Be Informed.

If you are considering an oral piercing, make sure that:

• the place you are going to has been inspected by the Health Unit;
• the equipment is sterile; and
• aftercare instructions are provided.
• You choose a good professional practitioner who has been trained
• You ask the practitioner if they follow the Infection Prevention Control Guidelines

Risks of Oral Piercing

Infection - Infection is possible with any opening in the skin or oral tissues.  The mouth is overflowing with bacteria making an oral piercing site at high risk of infection from unsterilized piercing tools, or handling of the jewellry

Allergic reaction - allergies to nickel or other alloys may occur.  Mouth jewelry should be made of inert non-toxic metals such as stainless steel, 14 karat gold or titanium.

Broken or cracked teeth - mouth jewelry causes the risk of broken teeth due to the presence of a moving metal object in the mouth.  Talking, tongue-thrusting, or grinding can chip or fracture both front and back teeth.

Choking - mouth jewelry may come loose due to severe swelling or wear-and-tear and become a choking hazard. 

Nerve Damage - Piercing the tongue can result in permanent numbbess, loss of taste or movement if a nerve is accidentally pierced.

Permanent drooling - This can result from damage to the salivary gland ducts.

 

Additional side effects may include:

• pain, swelling 
• gum recession, possible tooth loss
• blood poisoning 
• impaired sense of taste
• difficulty speaking/eating

After Care.

• Follow written instructions provided; if you don't understand them - ask;
• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning the pierced area;
• Check the ends of the jewellry/barbell twice a day to ensure that they are tight against the lip or tongue surface to avoid damage to the teeth, or swallowing of the jewellry/barbell/; and
• If you think your piercing might be infected (pain, redness, heat, swelling, oozing pus) see your family doctor, or dentist.

 

Information Available

For more information or to receive copies of the Canadian Dental Association Fact sheet, and/or the pamphlet “Heavy Metal: Is tongue piercing really cool?”, contact Dental Program staff at the Peterborough County-City Health Unit at 705-743-1000 
TTY: (705) 743-4700.