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Piercings are becoming increasingly popular especially because many artists, such as Cristina Aguilera and Scary Spice, have made them very famous.
Although it may be very fashionable, the British Dental Association (BDA) reports that getting a tongue piercing may cause infections, broken teeth, breathing problems and, in some cases, even speech impediments.
Most piercings have a great risk of infection, but mouth piercings are considered the most risky since it is considered an unsanitary area and the airways are close by. Whenever an infection happens the most common symptoms are swelling, which leads to blocked or restricted airway.
Besides this, having a piercing may also generate bacteria under the tongue, which spreads quickly. This may also lead, in some cases, to ‘potentially fatal toxic shock syndrome or blood poisoning’.
The Jerusalem Post reported the case of a 19-year-old Israeli combat soldier who died at Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center after suffering complications from a tongue piercing. An oral infections led to 12 other infections including his brain.
A Declaration from 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.” (1)
Professional piercings by professional piercers are the first step to avoiding complications. The second step is to clean and care for your piercings and seek the advice of your piercer or doctor if anything seems wrong. It is not necessary to avoid body piercings as long as you take the proper steps and precautions.
(1) http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/399218.stm
(2) http://tattoo.about.com/b/2006/10/22/news-piercing-cases-a-cause-for-concern.htm
(3) http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1222017359881&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
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