Tongue piercing can damage tooth enamel.
The decision to pierce or not to pierce should never be taken lightly. Body piercing, while carried out for the purpose of cosmetic enhancement, is still technically an invasive surgical procedure, carrying the same risks as other types of surgery. Scarring, bleeding and bacterial infection can occur after piercing, while healing times can be slow. Anyone who suffers from heart valve problems, diabetes, hemophilia or other conditions that might hamper the healing process, should avoid piercings because there is a greater risk of complications.
Risk of Infection
Body piercings come with an associated risk of bacterial infection. This happens when an abscess forms around the pierced area. If left untreated, this can cause blood poisoning or toxic shock syndrome, potentially fatal conditions. Nose and tongue piercings have a higher risk of infection because these areas have more naturally occurring bacteria. Ear cartilage piercings are also more likely to cause an infection because the skin is close to the underlying cartilage and pus can become trapped. Surgery is usually necessary to remove the infected cartilage because this type of infection doesn't respond to antibiotics.
Slow Healing Times
Depending on the body part that is pierced, healing time can be slow because the type of tissue in each area is different. Navel piercings take from nine months to a year to heal, lip piercings between two to three months, ear cartilage piercings from three to six months, and nipple piercings between three to six months.
Transmission of Disease
It is important to have the procedure done by a professional body piercer because you are at risk of getting infected with HIV or hepatitis if the piercing is done with a dirty needle. Skilled professionals use sterile instruments, clean the disinfect the area that is pierced and discard the needle after using it.
Scarring and Blood Loss
Piercing can cause bleeding, particularly in areas such as the tongue, that have a lot of blood vessels. Swelling and scarring can also occur around the pierced area. Avoid piercing if you have heart valve problems because it can cause inflammation of the heart valves in people who are susceptible.
Dental Problems
Tongue piercings can cause tooth enamel to chip if jewelry is in contact with the tooth. Tongue piercings can also cause your airways to become blocked and can cause speech impediments.
Tags: three months, around pierced, around pierced area, bacterial infection, between three
