im a 17 year old female....... should i get my tongue pierced?

Question

what are side effects and the benefits?

Answer 1

(its not illegal in Jersey! Pierced Jersey girl here....)

coming from someone who DOES have one, and has had one for over 4 years, everything everyone is saying doesn't always happen, its not trashy, and its not as trendy as a belly piercing. and affecting the job? i'm a professional in the med field and no one even knows i have it. they'd skip over you if you had a more visible piercing. its not that obvious, except when it's first done. your tongue swells and you talk funny, hard to eat, a little painful, but its not as bad as its being made out to be. if you do it, and it does get infected, remove it asap. infections are painful and no good. if you keep it clean and gargle after every meal, you shouldn't have a problem. also, while eating, be careful! i accidentally bit down on it and lost a filling! benefits? well my boyfriend likes it *wink wink*. if you want to get it done, do it. you don't need to listen to people who don't know what they're talking about.

ps - make sure you go to a clean, well-respected, expierienced piercer. someone who doesn't know what they're doing could end up piercing it wrong, thus the nerve damage.

pps - it doesn't make you seem like an "oral freak" or "an ***". people are just closed-minded when it comes to self-expression.

Answer 2

Recently the CDA Journal published some new findings that we thought we ought to pass along:

It has been reported that piercing the tongue, lip, or cheek could cause gum recession. Not only is this unattractive, but it leaves the tooth’s root more vulnerable to decay and periodontal disease. Some people have experienced gum recession around the area of the oral piercing. The jewelry can rub against the gums and cause them to recede, or pull back from the teeth. This can lead to gum disease and eventual tooth loss.

There is also the risk of toxic shock syndrome. TSS is potentially fatal so it is important that if you experience high fever, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea, dizziness, a rapid pulse and a sunburn-like rash that you get evaluated by a healthcare professional immediately.

The barbell placed in a pierced tongue can come off. If the post is swallowed it can potentially obstruct the airway, it can become aspirated in the lung, or it can perforate the bowel or the intestine, causing death.

The American Dental Association, the National Institute of Health and the National Hepatitis Foundation have all taken a position against tongue piercing. We hope you consider the downside risks before undergoing this unnecessary and invasive procedure.

Answer 3

The first time I got mine pierced it got infected....

The second time I got mine pierced the ball came loose and I swallowed the entire barbell while eating a sandwich.

I also had a hard time eating for about a month after my tongue was pierced (both times) I would bite down on the damned thing constantly while I was chewing my food and cause it to bleed by ripping my tongue a little bit when I would bite down on it accidentally. Bititng down on metal caused me to crack several teeth (2 of my teeth had to get crowns to fix the damage which cost me $1,400.)

"Oh, but I'll get the plastic barbell," you say.... Neigh neigh my dear... You have to keep the metal barbell 6 months minimum... By the time you swap the barbells the damage will already be done.


Other than that I guess they're ok.

It didn't hurt at all the second time when I had it done.

If you do have it done make sure that the person piercing you is licensed... Otherwise, there is a possibility of you dying.

Before you get your tongue pierced, you sign a waiver, stating if the piercer hits an artery in your tongue... and you die.... that they are not responsible for your death.

Also, they can accidentally strike a nerve and you can lose the ability to use your tongue.... that means no more talking.

It's a risk.

Answer 4

Personally I do not think they are that great, or send out a good message about a young woman. If you are absolutely set on getting your tongue pierced then research where you are going to go and who will be doing the piercing. If you get it done by someone who does not know what they are doing you could get some serious infections. Also go to the shop and make sure it is clean; if you see dirt and grime, leave. Just make sure you make a wise and health conscious decision if you feel that you really want this piercing.

Answer 5

Tongue piercing is bad for your health and should be avoided, say dentists.


BBC News' Toby Sealey reports from a body piercing centre
The practice has become increasingly fashionable in recent years and has been made famous by stars like Scary Spice and the Princess Royal's daughter Zara Phillips.

But the British Dental Association (BDA) says tongue piercing can cause infections, speech impediments, breathing problems and broken teeth.

It says piercing always carries a risk of infection, but that risk is greater with mouth piercing because of the closeness of the airway.

Infection can cause the tongue to swell, blocking or restricting the airway.

In addition, bacteria under the tongue often spread quickly and can lead, in extreme cases, to the potentially fatal toxic shock syndrome or blood poisoning.

If piercing equipment is not sterilised, there is also the risk of infections like HIV and hepatitis being passed on.

Allergy danger



The BBC's Jonathon Kent finds dentists' reservations not shared by customers at an Oxford body piercing shop
The BDA says studs can come loose and can be swallowed or inhaled, leading to breathing problems.

And accidentally biting a tongue stud can cause teeth to crack.

There is also the possibility of a person developing an allergic reaction to a stud if it is not made from gold, titanium or surgical steel.



Scary Spice - Mel G - is one of a growing number of people to have their tongues pierced
Other potential dangers include deep cyst formation, scarring, damage to veins and nerves and neuromas - overgrowths of nerve tissue.

Some orthodontists refuse to do any work on people with pierced tongues because of its effect on muscle position and the possible risk of encouraging speech impediments.

Dr Geoff Craig, chair of the BDA's health and science policy group, said: "People having tongue piercings are putting not just their oral health, but their general health at risk - and we strongly advise people not to."

But a spokesman said: "We have to live in the real world and realise people do have their tongues pierced.

"If they do, they should make sure it is done as cleanly and hygienically as possible."

Cleaning advice

The BDA says people should ask their dentists for advice on oral hygiene while the piercing is healing.

This includes advice on brushing to avoid inflaming the tongue and the need to use mouthwash to clean the bits of the mouth which the brush cannot reach.

Dr Craig said they should also ensure that their piercer sterilises equipment properly, using a device called an autoclave.

Answer 6

Personally, I wouldn't have one again and not because it is painful...I used to have mine pierced and I have a college education but it made me look and talk like the most unintelligent person in the world. I already had a little lisp but this made it 50 times worse and on top of my southern accent, I sounded awful. Also sometimes when I would talk, it would get stuck on my teeth. I can tell you that mine didn't really hurt and I took really good care of mine by using mouth was every couple of hours and I didn't kiss anyone for nearly 6 weeks. If if it something you really want, go for it, not because you think it is cool but something that you want and be prepared to face what people will say. Also, if you do, be safe go to a nice place and take good care of it.

Answer 7

Well, this is just my opinion. But it's not very classy looking. Go for something more simple, like the belly button. Even a nose piercing is better than a tongue piercing.

Answer 8

In my personal opinion, no you shouldn't. I personally find it very unattractive for a girl to have their tongue pierced, and I'm sure others will share my opinion. Think of it this way, do you thing a rod through your tongue will really enhance your attractiveness that much??

Answer 9

And exactly why do you want to get your tongue pierced?

Side effect - hurts like hell, you click when you talk, making people like me want to rip that stupid thing out of your mouth. Your status as a slut will no longer be questioned by anyone.

Answer 10

there aren't any benefits other then saying you have one and proforming oral sex - but that is a possible benefit for the receiver, not really for you.

but problems can be anything from pain/discomfort, infection, to nerve damage, chipped teeth, or worse.. please read the article attached. also check with your local shop, because i know it is now illegal in some states, Jersey being one of them.

if you do get one, make the the shop is clean & instruments are in a new package, everything is sterile.
good luck.