Oral piercings

Oral piercing involves a needle being passed through the tongue, lips or cheeks to create a hole for inserting jewellery such as studs, rings or barbells. Piercing is usually done without anaesthetic. This information explains common short and long-term complications caused by oral piercing and how to reduce the risk of complications.

Oral piercing can result in a range of serious of complications, some occurring immediately after the piercing or in the longer term. There are steps you can take to minimise these risks.

Post-piercing complications

Pain should be expected post-piercing. Your tongue will likely swell up, and there may be some slight bleeding. After your piercing, be mindful of complications including:

• infection, especially if stringent infection control and sterilisation practices are not followed
• monitor swelling as severe cases can obstruct the airway and cause severe breathing difficulties
• any excessive bleeding as it can occur if blood vessels are severed during the piercing process.

Longer-term complications

Long-term complication with oral piercings can occur from the piercing procedure, the piercing jewellery or even poor cleaning of the piercing itself.

• Teeth can be chipped or fractured due to being constantly bumped with the piercing jewellery, particularly with barbells in the tongue. Microscopic cracks in the teeth caused by piercing jewellery are extremely painful. These cracks are difficult to treat, and often result in the loss of the tooth.
• Gums and inside cheek tissue can experience trauma due to constant rubbing by the piercing jewellery, particularly with lip ('la bret') piercing.
• Oral piercing can interfere with chewing and speaking.
• Nerve damage caused by an incorrect piercing procedure can cause loss of taste and/or speech impediments, facial numbness and/or paralysis.
• There is a risk of infection due to foreign debris and bacteria accumulating in the pierced site.
• There is a risk of contracting blood-borne viruses if contaminated piercing equipment is used.
• Hypersensitivity to the metals used in piercing jewellery may be experienced.
• Ongoing swelling and pain may be experienced.

Minimise the chance of complications

Even without complications, healing after oral piercing takes 4 to 6 weeks. You can minimise the chance of complications by following these tips:

• ensure the person performing the piercing is experienced, checks your oral anatomy and uses strict infection control and sterilisation practices
• gently suck on chipped or shaved ice to reduce the risk of the tongue swelling due to bleeding
• seek immediate medical advice if excessive bleeding, swelling or pain occurs following a piercing
• if infection occurs, seek urgent medical advice.

Once the piercing is in place, visit a dental practitioner every 6 months so the piercing and any potential damage to teeth can be monitored.

Make sure the size and position of jewellery does not damage teeth and gums. It is preferable to wear good quality plastic jewellery rather than metallic jewellery.

To prevent damage to teeth and gums, remove jewellery before participation in sport and before sleeping.