Although tongue swelling after piercing is not uncommon, in some cases swelling indicates infection. When this happens, swelling may cut your breath. In rare cases, the doctor may pass the breathing tube through the patient's nose until the infection passes. In addition, excessively rubbing the barbell on the gum can cause the gum to recoil. Any infection can be serious and it is necessary to see the dentist when the first sign of a problem arises.
