Consumers should avoid stainless steel

Consumers should avoid stainless steel New research suggests that plastic studs used in tongue piercings are less likely to stone cause infection compared to metal studs, according to HealthDay News.

Researchers at Innsbruck Medical University in Austria found that stainless steel studs are more likely to build up bacteria and cause infections or other complications.

“Consumers should avoid stainless steel and titanium studs in favor of [plastic], not only because of bacteria and a potentially higher risk of local infection of the stone piercing channel, but also because of the risk of tooth chipping and gum recession," said study author Dr. Ines Kapferer.