You might be asking, “What sort of things are included in the definition of ‘body jewelry?’” This type accessory is defined as an item of jewelry usually worn on parts of the body through a piercing. Examples include earrings, belly button rings, tongue rings, or nose rings. The most popular form of body jewelry seems to be earrings but you might be surprised at how many adults/teens have other parts of their bodies “accessorized.” Some publications report that no external part of the body has gone un-pierced.  What could this mean for the future of America?

It’s safe to say that teens from age 14-20 are probably the most popular age group to receive some sort of piercing in or on their bodies. So what are the risks of body jewelry? How could wearing a simple metal ring in your nose or lip turn into a hazard? The problem with an oral piercing is that, believe it or not, there are people out there who have experienced chipping a tooth or winding up with gum damage. It is also a possibility that if these teens wear a ring in their mouth or nose, it could be swallowed accidentally but very easily.

There are dozens of things to take into consideration before deciding to pierce one’s body. Risks include bleeding, swelling, scarring and allergic reactions to the accessory.  Generally, these issues can be cared for with simple over the counter medications, but if left untreated they may eventually require surgery.

The next time you set out to get a piercing, check the facts first. Make sure that you know what the risks could include and how serious of a problem one item of body jewelry can become.

Tongue Ring
The traditional tongue ring is a 14 or 16 gauge straight barbell that penetrates directly vertical through the center of the tongue.  The web tongue ring is generally a 14 or 16 gauge shorter, curved barbell (similar to and eyebrow ring) that sits horizontal through the “web” under the tongue.

Both of these piercings take a fairly short amount of time to heal and can be ready to change in as little as 4 weeks.  Most states require age 16 or age 18 for piercing.

Industrial
The industrial is a piercing that penetrates two parts of the outer ear.  It can be done in various places but both holes are generally along the cartilage of the ear and are 14 or 16 gauge.  A ball is secured to each end and this piercing takes 4 to 6 months to heal.

Labret/Monroe
Although the labret and monroe are two different piercings, they are a similar concept.  They each pierce the area directly around the mouth or lips.  Typically the Monroe is on the top lip, off to the side (like the infamous Marilyn Monroe mole) and the labret is on the bottom, usually in the center. These piercings go directly through the lip and use a unique type of ring.  They are 16 gauge and very short; the back is a flat surface that can rest against the gum or teeth and the outside is a ball or decorative gem.

Surface Rings
Surface piercings are exactly what the name implies; they are on the surface.  They do not penetrate one spot on the skin and come out on another, rather they stick into the skin and do not come out the other side.   They stay in the body by using a “fishhook” design.  That is, they can move down into the skin, but as you pull out of the skin, it will be stopped, or stuck, by the hook.  In most cases these rings are professionally removed or changed.