Tongue piercing problems

Answer 1

The list of problems with tongue piercings can be quite long by condensed to a few simple things.

1. Galvanic corrosion
2. Dental damage to teeth
3. Gum erosion

The above are the big three, which I will explain in a bit of detail.

Galvanic corrosion occurs when unlike metals are submerged in and electrolyte. This would be stainless steel thread on balls on a titanium barbell shaft. (unlike metals) The electrolyte is the saliva in the mouth which is acidic, just like a car battery with lead and zinc plate in acid an electrical field is formed which can over time destroy the metal of the barbell (either the steel or the titanium) this can also lead to sore throats and oral irritation.

Dental damage to the teeth is generally due to clients not getting a shorter barbell in the tongue piercing once the swelling goes down, this in concert with playing with the barbell against the teeth can cause chipping and wear on the tooth enamel.

Gum erosion again is due to the failure to get the shorter barbell in the piercing once the initial swelling has eased, the balls rubbing inside the mouth can wear out the inner lining of the mouth and guns causing root exposure and tooth sensitivity.