Pierced tongue leads to upset stomach

Tongue piercing greatly increases the risk of infection in the mouth, say scientists at the University of Innsbruck, Austria. They also found that the ornaments made of stainless steel is much more dangerous than titanium or plastic.

Researchers led by Dr. Ines Kapferer asked 68 women and 12 men with pierced tongue insert sterile decoration of four different materials: stainless steel, titanium and two kinds of plastics - PTFE and polypropylene. When two weeks later and removed the decorations on them to measure the concentration of bacteria, the researchers found that the most harmful microorganisms on stainless steel.

From what is found on their surfaces, were staphylococci, streptococci and Pseudomonas - the bacteria that cause infections of oral cavity and digestive disorders. Scientists believe that on the surface were formed more easily "biofilm", which is an intensive growth of bacteria.

According to Dr. Kapferer, fans of body piercing should be avoided not only steel jewelry and titanium - and because of the risk of infection, and because of the possibility of injury to the teeth and gums.