1. Severe bleeding or nerve damage: if the needle punctures a blood vessel during the piercing, severe and difficult-to-control bleeding could occur.

2. Infection: the mouth contains millions of bacteria, and bacterial infection is a common complication from tongue piercing.

3. Pain: healing time prolonged.

4. Swelling: the tongue could swell large enough to close off the airway.

5. Disease transmission: The National Institutes of Health (www.nih.gov) has identified piercing in general as a possible vector for blood borne hepatitis (hepatitis B, C, D and G) transmission. In addition, there is risk of other disease transmission such as HIV.

6. Choking hazard: tongue jewelry could come loose in the mouth creating a choking hazard.

7. Chipped or cracked teeth: tongue jewelry can chip or crack the teeth.

8. Enamel loss: tongue jewelry can increase the risk of damage to teeth enamel.

9. Recessed gums: The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) has reported that tongue piercing increases the risk for recessed gums.

10. Tooth loss: The JADA has reported that tongue piercing increases the risk for loose teeth and tooth loss.

11. Scar tissue formation: thick scarring could form at the piercing site.

12. Speech Interference: tongue jewelry can interfere with speech.

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