Dentists have warned young people that oral piercings pose a major risk to their health and in some cases can result in life-threatening conditions.

The Irish Dental Association (IDA) says health issues which may result from piercings include infections, diseases such as hepatitis B, C and D, heart conditions, gum disease, nerve damage, tooth damage and allergic reaction to metals.

Dentists say they are seeing an increase in the number of young patients presenting to them with oral piercing- related issues between August and December every year.

They believe this may be due to young people attending music festivals such as Oxegen, going on holiday with their friends and also students preparing for college.

"The bottom line is this. Anyone who gets an oral piercing will damage their oral health. In many cases that damage will be irreversible", Dr Sean Malone, President of the Irish Dental Association said.

"The tongue is integral to speech and if a piercing becomes infected there is a risk of irreparable damage. At the very least you will damage your front teeth. Whatever their situation, we would urge any young person who is considering getting a tongue, lip or mouth piercing to first of all make themselves aware of the dangers beforehand" he said.

The IDA says young people with heart murmurs could be especially at risk. When a tongue or lip is pierced, bacteria can enter the mouth, and sometimes this leads to infective endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart).

"The risk of infections is heightened when people decide to get a piercing done when they are abroad or are attending a music festival. The standards of hygiene may well be lacking, leading to a greater risk of contracting hepatitis. That is why we are calling for the introduction of a regulatory code in Ireland and the EU for piercing establishments" Dr Malone said.