Overly Chatty Penguins

The Ready Room => Off Topic => Topic started by: GrayDuck on March 29, 2005, 10:04:03 AM

Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: GrayDuck on March 29, 2005, 10:04:03 AM: It’s something I’ve always wanted to do – and I’ve decided if at the ripe old age of 25 if I’m still THAT curious about it, why the hell not just go do it. If I hate it I can just take it out – nothing lost but the $50 and the painful recovery days after it gets done, right?

So I’m all but committed to it – but I’m waiting for after my cruise since I guess you need the uber big starter bar in for a month after it gets done (My cruise is mid April.)

I have one specific question: I (for the life of me) can’t think of what it’s called, my dentist pointed out to me that I have a ‘condition’ for lack of a better word that only 10% of the population has. I guess the best way to describe it is under my tongue I have two big bumps (bones?) They stick up to about even with the bottom of my ‘lower’ teeth (so my tongue still can lay flat). And between the ‘bumps’ is umm well that flap of skin thingie that attaches your tongue and a ‘hole’? that’s just a hair too small for me to poke my index finger into. I thought everyone’s mouth was the same as mine – and I was fascinated to find out otherwise. I got to the dentist in a week or two I’ll find out exactly what it’s called (it doesn’t mean anything – it’s just how I am). Anyways – would a tongue piercing not fit properly into my mouth because of this?

What are your thoughts about that and the whole tongue piercing in general?
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Niteowl on March 29, 2005, 10:42:24 AM: Don't do it. I think they just linked lip piercing to increase occurance of mouth cancer or something nasty like that.

Get a tatoo or something.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: GrayDuck on March 29, 2005, 10:54:32 AM: Quote
Get a tatoo or something.
[snapback]44710[/snapback]

Been there, done that ;)
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Vinegar Ninja on March 29, 2005, 11:09:35 AM: why not ask either the piercer or a doctor?
asking us is like going to the village idiots convention and asking them questions.
that is unless someone here ACTUALLY knows what they are talking about, which somehow I doubt.
but seriously now, just go ask a dentist, doctor or the piercer or someone.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Iconoclast on March 29, 2005, 11:40:28 AM: Quote
why not ask either the piercer or a doctor?
asking us is like going to the village idiots convention and asking them questions.
that is unless someone here ACTUALLY knows what they are talking about, which somehow I doubt.
but seriously now, just go ask a dentist, doctor or the piercer or someone.
[snapback]44717[/snapback]

I've heard of cases involving brain tumors.

-saw some poster about it in one of my health classes, didnt look at it in depth but just do some research on your own.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: holy_devil on March 29, 2005, 12:47:25 PM: theres a lot of concern related to metals and piercings as it is, even spray deodorants(aluminum cans), so best bet is so stick away from impaling yourself with metal for the time being, until further research proves it wrong or right(rather be safe) i forget which problem/disease has this exactly, i think alzheimers(sp), is caused due to some sort of left over metals collecting in the brain. i may be wrong, thats off the top of my head.

but as you can see from above and what i can just pull out of my head randomly, there are things to be concerned with, so at the very least do a bunch of research first, don't want to lose my favorite duck :(
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: pardzh on March 29, 2005, 12:48:17 PM: Quote
Don't do it. I think they just linked lip piercing to increase occurance of mouth cancer or something nasty like that.

Get a tatoo or something.
[snapback]44710[/snapback]

Meh, nowadays everything is linked to cancer.

That's not the reason I wouldn't get my tongue pierced. I had a cousin who had hers done and it got infected. You probably don't wanna hear how that ended up, cause it was pretty friggin gross.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: That Annoying Kid on March 29, 2005, 01:26:38 PM: you don't have to worry about brain tumours, it's brain abcessess that can occur from infections of tounge rings. If your doing that at least do it at a clean facility yada yada yada

Random Fact: belly button piercings actually increase the risk of STD's by 30%
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: JHunz on March 29, 2005, 01:31:14 PM: Yeah, the main thing to watch out for is infection from what I've heard. You have to watch what you eat (and drink) for a couple weeks.

And I doubt extremely that belly button piercings have any effect on STDs. It's far more likely that the type of people who get them are simply somewhat more likely to contract STDs.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Legionnaired on March 29, 2005, 01:51:34 PM: I wouldn't do it, simply because whenever you talk to someone it's going to hit your teeth so much it's going to sound like a flipping riverdance going on behind you.

