after the procedure and breathing complications if the ornament is swallowed.

Tongue piercing has become a popular part of our culture. Proper sterilization techniques and the use of gold jewelry can reduce the risks of infection and metal allergy. Even so, tongue piercing can cause a variety of dental and medical problems and should be avoided.