Body modification including tattooing and piercing have been performed by various cultures for centuries. Today, oral piercing is becoming more popular, across both social classes and age groups. The tongue and lips are the most common sites for oral piercings. Immediate complications might include swelling, pain, speech difficulties, chewing and swallowing problems, upper airway obstruction, problems with blood vessels or nerve innervations and infection. Dental problems linked to oral piercing include tooth wear, fracture, and recession.
Researchers at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil evaluated a group of 60 individuals with tongue piercings and a control group of 120 individuals with no tongue piercings. Subjects ranged in age from 13 to 28 years and all came from a low socioeconomic area in Brazil. They were all examined clinically and completed written questionnaires.
The piercings were predominantly metal with 13 percent being metal and silicone and 15 percent being metal and plastic. Forty-three percent of subjects with piercings had them for two years or less, 43 percent had them for two to four years and eight percent had them for more than four years. Half the group reported a habit of biting the piercing and 75 percent reported a habit of rattling the piercing. Immediate complications upon insertion of the piercing were reported by 37 percent, with tooth fractures occurring in 20 percent of cases. Greater mandibular lingual recession was found in those with tongue piercings. Those with a tongue piercing were 18 times more likely to have gingival recession.
If you or someone you love are experiencing symptoms mentioned above and have an oral piercing, call your nearest Mortenson Family Dentist immediately to schedule a consultation at 502-244-9595 or visit our website at www.mortensonfamilydental.com to find a location near you.
Pires, I., Cota, L., Oliveira, A., Costa, J., Costa, F.: Association Between Periodontal Condition and Use of Tongue Piercing: A Case-Control Study. J Clin Perio 37: 712-718, 2010.
