Oral piercings and their dental implications: a mini review

Abstract

Oral piercing has become common in young adults in recent years. Adolescents are characterized by a compulsive tendency to distinguish themselves from the rest; differences in clothes, hairstyle, or "decorative" details are used to this effect, based on highly-diverse criteria. Dental health-care professionals need to be aware of the procedures and risks involved with oral piercings and the social and psychological reasons that lead people to engage in this practice, regardless of the risks. The present article addresses oral mutilation practices, specifically from the oral health perspective, as it is of concern to dental professionals due to the health risks and oral complications associated with such practices. The various oral ornaments, piercing sites, and their implications, orally, as well as systemically, have been discussed.

Awareness of complications and maintenance mode of oral piercing in a group of adolescents and young Italian adults with intraoral piercing

“…The tongue is the most commonly pierced oral site. Different complications and side effects are associated with intraoral piercing, including pain, swelling, infection, gingival trauma, gingival recession, chipped or fractured teeth, increased salivary flow, metal hypersensitivity, and interference with speech and swallowing ( 4 ).Then it was found that tongue piercing may result in the colonization of periodontopathogenic bacteria at the piercing site in the absence of appropriate oral hygiene practices ( 5 ). It can also lead to airway obstruction ( 2 ) and midline diastema ( 6 ).…”

Ephebodontics: Camouflaged Pediatric Dentistry

“…Tobacco, alcohol and substance abuse, dietary disorders like anorexia, bulimia and adonis complex that affects the dental complex, and unaesthetic oral effects due to piercing of oral musculature can also be seen. 3,4 A preventive dentistry program should be fabricated for every adolescent visiting the dental clinic/operatory. Primary preventive measures should include instructions regarding appropriate usage of fluorides and dental sealants, oral hygiene care as well as diet counseling and management.…”

Share not judge

“…A study has found that complaints of fixed appliances included altered speech and swallowing 4 and it would be wise to warn patients regarding this. Fixed orthodontic appliances are not known to inhibit the function of the soft tissues during the oral phase of swallowing or the gag reflex.…”