The Ouch-ly Way Is Essex! Amy Childs shows off her new tongue piercing as she returns home from Los Angeles

By Sarah Bull

Last updated at 11:45 AM on 19th December 2011

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It was a trend popular in the early nineties, when famous faces including Spice Girls singer Mel B and Zara Phillips sported them.
But now it seems reality TV star is Amy CHilds is hoping to make the tongue piercing popular again.
The former TOWIE star showed off her new accessory as she attended the launch of the new Prezzo restaurant in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, last night, before continuing her evening at Nu Bar in Loughton.

Ouch! Amy Childs last night showed off her new tongue piercing as she headed out in Essex after returning home from Los Angeles

Did that hurt? But Amy looked delighted with her new accessory

Amy opened her mouth wide to show off the piercing, which appeared to be a silver stud, as she enjoyed her first evening out since returning from Los Angeles earlier this week.
However, while the 21-year-old star looked thrilled with her new addition, tongue piercings don't come without dangers.
According to the British Dental Association, the piercings can lead to infection, chipped reeth and viruses.
A statement on the association's website reads: 'Potential complications include pain and swelling, chipped and cracked teeth, recession of the gums and prolonged bleeding. Difficulties with chewing, swallowing and speech can result. Infection is also a risk.
'Unclean piercing equipment can transmit bacteria and viruses, including hepatitis B and C, and patients who fail to heed advice on hygiene and follow-up care can spread additional infections.

Dressed to impress: Earlier in the evening, Amy was joined by Nicola McLean as the pair attended the launch of the new Prezzo restaurant in Buckhurst Hill

Cuddling up: At Nu Bar in Loughton later in the night, Amy and Nicola cuddled up in front of the cameras

'In severe cases, infection can pass through the bloodstream from the original site to the heart or brain, with extremely serious consequences.'
Before heading on to Nu Bar, Amy had made her Essex return at the Prezzo launch, where she was joined by friends including Nicola McLean.
The pair posed up in front of the cameras, kissing and cuddling as they had a long-awaited reunion following Amy's trip Stateside.

Family night out: Peter Andre attended the Prezzo launch with his children Princess and Junior

Posing up: Amy was taught how to make the perfect pizza by chef Aldo Zilli

The former TOWIE star enjoyed a week in Los Angeles where she filmed scenes for her reality show, It's All About Amy.
She stayed in a hotel on the famous Sunset Boulevard and stepped out in a number of eye-catching outfits as she competed with the American celebrities.
The Prezzo launch in Buckhurst Hill was also attended by Peter Andre, who took children Junior and Princess, and chef Aldo Zilli, who taught Amy how to make the perfect pizza in the eatery's open kitchen.

Starting the trend: Spice Girls singer Mel B and Zara Phillips were famous for their tongue piercings in the nineties