Uvula Piercing

Uvula is the small tissue that hangs down from the back portion of the soft palate in the mouth. It is soft and small in size. It is made of connective tissues which have racemose glands and muscular fibers. The primary uvula function is to make speech coherent and clear.

There are different types of body piercings, like tongue piercing, eyebrow piercing, belly piercing, and many more. Uvula piercing is a rare piercing, where piercing takes place through the uvula. However, there are many risks of body piercing which should be taken care of. More on body piercing and ear piercings.

The jewelry used for uvula piercing are small-diameter captive bead rings. Captive bead rings are commonly used in body piercing. It is an enclosed ring with a bead. The size of the bead is bigger compared to the opening, allowing the ring to fit perfectly. Often, the hole is made through the bead for a proper fit. The ring is mostly made of stainless steel, titanium or niobium, and is easily removable. The procedure of uvula piercing is simple, though many professionals may refuse to perform it. This procedure can also prove to be difficult for some individuals. It entirely depends upon the person on whom it is being performed. One should be very careful in case of uvula piercing as it is possible that the person may swallow the jewelry. Uvula piercing may sometimes not give the desired outcome and lead to bisection (division into two equal halves) of the uvula. Thus, it should be performed with intense care, else you might have to face a number of uvula problems due to uvula piercing.

Uvula Piercing: Side Effects

• Uvula infection is a common side effect after uvula piercing, as the oral region consists of more bacteria. There might be an infection in the oral skin or tissues due to opening in skin, which can increase due to the jewelery worn.
• The open wound at the pierced site may cause oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream which can affect people who have cardiac problems.
• Excessive bleeding can occur due to blood vessels damage.
• There can be transmission of blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis B or tuberculosis.
• Uvula swelling is also one of the side effects of uvula piercing. The mucous membrane around the uvula gets swollen, causing it to expand 3 - 5 times the size of the uvula. Swollen uvula becomes red and is painful, and also causes difficulty in breathing. More on swollen uvula causes.
• There is also a possibility of nerve damage while piercing.
• There can be a gum injury or tooth damage due to the jewelry.
• You may also experience difficulty in speaking and swallowing.
• There might be a danger of jewelry ingestion leading to digestive problems.

It's better to use properly sterilized instruments and gold jewelry to lower the risk of infection.

Uvula Piercing: After Care

These are some tips you need to follow after uvula piercing.

• Rinse your mouth regularly with an antibacterial mouthwash and keep your mouth clean.
• Change your jewelry only after 6 - 8 weeks of piercing. Use a small size jewelry which won't affect your gums and teeth. Wash your hands before changing the jewelry. It's better to go to the piercer to change uvula jewelry, as it's a very sensitive part and massaging the uvula may lead to vomiting.
• Avoid excessive smoking or alcohol consumption because it will prolong the healing time, causing side effects.
• Don't panic if there is a yellow secretion(containing lymph and dead cells), as it is a sign of healing.
• Avoid touching your new piercing as it may increase the infection.
• Use a alcohol-free mouthwash, as excessive use of a mouthwash with alcohol may kill the natural bacteria present turning the tongue surface white.

These were some uvula piercing side effects and prevention. In case the condition worsens, uvula surgery may be necessary. Uvula surgery can also help if there is a problem of snoring or sleep apnea. But prevention is very necessary in case of any oral piercing. Thus, stay healthy and take care of your oral hygiene.