Piercings can be dangerous warn dentists

DENTISTS have warned that it’s “only a matter of time” before a teenager or young person dies as a result of dangerous and potentially life-threatening tongue piercings.

The Irish Dental Association (IDA) said its members are seeing an increasing number of patients coming to them as a result of damage caused by oral jewellery — such as tongue, lip or mouth piercings — which can result in infections, illnesses and in some cases death.

The vast majority of these patients present at this time of year, to coincide with holidays, concerts and the start of college.