Impact of oral piercings on periodontal health - A systematic review.

AIM: Evidence on the impact of oral piercings on periodontal conditions is scarce. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the influence of oral piercings on periodontal health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed for studies published by 6 June 2023, using three electronic databases and a hand search. Clinical trials including ≥10 patients wearing ≥1 oral piercing and presenting data on probing pocket depths (PPDs) were considered. Primary outcomes were PPD, and secondary outcomes included clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival recession, bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque score (PI). A synthesis of results, using a vote-counting method, was applied. RESULTS: From 131 titles identified, eight studies, published between 2007 and 2022, were included. Out of these were six cross-sectional studies and two case series. A total of 236 lip piercings and 236 tongue piercings in overall 408 patients were analyzed. In patients with tongue piercings, teeth adjacent to the piercing showed increased PPD (3 of 5 studies), more CAL (3 of 4 studies), more gingival recessions (4 of 4 studies) and a higher BOP (2 of 3 studies) compared with control teeth. In patients with lip piercings, teeth adjacent to the piercing demonstrated more gingival recessions (3 of 4 studies) compared with control teeth. Time since piercing placement was associated with localized periodontal destruction in patients with tongue and/or lip piercings (4 of 7 studies). CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence from eight studies suggests negative effects of tongue piercings on several periodontal health parameters of adjacent teeth, while gingival recessions were frequently detected in patients with lip piercings.

Oral Piercing: A Pretty Risk-A Scoping Review of Local and Systemic Complications of This Current Widespread Fashion.

Piercing insertion is a common practice among people of all ages for different reasons (e.g., esthetics, culture, religion). In the oral cavity, the jewel can be placed in the lips, cheeks, tongue, and frenulum. The presence of an oral piercing could cause local and systemic complications in the short term. In the long term, irreversible damage may occur to the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Different authors in the past have produced publications focusing on this issue. This study analyzes 10 published articles sourced from online databases according to the PRISMA flowchart. These articles were chosen from the 501 suitable papers initially found. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were used as the online databases for searching for papers that matched the topic, using the keywords "complication" and "oral piercing". The purpose of this review is to describe and analyze all possible complications related to the presence of a piercing in the mouth. Local and systemic complications are related to the presence of plaque and localized pathogenic micro-organisms that can spread via the bloodstream, although they rarely occur in patients without predisposing conditions. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and frequent check-ups are essential to avoid the onset of complications.

Candida Carriers among Individuals with Tongue Piercing-A Real-Time PCR Study.

Among the local factors for oral candidiasis, the piercing of the tongue is recognized by some authors as a risk factor for the colonization of Candida albicans. There are few case reports in which Candida spp. colonization and infection are associated with tongue piercing but only one microbiological study supports this hypothesis in general. The aim of this study was to examine this possible association between the presence of both tongue piercing and Candida spp. in healthy individuals. Positive results for tongue colonization with Candida spp. were found in four (12.9%) of the tongue-pierced subjects and in three (9.67%) subjects of the control group (p = 0.550). All samples were identified as Candida albicans. The univariate and logistic regression analyses of possible risk factors for tongue colonization revealed that gender (p = 0.024), smoking more than 10 cigarettes per day (p = 0.021), and improper hygiene (p = 0.028) were statistically significant influencing factors in the multivariate analysis. The results suggest that the piercing of the tongue is not a risk factor for colonization of Candida spp.

A novel surgical technique for prevention of self-sucking in cattle and buffaloes: tongue piercing.

BACKGROUND: Self-sucking is an abnormal behavior lead to important economic losses for dairy farms. The objective of this study was to evaluate tongue piercing as a novel technique to prevent self-sucking in cattle and buffaloes. The study was carried out on 26 cows and 4 buffaloes suffered from self-sucking. Tongue piercing was achieved by the application of an implant in the midline of the tongue and anterior to the frenulum linguae. With a follow up period of 6 months. RESULTS: This implant produced mechanical disruption of the affected animals ability to curl their tongues, in a U- shape manner, subsequently it was impossible for these animals to cup their tongues and suck its own teats. Slight swelling around the piercing site of the tongue was observed among all animals on the first 3 days after surgery. No other complications have been reported. CONCLUSION: Tongue piercing is an effective, rapid, easy, minimally invasive technique to prevent self-sucking among cattle and buffaloes, moreover, the technique was more widely acceptable by the owners than other traditional and surgical methods.

Effect of tongue piercing on periodontal and peri-implant health: A cross-sectional case-control study in adults.

