Piercing areas of the mouth – most commonly the tongue or lips – is a popular trend among adolescents and young adults. It involves inserting a piece of jewelry called a “barbell” (due to the shape) anywhere along the lips or near the front of the tongue. In some cases, the cheeks may also be pierced.

Most dentists discourage oral piercings due to a number of risks associated with the procedure. The most common are chipped teeth and infection. It is estimated that one in every five oral piercings results in infection, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. Additional risks include allergic reaction, excessive bleeding, gum and nerve damage, as well as difficulty speaking, breathing or eating. People with certain conditions (e.g., heart defects, allergies, immune system deficiencies) should not receive an oral piercing.

Prior to receiving an oral piercing, people are encouraged to check for certain sanitary practices at the facility performing the piercing. This includes use of an autoclave (pressurized device that uses high temperatures to sterilize equipment), gloves and a generally clean and tidy appearance. A piercing gun should not be used for oral piercings.

An oral piercing procedure typically does not include anesthesia. The spot to be pierced is marked with a pen, and a hollow needle inserted through it. A starter barbell is inserted into the hole, which is usually large enough to accommodate swelling in the area after the piercing. It should be exchanged for a smaller barbell after the site heals.

Pain and swelling are common after an oral piercing. The area may take four weeks or longer to completely heal, although the swelling usually goes down within the first few days. People recovering from a piercing may want to use certain mouth rinses, a new soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoid handling the jewelry in the mouth.