If you really want to have some metal jammed through your flesh, take up fencing and don't wear any equipment.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Mac on March 29, 2005, 02:40:06 PM: dont do it. tattoo's I see as expressing something about yourself maybe, but piercings are a lot more dangerous and they don't represent anything like tattoos usually do.. just a piece of metal stabbed through a body part. I see no pro's about it.

most piercings you get for others to see or whatever.. are you gonna be hanging your tongue out everywhere for people to see this metal bar impaling your tongue? The only way people will really know is by the way your speech will be jacked, and that's all you'll gain from it as far as I can see; messed up speech, oh and the pain.. and don't forget the possibility of infection like everyone else said. ^_^

..can someone point out the plus side to this? I can't think of anything..
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Loke The Sleek Peruvian on March 29, 2005, 02:40:26 PM: Quote
whenever you talk to someone it's going to hit your teeth so much it's going to sound like a flipping riverdance going on behind you.

[snapback]44731[/snapback]

Win.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: 2_of_8 on March 29, 2005, 03:22:11 PM: Don't do it duck! Get more tatoos instead, or something.
Or colour your hair pink :)
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Black Mage on March 29, 2005, 03:29:21 PM: /me hunts for esuna
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Niteowl on March 29, 2005, 03:56:54 PM: You want something different? Take up hanggliding! Or parasailing!

http://www.nchga.org/ (http://www.nchga.org/)
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Malevolent on March 29, 2005, 04:07:52 PM: Quote
..can someone point out the plus side to this? I can't think of anything..
[snapback]44736[/snapback]
I'm sure some people find it hot. But does Ducky's husband?
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: SlickWill on March 29, 2005, 05:00:41 PM: I heard that there is one pro to tongue piercing although it does involve somethingn I won't really get into depth about, however if this thingie is a reason for the ring, then you have to weigh the pros/cons, however, if not this imaginary something, then nobody can see it, so what is the point?
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: SuicidaL MonkeY on March 29, 2005, 05:07:58 PM: Ive had my eyebrows pierced 3 times...not at the same time but in a period of 2 and 1/2 years....both on my left eyebrow turned out fine but fell out...my right eyebrow rejected the ring...i've had my nipple ring for 3 years now..and no problems have appeared because of it...the reason...i wanted to get it...thats all everyone needs to know because its my reason.

For your concerns grayduck it is up to you if you want to get it pierced.....you wont be eating solid food for about 2 weeks and you'll have to mouthwash with listerine every time you drink or eat to clean your pierce..I have 6 friends with tongue rings and they turned out fine...just watch for it trying to reject...if you see the piercing is forcing its way..either to the left right up or down...and stretching your tounge...take it out....unfortunatly for you if that happens you can never have one their for your tongues sake...No..you wont get a lisp...you may here some clicking when you bite on it or move your tongue but you wont end up with a lisp...during the healing process on the other hand brings lots of goodies...Xtreme lisp...drooling...and it will be hard for ppl to understand you :) ...only bout 3 weeks of that

now im down to me nipple ring and my tattoo's....oh well...tis bout time to get a sleeve :D

PRO = Your satisfaction in getting something YOU want for your OWN reason..it isnt up to anyone else ^_^

CON = possible rejection
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: GrayDuck on March 29, 2005, 05:34:24 PM: Thank you monkey.

If you want to know... I've wanted a tongue piercing loooooong before I met my husband. And Looooooong before this 'reason' you keep referring to EVER occured to me. I guess I don't know exactly why I want one - some of my friends have or had them and I always thought they were cool? Lame reason, but true. Even before knowing someone w/ a tongue piercing I've been facinated by them.

And I could stand to go on a 'forced diet' - XP It'll be the new girlie trend.

And vinnie - you're the only idiot who replied kthx :p I asked here because I want some opinions from people who aren't biased one way or the other... and because I am almost positive that some of the LMers have or have friends who have this done. I was looking for first-hand stories, not OGM I read you can get a TUMOR! *dies* ;)
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Mac on March 29, 2005, 06:17:56 PM: meh... if you want to get it done, do so. You only live once ..or something. So if you're interested in something (especially for as long as you have been), then go for it.

Reminds me of that South Park episode with the tabacco company..

With a hidey lidey lidey and a hidey lidey lay
We work and we make cigarettes all hidey lidey day
So folks can get a breaky from their stressful lidey lives
And relaxy with the cigarettes we make all day and night

I like to have a cigarehette every now and then
It makes me fee-l calmer when the day is at an end.
And if it gives me cancer when I'm eighty I don't care
Who the hell wants to be ninety anyway?

