Comprehensive assessment of dental behaviour and oral status in patients with tongue piercing-results of a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Aim of this cross-sectional case-control study was the comprehensive examination of oral health, oral behaviour and oral health-related quality of life of patients with tongue piercing. Furthermore, different piercing related factors and the presence of habits should be considered regarding their potential association to piercing-related complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants with tongue piercing (n = 50) and a matched control (n = 50) were included. Dental examination included decayed-, missing- and filled-teeth-index (DMF-T) and the presence of non-carious tooth defects. Periodontal examination contained of periodontal probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and recession. Piercing-related factors, oral behaviour as well as oral health-related quality of life [German short form of oral health impact profile (OHIP G14)] were assessed based on questionnaires. STATISTICS: Man-Whitney U test, chi-square and Fisher's exact test (significance level p < 0.05). RESULTS: Participants with tongue piercing suffered from worse DMF-T, PPD, BOP and recession (pi < 0.01). Higher prevalence of enamel cracks and trough-shaped abrasions were found in piercing-group (pi < 0.01). Additionally, participants with tongue piercing showed worse oral behaviour, insufficient cleaning of piercing and in majority of cases (80%) calculus formation at piercing surface as well as comparable OHIP-G14 to control (p = 0.39). While piercing design was associated to both, recession and non-carious tooth defects (pi < 0.05), only infractures of enamel were associated to the presence habits (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with tongue piercing show insufficient dental and periodontal health as well as reduced oral behaviour. Thereby, piercing design and wearing period is associated to recessions and non-carious tooth defects. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increased attention of patients wearing tongue piercing in dental practice is necessary.

Prevalence of periodontal pathogenic bacteria at different oral sites of patients with tongue piercing - results of a cross sectional study.

Aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence of selected potentially periodontal pathogenic bacteria in different sites of patients with tongue piercing (TP) in comparison to a control group (C). Fifty participants in each group were recruited. Samples from the biofilm originating from the piercing surface (TP group), periodontal pocket, tongue as well as cheek surface were examined regarding presence of 11 selected potentially periodontal pathogenic bacteria based on polymerase-chain reaction (PCR). In the periodontal pocket of the participants, the majority of examined bacteria were more frequently detected in TP compared to C group (pi < 0.05). At tongue and cheek surface, the prevalence of Treponema denticola (P < 0.01) and Prevotella intermedia (P < 0.01) was significantly higher in TP. For the majority of bacteria, a significant correlation between TP surface and periodontal pocket was detected (P < 0.05). In conclusion TP must be considered as potentially important ecological niche and reservoir for periodontal pathogens.

Subjective and objective results of arthroscopic debridement of ulnar-sided TFCC (Palmer type 1B) lesions with stable distal radio-ulnar joint.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine functional and subjective results of patients who received arthroscopic debridement for their TFCC Palmer 1B lesions and to compare their results with those of arthroscopic suture repair. METHODS: Between March 2007 and August 2011, 36 patients were diagnosed with Palmer type 1B tears and underwent arthroscopic debridement. 31 patients (15 males and 16 females) were followed up for an average of 26.7 months (±17.4 months) postoperatively. Their average age was 36.7 years (±12.7 years). Follow-up included the determination of range of motion (ROM), grip strength, pain, and wrist scores (modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH score)). RESULTS: Postoperative ROM averaged 99.2 % for the extension/flexion arc, 95.5 % for the radial/ulnar deviation arc, and 99.4 % for the pronation/supination arc of motion when compared with the contralateral wrist. The MMWS was rated excellent in 48 % of patients, good in 39 %, fair in 13 %, and poor in 0 %. The average DASH score was 17.02 (±14.92). There was a significant reduction in pain. The grip strength was 96.7 % (±15.8), pulp-to-pulp pinch 101.9 % (±17.4), and the ulnar variance -0.12 ± 1.69 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic debridement of Palmer type 1B lesions in stable DRUJ yields satisfactory to excellent results. Our study showed similar results compared with the studies of arthroscopic suture repair with shorter postoperative care and fewer complications.