Health Tip: Oral Piercing

(HealthDayNews) -- Piercing may be a popular form of body art and self-expression, but oral piercings can be dangerous, the American Dental Association says.

Common symptoms after oral piercing include pain, swelling, infection and increased salivary flow. Potential complications include damage to teeth, interference with speech, and scarring.

Oral piercing can also cause prolonged bleeding of the tongue, airway obstruction from pronounced swelling, or accidental swallowing of jewelry.