Heather Lawson -Myers - TOOTH TALK
HOW IS tongue piercing done? A needle, the same size and shape as the jewellery, is inserted inside a plastic sheath and used to puncture the tongue. The needle is removed, leaving the sheath until a temporary piece of jewellery can be placed. The temporary piece of jewellery is usually longer than expected, to accommodate the swelling of the tongue.
During the first 24 to 48 hours, the tongue usually swells to almost twice its normal size. Sucking ice and drinking cold water can minimise swelling and tenderness. Aspirin should not be taken as it could cause problems with bleeding.
In addition to the tongue swelling, there is a fair amount of difficulty speaking, eating and swallowing for the first week and some persons may have long-term difficulty with speech, taste and swallowing. There is an increase in salivary flow resulting in drooling. This may resolve in a few days, although for some that isn't so.
The tongue is in constant motion, which can result in delayed healing; therefore talking should be restricted for a few days after the piercing. If the piercer does not use surgical-grade stainless steel or niobium, there is an increased risk of an allergic reaction. The average healing time for tongue or lip piercing is one to two months.
During the healing period, people should avoid alcohol, hard and sticky foods, smoking and spicy foods. Meticulous care must be taken to ensure that there is a minimum of bacteria in the mouth. Teeth should be brushed after every meal and antibacterial mouthwash should be used for 30 seconds after eating and drinking anything other than water.
A new toothbrush should be used and you should not chew on pens or other items. Warm salt-and-water rinses help to remove dried discharge and increase circulation to the piercing. Epsom salt should not be used and there should be no oral contact, for example, kissing during the healing process.
NON-MEDICAL PERSONNEL
It is hardly likely that someone would go to an auto mechanic to get a chic haircut, yet young persons flock to non-medical personnel to have surgery! Piercers are not trained or licensed to prescribe antibiotics and do not take medical histories. A licensed dentist, however, routinely takes a medical history of a patient before performing surgery and would know in advance to prescribe antibiotics for a patient whose history reveals a particular heart valve condition. All surgical instruments should be sterilised in an autoclave, personnel should be vaccinated against hepatitis B and all needles and jewellery should be kept in sterilised packages. Health certificates should be displayed.
Oral jewellery will collect plaque, especially in the crevice of the ball or disc and the bar. Plaque traps bacteria and can cause a bad odour. Daily use of an anti-plaque rinse will prevent plaque build-up, therefore the jewellery should be removed and soaked in an antibacterial cleaner.
Piercing your tongue, lip or cheek may be a prelude to oral health problems. Before having an oral piercing it is wise to have a complete understanding of the health-related risks. The dental fraternity does not recommend oral piercing but if you have a piercing, it is important to make an appointment with your dentist, if you suspect a problem or have a concern. It is critical for dentists to check your teeth, gums, tongue and soft tissues for early signs of any problems.
Dr. Heather-Dawn Lawson-Myers, President, Jamaica Dental Association (2003/4).
