Tongue Piercing Cause of Death

Man, 22, Dies After Tongue-Piercing Causes Brain Abscesses
Wednesday, October 14, 2009

They may seem cool to teenagers and young adults, but having your
tongue pierced can be deadly, BBC News reported.

A 22-year-old man died of multiple brain abscesses just weeks after
piercing his tongue, according to a report in the Archives of
Neurology.

According to doctors, an infection can spread from the site of the
piercing and go up to the brain.

"Dentists are all too aware of the health problems that can be caused
by oral piercings," said Professor Damien Walmsley, a scientific
adviser to the British Dental Association. "There are many potential
complications, ranging from pain and swelling to chipped or cracked
teeth. Patients who have oral piercings can also suffer with recession
of the gums and prolonged bleeding.

"Piercing of oral sites also carries with it a risk of infection. The
clear message is that oral piercing is ill-advised and should be
avoided."