What can happen if a patient has a tongue piercing?

A tongue piercing can indeed lead to a chipped tooth. This is largely due to the hard material of the jewelry coming into contact with the teeth during normal movements such as speaking and chewing. Over time, this constant abrasion can lead to wear on the enamel and potentially fracture or chip the tooth, particularly if the person inadvertently bites down on the jewelry.

Chipped teeth can lead to further dental complications, including increased sensitivity, the possibility of decay within the chipped area, and sometimes even the need for more extensive dental work to restore the tooth's integrity.

While the other consequences listed may seem plausible, they are not as directly associated with tongue piercings as chipped teeth are. Delayed eruption of teeth is typically more related to developmental issues rather than a direct result of a piercing. Increased saliva production can occur with a tongue piercing, but it is not a negative consequence in the same way that dental damage is. Fungal infections are a risk with body piercings in general but are less common specifically for tongue piercings compared to other health-related complications. Therefore, the primary and most significant concern linked with tongue piercings is the potential for chipped teeth.