Hi. I've had a tongue ring for a little over a year now and it seems like ever since I got it pierced it has been swollen or hurting. Well a couple of days ago I noticed two extremely painful lumps under my chin. Almost like cists except way more painful. I can't even tilt my head back. I took my tongue ring out, but I'm wondering if it could be caused by my tongue ring? Or maybe from smoking although I quit about 3 wks ago. It's really freaking me out because I heard if the infection spreads to your brain you could die.