The device consists of a small semi-rigid mesh sutured onto the surface of the tongue, making chewing solid food painful or impossible.
Patients are forced to consume a strictly liquid or puréed diet, often leading to rapid weight loss.
While marketed as a “miracle solution,” the lingual mesh carries significant risks for oral health and overall well-being.
Oral Health Risks
★ Infections
The tongue is highly vascular and covered with bacteria. Suturing a foreign body to it increases the risk of local infections.
★ Halitosis (bad breath)
Food debris and bacteria accumulate around the mesh, causing persistent malodor.
★ Taste alterations
Damage or pressure on the taste buds can lead to loss or distortion of taste sensation.
★ Gingival and periodontal problems
Shifts in pH and bacterial composition increase the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
★ Caries development
The forced consumption of liquid diets, often rich in sugars, can promote caries.
Systemic Risks
✔ Difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene and swallowing.
✔ Nutritional imbalances, since liquid diets are rarely sufficient for long-term metabolic health.
✔ Neurological complications, due to possible injury to lingual nerves.
✔ Airway obstruction if the mesh loosens or detaches, especially while sleeping.
Warnings from Health Authorities
Several health authorities in Latin America and Europe have issued alerts against the lingual mesh.
They emphasize
★ Lack of long-term scientific evidence to support its safety or efficacy.
★ Documented adverse events such as pain, infections, and speech difficulties.
★ Ethical concerns, as patients may be exposed to unnecessary harm without medical justification.
A Safer Approach to Weight Management
Dentists and physicians agree that weight control should never come at the expense of oral health. Sustainable options include:
✔ Nutritionally balanced diets designed by a certified dietitian.
✔ Regular physical activity adapted to individual needs.
✔ Evidence-based medical interventions (when indicated), such as supervised pharmacological therapy or bariatric procedures, always under professional care.
Key Takeaway
The lingual mesh for weight loss is not a safe or scientifically validated method.
It threatens oral health, creates systemic risks, and has been discouraged by public health organizations.
Patients seeking weight management should always consult healthcare professionals who can provide safe and sustainable solutions.
