Tongue piercings are popular as a form of self-expression, especially among teenagers. Many people with this type of body modification can maintain it long-term without any significant health effects. However, the procedure also comes with real risk. Here's what dentists want you to know if your children are asking for a piercing.

Potential Effects of Tongue or Other Oral Piercings

One of the major concerns is nerve damage. If the piercer nicks a nerve, your child might experience tongue numbness, a change in movement, or even differences in their sense of taste. These changes can be temporary or permanent.

Once a piercing is in place, the next potential problem is an infection. The mouth is home to lots of bacteria, and unlike other locations, there is no way to keep the tongue sterile and dry while it heals. An infection can be painful, and in some cases, it can cause tongue and mouth swelling that can close the airway.

Finally, a small piece of metal moving around your child's mouth isn't healthy for their teeth and gums. It can chip enamel and can injure the gums and other soft tissues. The problem is worse if your teen has a metal sensitivity since the piercing can cause additional irritation. In general, dentists recommend against getting a tongue piercing.

Tips If Your Child Already Has a Piercing

If the decision has already been made, you and your teen's dentist can at least help the healing process go as smoothly as possible. First, encourage your child to rinse their mouth after every meal to keep food debris from getting trapped and contributing to an infection. Encourage them to leave the stud alone instead of playing with it, and have them use clean hands to tighten it throughout the day so that they don’t swallow the loose jewelry. Keep an eye out for any sign of infection, and get your child to a dentist or a doctor immediately if one starts.

If you need a pediatric dentist to talk to your teen about tongue piercings, choose Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD, & Associates in Avon, OH. Providing Lorain County kids with quality dental care using age-appropriate techniques, Dr. Crowell and her team have decades of experience and are committed to creating a positive experience for every patient. To schedule an appointment, call (440) 934-0149, or learn more about the dentists on their website.