OBJECTIVES: The authors hypothesize that periodontal and peri-implant inflammatory parameters are poorer in adult patients with tongue piercing compared with controls. The aim was to assess the influence of tongue piercing on periodontal and peri-implant health status in adults. METHODS: Test and control groups comprised of individuals with and without tongue piercing, respectively. A questionnaire was used to collect information about gender, age, duration of tongue piercing and implants in function, jaw location of the implant, reasoning for wearing the tongue ornament, and oral hygiene and ornament cleaning habits. Full-mouth and peri-implant plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing depth (PD) and marginal/crestal bone loss (MBL and CBL, respectively) on mesial and distal surfaces of teeth/implants were recorded. The material (plastic or metal) from which, the bar and ball-ends of the ornament were fabricated was also recorded. A p < 0.01 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Forty-eight and 49 individuals were included in the test and control groups, respectively. There was no difference in PI, GI, PD, CAL and MBL (mesial and distal) among individuals in the test and control groups. In the test group, peri-implant PI (p < 0.01), GI (p < 0.01), PD (p < 0.01) and mesial (p < 0.01) and distal (p < 0.01) CBL were significantly higher in the anterior mandible compared with implants in other jaw locations. In the control group, there was no difference in peri-implant PI, GI, PD and CBL around implants placed in both jaws. CONCLUSION: Wearing tongue piercings could increase the risks of periodontal and peri-implant diseases particularly in the mandibular anterior segment.

Complications of oral piercing: a review of the literature and two case reports.

The practice of piercing has been used since ancient times, and nowadays is coming back in fashion among adolescents and young adults. Teenagers wearing oral piercings are frequently observed during routine examination, and there are, also, recurrent harmful consequences attributed to the devices. Unfortunately, piercings are usually placed by unlicensed individuals, lacking the appropriate anatomical knowledge, and therefore unable to provide sufficient information regarding the potential risks, especially when compared to the ones known by the patients. In this regard, the relevant legislation is frayed both vertically (that is within the framework of State and Regional competences), and horizontally (within the competences between the various regions). With the present study, through an accurate review of the literature and the description of two case reports, we underline the importance of informing both the patients and the dental professionals about the dental consequences undergoing the application of piercing. Both patients examined presented the common complications related to the application of piercing. The aim of this study is to underline the importance of being informed for both the dental professional and the person who undergoes piercing about its consequences for the whole oral system as well as the possible risks of infections and complications. We want to underline the key role of the dentist as a promoter of prevention of oral disorders as well as being able to deal with the possible complications which may occur.

Personality traits and body image in adults with oral piercing: a questionnaire analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Due to the growing popularity of body modifications, dental practitioners are increasingly confronted with oral piercing and its implications. Successful consultation and subsequent change of patient behavior require an understanding of the patient's personality and the deep reasons that explain this self-injurious behavior. This is the first study evaluating personality traits and aspects of body perception in a cohort of adults with oral piercing. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Sixty-two individuals with labial and/or tongue piercing completed three validated questionnaires assessing body perception and personality traits (Questionnaire for assessing one's own body; Sensation Seeking Scale; Big Five Inventory Scale). Fisher Exact probability test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to determine differences in frequency data and in psychologic parameters between subgroups. RESULTS: Eighteen single- and 44 multiple-pierced individuals completed the study (53 women, 9 men). The odds for being multiple pierced was significantly higher for tongue than for labial piercing (3.89 and 0.63, respectively; P = .003). In all psychologic parameters measured, the sample showed score distributions within reference norms. However, multiple-pierced individuals displayed a significantly lesser feeling of attractiveness, less self-confidence, and more uncertainty/anxiety towards their body than single-pierced probands (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Psychologic characteristics of individuals with oral piercing do not fundamentally differ from those of the average population. Therefore, dental practitioners should focus on the medical and dental implications of oral piercing in the counseling of patients who have or intend to have such done.

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.

On the association between oral piercings and periodontal conditions-A case series.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between oral piercings and periodontal health or inflammation in patients seeking treatment at the University of Basel, Switzerland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of patients from the pool of patients at the Department of Periodontology, Endodontology and Cariology were consecutively screened between November 2016 and January 2017. Eighteen patients with a tongue and/or a lip piercing were included. Three out of 18 patients wore both piercings, that is 14 tongue piercings and seven lip piercings were assessed. Epidemiologic, socio-economic, piercing characteristics and clinical parameters were recorded. Periodontal findings in teeth close to the piercing were compared to the parameters of the total dentition. RESULTS: In patients with a tongue piercing (n = 14), percentages of sites with bleeding on probing, probing pocket depths ≥6 mm, clinical attachment loss ≥6 mm and gingival recessions ≥2 mm were more frequently increased in teeth close to the piercing compared to teeth not affected by the piercing. In patients with a lip piercing (n = 7), periodontal findings did not differ markedly in teeth close to the piercing compared to teeth not affected by the piercing. CONCLUSIONS: Tongue piercings may negatively affect periodontal conditions of teeth with close proximity to the piercing.

Do long-term tongue piercings affect speech quality?

