Siletz
Community
“Cha-may weeya
Medicine Talk
Tooth Talk
Self-Esteem Pledge
by Linda Kreutzer RDH
Tongue Piercing
Most dental professionals will tell
you it’s not the healthiest thing for your
mouth, but let’s face it, lots of people
have chosen to do this. Here are some
things to think about if you already have
your tongue pierced, are thinking about
it, or know someone who has done it.
Never try tongue piercing on your
own. Many blood vessels are located in
the area. Serious bleeding problems or
infection can occur if this is done without
knowing what you are doing.
Have your tongue pierced by a
professional. Trained “piercers” have
studied and practiced for two years and
have done 6,000 piercings under the
supervision of a trained piercer.
Regulation of piercers falls under the
jurisdiction of the Dept, of Public Health.
Make sure the piercer has proper
credentials.
To date, the state of Oregon gives
no licensure for this. That means it’s
important to be very careful when
deciding to go through with something
like this. Look around. Are the
instruments autoclaved and taken out of
sterilized bags? Is the room spotless? If
not, go somewhere else.
Important Things to Know
Healing time is six to eight weeks.
That’s a long time to keep the area clean.
The mouth should be rinsed 12 times per
Health
Clinic
day with an antibacterial mouthwash for
the first four to six weeks.
The tongue will usually swell two
to three times its normal size for the first
two or three days. After the swelling goes
down, it’s important to be re-fitted for a
shortened bar post. If the original longer
one is left in the mouth, teeth may
become chipped or the tongue bitten.
It’s a good idea to use acrylic balls
(tongue jewelry). They do not cause as
much trauma on the gums and teeth.
If the tongue becomes infected, it’s
important to leave the barbell in. It’s
important for the wound to be able to
drain. If the barbell is removed and the
wound closes, an abscess could occur.
Plan on leaving the jewelry in at all
times. Even healed piercings can shrink
or close in minutes after having been
there for years.
Since tongue piercing has been
around for only about 10 years, dentistry
hasn’t had much time to look at long-term
effects on the mouth. What has been
noted, however, is that people with
pierced tongues have more problems
with chipped front teeth, bone loss, and
distortion of the hard palate.
On the other hand, many people
have no problems with their pierced
tongues. One should think long and hard
before getting this done and be ready to
take immaculate care of the piercing site
while it is healing.
I can do anything I believe I can do!
I have talent, skills, and ability
I set goals and I reach them.
I know what I want out of life.
I go after it and I get it.
People like me and I feel good
about myself.
I have confidence in who I am.
I believe in myself!
Nothing seems to stop me.
I have a lot of determination.
I turn problems into advantages.
I find possibilities in things that other
people never give a chance.
I keep myself up, looking ahead and
liking it!
I know that I can accomplish anything
I choose.
I refuse to let anything negative
hold me back or stand in my way.
I’ve got myself together and I’m getting
more together every day.
And today, look out world -
here I come!
I can recognize my weaknesses and
learn from my mistakes.
I will not demand perfection of
myself, but
I expect the very best of what
I have to give
and that’s what I get.
I am an exceptional human being.
I am intelligent, responsible
and educated.
I have power to live my dreams.
I believe in them like I believe
in myself,
where nothing can diminish my
undefeatable SPIRIT!
Employee Awards Highlight Meeting
Sandra Hahn (I) and Danelle Zosel-
Sanderson congratulate DeAnn
Brown on her award from the Lincoln
County Tobacco Prevention Coalition
for her non-smoking restaurant,
Sweet River Corner.
Janet Dair, director of the tribe’s
Alcohol and Drug Program, was named
Employee of the Year at an all-staff
meeting in December.
Dair was singled out for her
dedication to her job and to
tribal members.
Mari Kramer was named Employee
of the Quarter for her work on the tribal
Forest Management Plan.
Rena Philbrook, Kelli Brugh, Shari
Bennett, Carole Gardner, Robin Limbert,
Jayne Albrecht, Willie Metcalf, Angela
Ramirez, Trevor Trachsel, and Lori Jay
received Outstanding Service awards.
Marlene Van Noy, Kelley Ellis, and
Laura Bremner received Superior
Accomplishment awards.
Length of service awards were
given to Charlie Butler, Darlene
Carkhuff, Judy Muschamp, and Yvonne
Vanlandingham for 15 years; Shannon
Case for 10 years; and Laurie Brown-
Godfrey, Reggie Butler Jr., and Robert
Kentta for five years.
Special awards went to Selene
Rilatos for her cultural contributions to
the housing program, Connie Hoffman
for her service as SIHA executive
director, and DeAnn Brown (see photo).