Tongue Piercing Material Affects Bacterial Growth
January 26, 2011

By Nancy Volkers
InteliHealth News Service

INTELIHEALTH - Stainless steel tongue studs may encourage more bacteria to grow than studs made of plastic, a study says.

Researchers from Innsbruck Medical University did the study. It involved 85 people who already had a tongue piercing. Each was given a new tongue stud. The stud was made from one of four materials: steel, titanium or two types of plastic. After 2 weeks, researchers looked at the bacteria around the piercings.

They found 80 species of bacteria. Sixty-seven of them were found at higher levels around stainless steel piercings than around plastic ones. Several of the bacteria can cause periodontal disease. The researchers also found more Staphlyococcus bacteria around steel and titanium piercings.

The researchers found low levels of bacteria on plastic and titanium studs and therefore concluded that existing tongue piercings don't pose an increased risk for oral infection.

Tongue piercings are a concern to some dentists and physicians because they can interfere with chewing, swallowing and talking. Complications can include pain and swelling.

The research is in the January 18 online edition of the Journal of Adolescent Health.