So with a hidey lidey lidey and a hidey lidey lay
We work and we make cigarettes all hidey lidey day
So folks can get a breaky from their stressful lidey lives
And relaxy with the cigarettes we make all day and night

That being said.. er.. pierce-ith thy tongue, but ask someone who does piercings or a doctor/dentist if it's alright for your "condition".
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Necrosis on March 29, 2005, 07:38:02 PM: I know one person got a tongue piercing, ended up with a flap of tongue hanging loose. Freaky looking. Had to get it surgically removed.

Other than that....... just your usual hygiene worries, metal getting into the bloodstream, I know some people chip their teeth on them.

Plus points..... well, they're interesting for us in extracurricular physical activities, say no more.

So, is you condition a hole in the tongue itself, in the frenulum or is it just a big submaxillary duct?

http://www.bartleby.com/107/illus1202.html (http://www.bartleby.com/107/illus1202.html)

If you can, edit the image to give us an idea. I can look through my genetics database.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Slink on March 29, 2005, 08:05:30 PM: sounds like you've wanted one for a long time. If for nothing more than curiosity, but that is not to be discounted. Side effects could include health risk, suck as infection, accidental tearing, etc. Also, i'd imagine there could be some social repercussions. I've never had piercings, but i'd imagine that there would be some judgement about them. On the plus side, tounge piercings are pretty difficult to notice on most occaisons.

I'd say do it. soulds like you've been interested in it for quite some time. Sounds like other people here have gone into reasons not to get it done. if you're comfortable with those, then go for it.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: LowCrawler on March 29, 2005, 08:58:26 PM: do whatever you feel like doing and dont let anyone tell you otherwise.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Necrosis on March 29, 2005, 09:02:40 PM: Thats why LC is on the run from the law.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Legionnaired on March 29, 2005, 09:48:05 PM: If you ARE going to get one, shell out some extra money and get a silver, gold, or platinum plated stud, not just a steel one. Those metals are more innert than some of the others you would normally get, and are probably a little safer for you.

But I'd still advise checking with a doctor first. And letting Mr. Duck know in advance wouldn't hurt either :D.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: bacon_flaps on March 29, 2005, 10:21:03 PM: I'm sure I wouldn't mind.

He.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Leaderz0rz on March 30, 2005, 08:20:22 AM: my sister has a tongue ring for about 5 years now. she had it get infected and swollen a few times but nothing major. the most important thing is to use listerine or whatever after each meal/drink. yes its annoying but you will thank yourself when you don't get an infection.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: lolfighter on March 30, 2005, 09:04:50 AM: Curious. Iron shouldn't be a problem at all, especially not iron oxide. I mean, what do you think the red colour in your blood is? There might be some problems with the alloys used in piercings, though. There are probably other metals in there as well.
So the gold plating is probably not a bad idea. Not only do you have shiny shiny gold that never gets dull, it's also so inert that you don't need to worry about it. Platinum is even more inert, but looks boring.

Since you're swinging by the dentist anyway, ask him. He should know a thing or two about tongue piercings. He'll probably give you the whole shebang about risks to your health, but that's because he's a doctor. It can't be deadly, and he knows more about the human mouth than anyone here does. Especially concerning your rather unique condition.

And be sure to get it done somewhere reputable. If the dude is disinfecting his instruments over a candle flame, leave the shop and don't look back.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Necrosis on March 30, 2005, 12:15:27 PM: Iron oxide in the blood, a sealed and hygenic environment, its not the same as iron oxide from the outside world getting into the blood. Oxides from natural air will contain some pollutants and unhygenic little things that you don't want floating around your body.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: lolfighter on March 30, 2005, 01:33:09 PM: It's not like she's going to the local dump and licking the rusty nails there, this process is happening in her mouth. And iron oxide is iron oxide. If there any pollutants, she'd have swallowed them anyway.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Mr.Bill on March 30, 2005, 01:52:49 PM: If you go to the dentist he'll tell you not to get one (or should) because it's bad for your teeth, and could seamingly mess up your bite too. which is a BITCH if it's messed up enough.

I know, my dad is a dentist KEKEKE
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Necrosis on March 30, 2005, 03:41:45 PM: Look man I sat in chemistry for seven years, trust me there's a difference between what's floating about in the oxide.

Its not just about rusty nails you know...
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: lolfighter on March 31, 2005, 06:32:17 AM: I sat in chemistry for a little less than that. So while I may or may not know as much as you, I'm not witless.

