So you’ve thought about it a lot and you’ve decide that you really want to pierce your tongue? Well, we dentists advise against this practice but if you absolutely must do it, you should do your homework. Regulations vary in each state, so use caution when deciding to go ahead with any kind of body piercing. The risk of blood-borne illnesses like HIV and Hepatitis B is ever-present. Particular risks associated with oral piercing are pain, swelling, infection, drooling, taste loss, scarring, chipped teeth and tooth loss. Make sure that you get your piercing done in a reputable establishment. Ask the person performing the piercing about post-piercing care, cleanliness, possible side-effects, and other concerns you may have.