Piercing your tongue may seem like a good idea at first. You might think that piercing your tongue will make you stand out in a crowd and perhaps add something special to your appearance. While that may be true, there are actually hazards associated with tongue-piercing.
Before you go ahead with the piercing, it is a good idea to make an appointment with one of our caring dentists, Dr. Damien Garcia or Dr. Lisa Gortari to discuss the dangers of piercing your tongue. For example, the piercing process itself can cause problems. The needle can strike a nerve, or puncture a blood vessel, causing severe bleeding. Your tongue could also swell, making it difficult for you to eat, speak, or even breathe. You should make sure that the piercing studio follows proper hygiene procedures, and you can confirm that with a call to your local health department. Getting your tongue pierced can leave you vulnerable to infections, including hepatitis. A tongue stud can repeatedly strike your front teeth, putting you at risk for chipped or gapped teeth. A plastic tongue stud can break and create a choking hazard. If you decide to go ahead with the procedure, you will need to take extra care of your piercing to make sure that it stays clean and hygienic.
Before you decide to pierce your tongue in McAllen, Texas, you should spend some time at Oasis Family Dental learning about the risks and responsibilities. If you would like to make an appointment with our team to help you decide, please call 956-661-1000 today. We are happy to help you maintain your healthy, confident smile!