Yes. Infections are common if good hygiene standards haven’t been followed. Scarring, nerve damage, and the transmission of hepatitis B and C are also known risks. If you choose an oral piercing and you play with it, it can cause trauma to the teeth and gum, leading to tooth fractures, gingivitis, and gum recession. Tongue piercings can cause the tongue to swell temporarily. More severe, and even life threatening, side effects have been known.
Ask your body piercest to give you a complete overview of the risks before you book your piercing appointment. You can minimise risk by booking your body piercing with an experienced professional who follows stringent hygiene rules.