Iron oxide is the end product of a chemical reaction between iron and oxygen. I don't remember in what proportion they react with each other, and am too rusty (olo pun) to remember how to find out, but the formula is somewhere along the lines of Fe + O = FeO.
So what you're saying is that FeO is not always just FeO. I'm willing to accept that if you will elaborate. I always accept a lesson, but only if it is actually taught to me.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Dirty Harry Potter on March 31, 2005, 07:31:38 AM: i think what's he's saying is that there's a difference between actual FeO and red bloodcells floating around in your blood. and FeO can be different in various ways, like it's "charge" - though, that's mostly a temporary thing irrc, since it will try to connect to other atoms or whatnot to become neutral. That and there are also "different" kinds iron, depending on how many electrons that HOVAR around the nucleus.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Necrosis on March 31, 2005, 11:15:03 AM: Clumps of FeO generated in the body will pick up other metals that happen to be floating about too. Because the blood is effectively a sealed unit, your main worries are a different metal sneaking in and getting oxidised - usually copper.

Now, FeO in the wider world is not "just" FeO. You've done chemistry (I'm counting University, not grammar school, otherwise it'd be 14 years, natch) so I don't have to explain Ferrous and Ferric iron. Other metals are floating around the mouth from amalgamated fillings, various foodstuffs, what you breathe in, and pretty much most bacteria you're going to meet in your life.

Secondly, molecules of oxide are not going to be "pure" oxide. They could contain bits of other elements that have been snagged up by the oxidation process. Chelates containing several metals. Stuff that floats about the mouth and generally doesn't do too much harm because it can't get "in". You may think "big deal" but remember that certain elements simply cannot be removed by the body, so letting them build up is a *bad* idea.

A piercing gives these a direct route to the blood. External piercings on skin aren't as bad, because of the way skin works, but internal ones on thin areas are the riskiest. Now, I know a ton of people who've had piercings, and so far all I heard bad about a tongue one was just that flap of skin one. At the same time, a tongue piercing is one of the riskiest because of the sheer amount of blood in the area. Its a sensitive spot to go poking around, and IF something should go wrong, then it will not go wrong in a small way. Interal piercings are either going to be ok, or disastrous, not much of a middle ground for them.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: lolfighter on March 31, 2005, 11:57:24 AM: *feels enlightened*
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Necrosis on March 31, 2005, 03:15:30 PM: I just dont like using long explanations chief. Also, when I try to explain things, I sometimes come off condescending, and thats not my intent at all.

Iron is a very annoying thing to learn in chemistry precisely because of the whole 2+ 3+ thing. Not happy memories. At. All.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: lolfighter on March 31, 2005, 03:19:36 PM: That whole +2 +3 shebang is right annoying yo.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: esuna on April 01, 2005, 05:43:21 AM: Not particulaly sure why i'm replying, on the most part it seems like preaching to the ****witted.

There's an actual very real danger with tongue piercing, no, it's not cancer, i won't go into explaining why, i don't think i should really waste my time explaining it, but the danger is facial paralysis.

Paralysis is only a problem if you have a bad piercer, and yes, it's permenant. If they pierce in the wrong place, or pierce at all (There is a chance that you won't be able to have a tongue piercing at all) they can really screw up and for the rest of your life your face will be broken.

But that's a very very very rare thing, as piercers in general are competant and know what they're doing. But that's also a very good reason as to why you should go to a good piercer, not a crappy one just because the crap one's cheap.

As for getting it done, sure, knock yourself out, i've had mine done for some 5 years now, other than the initial healing, never had a single problem with it.

As for the initial healing, it varies from person to person. It's impossible to say how your body will react to it, all i can tell you is what *could* happen, but then again, there's a small chance that none of them will happen.

The main one is the swelling of your tongue, this could last anything from 1-5 days, and believe me, it's very uncomfortable to do anything, even swallowing anything, eating is near impossible and drinking is painful as hell. On the most cases, people rarely swell for long, but it could be a long thing, i personally had 5 days of swelling, i didn't eat for all 5 of them, which looking back on it, is a bad idea. And then there's the usual things, bleeding (Not too common really), the usual generation of crap that you need to regulaly clean, general stinging or aching pain inside the piercing, and so on. But realy, the swelling is the bitch here.

And finally, bmezine.com (http://www.bmezine.com/) will answer any question whatsoever about piercing.

EDIT: And from that site, here (http://risks.bmezine.com/?Tongue_Piercing) is a summary of any risks and such involved with tongue piercing, and for all you "OMGZ CANCAR" people, read this (http://risks.bmezine.com/?cmd=search&query=cancer).

