### Mouth and Tongue Piercings: Risks and Precautions Mouth and tongue piercings involve creating a small hole in areas like your tongue, lip, cheek, or uvula to wear jewelry. While it's a form of self-expression, it comes with several risks: 1. **Infection and Swelling**: Your mouth is full of bacteria, which can lead to infections. A swollen tongue can even make breathing difficult. 2. **Heart Risks**: For people with heart disease, bacteria from the mouth can damage heart valves. 3. **Bleeding**: Tongue piercings can cause significant bleeding due to the many blood vessels in the area. 4. **Jewelry Issues**: The jewelry can break off and cause choking or chip your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss or the need for a root canal. #### Additional Risks - **American Dental Association Warning**: They advise against oral piercings due to these risks. - **Healing Complications**: People with conditions like heart disease, diabetes, hemophilia, or autoimmune diseases may have trouble healing. #### Precautions - **Vaccinations**: Ensure you're up to date on hepatitis B and tetanus vaccines. - **Choose a Reputable Piercing Shop**: Look for cleanliness, licensed piercers, and proper sterilization. - **Post-Piercing Care**: Healing takes 3-4 weeks. During this time: - Avoid touching the piercing with unwashed hands. - Rinse your mouth with saline solution. - Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods. #### Long-Term Care - **Jewelry Maintenance**: After healing, remove and clean the jewelry regularly. Consider taking it out before sleeping or physical activities. - **Watch for Infections**: Be alert for signs like severe pain, swelling, or unusual discharge. By following these precautions, you can minimize the risks associated with mouth and tongue piercings.