Tongue and lip Piercings: what are the risks?

Piercings in various parts of the body must be done in the best hygienic conditions and then monitored closely, especially if it is about piercings on the tongue and on the lips. It is also necessary to take into account the risks that certain more fragile people run.

Why would you want a piercing

The piercing is a very old custom which was and is still very practiced in certain civilizations. It is not uncommon to find Native American or African populations still carrying on these traditions today.

In Western countries, piercings are done for various reasons. They are a fashion phenomenon, an aesthetic desire, a desire to belong to a group or, on the contrary, a way to stand out from others, or even to rebel.

Think carefully about the consequences before getting a tongue and lip piercing. Unlike discreet piercings, such as on the belly button, a piercing in the mouth area is instantly noticeable.

Think about it for your social relationships, as well as for your professional career. Depending on your profession, a piercing will not necessarily be accepted.

On the other hand, consider that if you ever remove it, you may be left with scars for life. They can be embarrassing when they are located around the lips.

What are the precautions to take to perform a piercing

Hygiene

The perforations are made with a needle or a gun, in offices of very different qualities. If you plan to have a piercing done, choose a professional with a good reputation and whose hygiene is absolutely impeccable.

Even with a reputable professional, you may encounter complications. Nevertheless, they are most often benign. You are always at risk of infection. It can pass quickly with an antiseptic, but it can also cause a more serious edema that will swell or cause a hemorrhage. In this case, you will have to remove the piercing in order to heal.

This removal is usually temporary, provided you wait until the infection is completely gone.

Another sensitive point that requires that hygiene measures be respected is the transmission of viruses, such as HIV, papillomavirus (HPV) or hepatitis B, C or D. Tetanus is also very much feared.

Side effects

In addition to the hygiene of the practice, you must check with the greatest precautions the material of your piercing. If it is not gold or silver, beware of allergies that may be triggered and, in the worst case, serious infections with a metal that would have rust spots.

On the other hand, if you are prone to health problems or have a disposition for certain pathologies, it is best that you talk to your doctor. Here are some examples of conditions that may be incompatible with a piercing :

• you are immunocompromised, whether temporarily due to treatment or permanently due to chronic disease ;
• you have hemophilia or your coagulation process is defective ;
• you have allergies, especially to metals ;
• you are prone to diabetes ;
• your heart system is fragile, etc.

Consider any other medical conditions you may have before committing yourself.

What are the complications related to mouth piercing

The first of the complications is related to infection. In the days following a piercing, it is normal for the area to be painful and swollen. Piercing the skin is not harmless, the flesh is traumatized and reacts before healing.

You may notice redness, localized hematoma, and even some bleeding.

These symptoms should disappear quickly, in less than a week in all cases. You will probably have trouble chewing your food and talking.

You should use antiseptic mouthwashes several times a day to prevent infection. Avoid spices, salt, acidic foods and sodas, and alcohol.

Cigarettes are harmful because they bring particles that stick to the wound and the heat they generate hinders healing and can even burn already traumatized flesh.

If you notice that everything is not back to normal after one week, it may be a more or less severe complication. The consequences of an infection can be significant because the bacteria that will proliferate are carried throughout your body by the saliva you ingest.

Other side effects will be injuries, especially when eating, but also wear and tear problems over the longer term. A piercing that rubs on a tooth (because of its position, or because you have taken the tic to play with it) can damage the enamel and weaken the teeth.