Piercings inside your mouth, such as a tongue or labret piercing, can be more risky than other piercings because of the amount of bacteria and toxins in your mouth. Oral piercings can increase the risk of infection, gum disease, nerve damage or numbness at the piercing site, tooth damage from the metal jewelry, or excessive drooling and altered sense of taste. They can also serve as a convenient “in” for transmitted diseases such as herpes and hepatitis. However, when done by a trained professional and with careful attention to correct aftercare, oral piercings can cause just minimal discomfort and heal quickly with no problems. Be sure to select a reputable, sanitary piercing studio and don’t cut corners in caring for the piercing as it heals. Information makes all the difference.