The month of October is recognised as National Oral Health Month, and so we at TEENage feel it fit to address the popular phenomenon of tongue piercing among TEENs and its health risks.

Though it is a fashion statement that often has it's own stigma attached, piercing your tongue is risky business. Some TEENS tend to live for the moment without stopping to think, 'hey, what will happen if I do this or do that?'

Tongue piercings are extremely painful and are easily infected.

Others may think about the painful effects, but the dazzling fashion statement seem much more appealing. TEENS from all walks of life are now opening their minds to global fashion and trends and the stigmas are becoming less influential.

Remember, your mouth is very delicate and altering it has certain risks.

Red flags of tongue piercing

1 The side effects can be hazardous to your teeth and mouth. A swollen tongue is a common side-effect, which could be problematic. In extreme cases, a severely swollen tongue can actually close off the airway and prevent breathing.

2 Pain, infection and increased saliva are other common side-effects attributed to this stylish mouth piece. Infection often accompanies oral piercings because of the abundance of bacteria that live in our mouth.

3 Just like any other body piercing, Hepatitis and HIV and other infections can also be transmitted through unsanitised piercing instruments and equipment. Most times we don't know these people who pierce our bodies, yet we trust them with our health.

4 Once the mouth jewellery is in place, it can also cause problems such as fractured teeth. Teeth can easily become fractured or chipped from the jewellery bumping against the teeth. This can happen while you are talking, eating or even sleeping.

5 A filling can usually be placed if the fracture is small and limited to the tooth enamel. If the fracture goes deeper, a root canal might be needed. In some cases, the tooth might even have to be extracted. Aside from possibly fracturing or chipping the teeth, mouth jewellery can pose a choking hazard if it becomes loose.

So, if you are contemplating oral piercing, ask your dentist to discuss and examine the side effects with you and if you already have an oral piercing, schedule routine dental check-ups so that your dentist can keep an eye out for fractured teeth or other problems.
Practise the regular necessities such as routine brushing, flossing, gargles of mouth-wash and proper nutrition for healthy teeth and gums. It makes no sense to have a tongue that's blinging and drawing attention to it, but suffer from halitosis and cavities.

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