Tongue, lip and cheek piercings are a common form of self-expression. They also put metal in one of the busiest, most bacteria-filled parts of the body, right next to your teeth. This guide explains the risks the American Dental Association (ADA) describes, the warning signs of infection, and practical steps to protect your teeth and gums if you have a piercing or are considering one. It does not judge the choice. The goal is to help you make it with full information.
Why the mouth is a tricky place for a piercing
The ADA explains that the mouth contains millions of bacteria and is a moist environment where bacteria breed easily. That makes it an ideal place for infection, and the ADA says infection and swelling often occur with mouth piercings. Jewelry also sits next to teeth and gums all day, so it can rub, click and get bitten.
The ADA notes that piercing the tongue, lips, cheeks or uvula (the small tissue that hangs at the back of the throat) can interfere with speech, chewing or swallowing.
The main risks
Infection, pain and swelling
According to the ADA, an infection can quickly become life-threatening if it is not treated promptly. A piercing can also cause the tongue to swell enough to potentially block the airway. The ADA adds that oral piercing could lead to more serious infections, such as hepatitis or endocarditis.
Damage to teeth, gums and fillings
Biting or playing with the jewelry is a common habit. The ADA says it can injure gums and lead to cracked, scratched or sensitive teeth. Biting down hard on a piercing can crack a tooth, and repeated clicking of jewelry against teeth can also cause damage. Piercings can damage fillings too. If you have already chipped a tooth, see our guide to cracked and chipped teeth. For ongoing sensitivity, see sensitive teeth: causes and treatment.
Choking
The ADA warns that you could choke if part of the jewelry breaks off in your mouth.
Metal sensitivity
Allergic reactions at the pierced site are possible, according to the ADA.
Nerve damage and bleeding
After a piercing, some people have a numb tongue caused by nerve damage. The ADA says this is usually temporary but can sometimes be permanent, and an injured nerve may affect taste or how you move your mouth. Damage to blood vessels in the tongue can cause serious blood loss.
Extra saliva
A tongue piercing can increase saliva production, which the ADA notes can lead to excessive drooling.
Trouble at dental visits
The ADA says jewelry can get in the way of dental care by blocking X-rays. Your dentist may ask you to remove it before imaging. Our dental X-rays guide explains the common types.
Signs of infection: act quickly
The ADA advises contacting your dentist or physician immediately if you notice any of these around a piercing:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Fever
- Chills or shaking
- A red-streaked appearance around the site
Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing needs emergency care right away. For other urgent mouth problems, see what counts as a dental emergency.
If you already have an oral piercing
The ADA offers these steps to lower the risks:
- Keep it clean. Use a mouth rinse after every meal to keep the site free of anything that collects on the jewelry.
- Leave it alone. Try not to click the jewelry against your teeth, and avoid putting stress on the piercing.
- Be aware when talking and chewing. Move gently and pay attention to the jewelry’s movement.
- Check the tightness. With clean hands, check periodically that the jewelry is secure. This helps prevent swallowing or choking on loose pieces.
- Take it out for sports. Remove the jewelry and wear a mouthguard. See our guide to sports mouthguards.
- Keep up the basics. Brush twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist regularly.
The ADA’s overall view is that the best option is to consider removing mouth jewelry before it causes a problem.
If you are thinking about getting one
The ADA’s advice is not to pierce on a whim. A piercing is an added responsibility that needs constant attention and upkeep. Before deciding, consider:
- Are you prepared for daily cleaning and checking the jewelry?
- Do you play sports where you would need to remove it and wear a guard?
- Do you have fillings, crowns or other dental work near where the jewelry would sit?
- Do you have a habit of chewing on objects that could carry over to the jewelry?
Talking with your dentist first is a good idea. They can look at your teeth and gums and tell you what to watch for.
Questions to ask your dentist
- Do you see any chips, cracks or wear near my jewelry?
- Are my gums near the piercing healthy?
- Should I remove the jewelry before X-rays or other care at this visit?
- Is my jewelry position putting any fillings or crowns at risk?
- What should I do if I chip a tooth on it?
Telling your dentist
Mention any oral piercing at every dental visit, even if you remove the jewelry for the appointment. Your dentist can check for chips, cracks, worn spots and gum damage near the site, which are easier to treat early. If you need a dentist, you can search for one near you.
Frequently asked questions
Can a tongue piercing crack my teeth?
Yes. The ADA says biting down hard on the piercing can crack a tooth, and repeated clicking against teeth can cause damage.
What are signs my piercing is infected?
The ADA lists swelling, pain, fever, chills, shaking or a red-streaked appearance around the site. Contact your dentist or physician immediately if you notice these.
Should I take my jewelry out for sports?
Yes. The ADA recommends removing it during sports and protecting your mouth with a mouthguard.
Will my dentist make me take it out?
Possibly. The ADA notes that jewelry can block X-rays, so you may be asked to remove it for imaging.
Can a piercing cause numbness?
The ADA says nerve damage can cause a numb tongue after piercing. It is usually temporary but can sometimes be permanent.
Sources
By the Dentist Review Editorial Team.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own situation. See our disclaimer.
Featured image: “Detalle tongue piercing” by José María Bersabé, via Wikimedia Commons, in the public domain. Resized and compressed for the web.
Our guides are written and reviewed by the Dentist Review editorial team. We research each topic using public, authoritative sources such as the CDC, the National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIDCR), the American Dental Association (ADA) and CMS, and we update guides when guidance changes. Guides are for general information only and are not dental or medical advice; please read our disclaimer and learn more about us.