"While there may be fictional theoretical anecdotes illustrating this, there is no evidence supporting this theory."
"To be clear: tongue piercing does not lead to cancer!"
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: SlickWill on April 01, 2005, 02:23:25 PM: As far as the iron debate. There is iron in your blood. However, the SKIN gets irrated from some metals which aren't that inert, as in iron. Therefore, it can cause problems. It's a skin irratation, not a chemical reaction. Moot point though, they use steel. :D

Edit: speling eror
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Necrosis on April 01, 2005, 02:25:41 PM: Thats odd, because cancer is caused by so many things that its very hard to point at something and say "that won't give you cancer".

In fact I'd be more suspicious of something if they said it was 100% to have nothing to do with cancer. Genetic abnormalities for the win, GG.

In any case, cancer is the least of your worries compared to metal poisoning or a variety of charming infections.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Plaguebearer on April 01, 2005, 02:27:11 PM: I had a friend with a tongue piercing that got infected, ended up with a huge black boil on his tongue. Eww.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: lolfighter on April 02, 2005, 06:44:29 AM: I would dare to claim that a skin irritation is also a chemical reaction, though. There is almost nothing in your body that ISN'T a chemical reaction of sorts. Even your neurons don't work entirely off electricity, your synapses use chemicals to transfer signals.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: GrayDuck on April 05, 2005, 03:48:08 PM: Ok so what I have in my mouth is called 'Torus' I can't find a pic online that I like that looks exactly like mine - but it's similar to the third image here (http://images.google.com/images?q=torus%20dental&num=100&hl=en&lr=lang_en&c2coff=1&safe=off&sa=N&tab=wi):

I didn't ask the dentist about a piercing, I was too busy being told to floss more.

Still thinking about this.... hmmmmmmm
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: bacon_flaps on April 05, 2005, 04:57:33 PM: Ew, mouths are gross :x
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Necrosis on April 05, 2005, 07:23:46 PM: Aha, torus mandibularis.

Well, its more common in women than in men. Its not necessarily inherited, but since you say others have it in your family then I'm inclined to think its the inherited variety. You can inherit it from just one parent, so chances are at least one of your parents has a torus. Further, you're likely going to pass it to your kids, as its a dominant trait.

Interestingly, the larger the torus, the higher the density of your normal bones.

The gene itself controls a protein involved in bone development, eye development, and normal cholesterol and glucose metabolism. Its also related to another condition which gives people enlarged mandibles as well as a thicker, tougher skeleton.

Not too bad, all things considered..
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: GrayDuck on April 05, 2005, 07:32:12 PM: hmmm my dentist said it was from grinding my teeth.... but he couldn't tell me exactly how grinding my teeth gave me extra bones sticking out of the bottom of my mouth - he just said the torus was a result... ???

Back to initial quesiton - will a tongue ring be bothered by it? to give you an idea to how bad mine is --- there is probably a centimeter between my two 'bumps' - I can just barely wedge my finger inbetween them. Thoughts?
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Necrosis on April 05, 2005, 08:44:09 PM: I'm not a dentist, but from what I can see a torus would develop in order to support the jaw, like a structural reinforcement.

However, if it runs in the family then its likely the inherited mutant gene. At the same time, it could also be an inherited grinding trait.

If its grinding, your dentist will notice chipped teeth, flat back teeth, and the tops of your teeth will look faceted, like a gemstone. You'll also have damage near the root of your teeth, as thats where the tooth "bends". If thats the case, its time to buy a dental guard.

If thats not the case, then its just the inherited lumps and bumps.

As for piercing.... I personally wouldn't combine a subconscious tooth grinding habit with a bit of metal. Run it past your dentist if its the grinding thats causing torus development. Most dentists dont like tongue piercing as is... it tends to chip teeth, which is something you do NOT want if you already have problems with grinding.

If its not grinding, then as well as the usual health concerns, you have to consider if swelling of the tongue is going to affect your mouth. If those bumps already take up a bit of space, then a swollen tongue could be very hazardous. Swelling is fairly common as part of tongue piercing, and the presence of a bar moving around your mouth might agitate those lumps.

I can't tell you whether or not to go for it... I'm not into piercing at all so I might be biased that way, but imho if its just for cosmetic reasons then I'd really not bother. If you get your tooth grinding fixed then I'd certainly give it more consideration, and if the grinding is fixed AND there's plenty of space in the mouth then I'd give it as much thought as any other piercing.
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: GrayDuck on April 05, 2005, 08:58:16 PM: curse you for being so logical <_<
Title: Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercing
Post by: Necrosis on April 06, 2005, 06:34:38 PM: Its life Jim, but not as we know it.

*raises eyebrow*