PURPOSE: To explore possible effects of tongue piercing on perceived speech quality. METHODS: Using a quasi-experimental design, we analyzed the effect of tongue piercing on speech in a perception experiment. Samples of spontaneous speech and read speech were recorded from 20 long-term pierced and 20 non-pierced individuals (10 males, 10 females each). The individuals having a tongue piercing were recorded with attached and removed piercing. The audio samples were blindly rated by 26 female and 20 male laypersons and by 5 female speech-language pathologists with regard to perceived speech quality along 5 dimensions: speech clarity, speech rate, prosody, rhythm and fluency. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant differences for any of the speech quality dimensions between the pierced and non-pierced individuals, neither for the read nor for the spontaneous speech. In addition, neither length nor position of piercing had a significant effect on speech quality. The removal of tongue piercings had no effects on speech performance either. Rating differences between laypersons and speech-language pathologists were not dependent on the presence of a tongue piercing. CONCLUSIONS: People are able to perfectly adapt their articulation to long-term tongue piercings such that their speech quality is not perceptually affected.

The incidence of complications associated with lip and/or tongue piercings: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This review determines the incidence of complications associated with lip and/or tongue piercings based on a systematic evaluation of the available literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane-CENTRAL and EMBASE databases were comprehensively searched through June 2014 to identify appropriate studies. The incidence of complications, as established by a dental professional associated with oral and peri-oral piercings, was evaluated in populations with lip and/or tongue piercings. The quality of the case-control studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. For case series studies, the risk of bias was assessed using the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence scale. RESULTS: An independent screening of 1580 unique titles and abstracts revealed 15 publications that met the eligibility criteria. The incidence of gingival recessions appeared to be 50% in subjects with lip piercings and 44% in subjects with a tongue piercing. Tooth injuries were observed in 26% individuals with lip piercings and in up to 37% of individuals with tongue piercings. Subjects with a lip piercing were 4.14 times (P = 0.005) more likely to develop gingival recession than those without a lip piercing. Subjects with a tongue piercing were more likely than non-pierced subjects to experience gingival recession (relative risk (RR) 2.77; P = 0.00001) and tooth injuries (RR 2.44; P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Both lip and tongue piercings are highly associated with the risk of gingival recession, and tongue piercings are also associated with tooth injuries.

Tongue Piercing: experience of piercees and practice of piercers in Klang Valley, Malaysia

@#To explore the phenomenon of tongue piercing in Klang Valley. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with piercers and those who had their tongue pierced (“piercees”) in Klang Valley. Five piercers and eight piercees were interviewed. Piercees had their tongue pierced at age 16-25 years. Three main reasons for tongue piercing were to enhance appearance, express their individuality, and out of curiosity. They reported that they experienced various immediate and late complications. However, most were aware of and expected the complications. The majority of piercers reported adequate infection control procedures and enquired about the client’s health prior to piercing. Although some clients reported problems, such reports were rare. Tongue piercing is an invasive procedure with some risks, but precautions such as proper infection control procedures minimize the likelihood of encountering serious problems. The reasons for tongue piercing varied between individuals. Although the majority of the interviewed piercers reported cross-infection control, their knowledge of the medical risks associated with tongue piercing varied widely.

Safety and efficacy of medically performed tongue piercing in people with tetraplegia for use with tongue-operated assistive technology.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with high-level spinal cord injuries need effective ways to perform activities. OBJECTIVES: To develop and test a medically supervised tongue-piercing protocol and the wearing of a magnet-containing tongue barbell for use with the Tongue Drive System (TDS) in persons with tetraplegia. METHODS: Volunteers with tetraplegia underwent initial screening sessions using a magnet glued on the tongue to activate and use the TDS. This was followed by tongue piercing, insertion of a standard barbell, a 4-week healing period, and an exchange of the standard barbell for a magnet-containing barbell. This was then used twice weekly for 6 to 8 weeks to perform computer tasks, drive a powered wheelchair, accomplish in-chair weight shifts, and dial a phone. Symptoms of intraoral dysfunction, change in tongue size following piercing, and subjective assessment of receiving and wearing a magnet-containing tongue barbell and its usability with the TDS were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-one volunteers underwent initial trial sessions. Thirteen had their tongues pierced. One individual's barbell dislodged during healing resulting in tongue-tract closure. Twelve had the barbell exchanged for a magnet-containing barbell. One subject withdrew for unrelated issues. Eleven completed the TDS testing sessions and were able to complete the assigned tasks. No serious adverse events occurred related to wearing or using a tongue barbell to operate the TDS. CONCLUSIONS: Using careful selection criteria and a medically supervised piercing protocol, no excess risk was associated with tongue piercing and wearing a tongue barbell in people with tetraplegia. Participants were able to operate the TDS.

Tongue piercing and chronic abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting--two cases.

Chronic upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of unclear etiology are frustrating to patients and physicians alike. The integrative medicine procedures of acupuncture and neural therapy may provide treatment options. Tongue piercing, which is prevalent in 5.6% of the adolescent population, may be a contributing factor in upper gastrointestinal symptoms. The objectives of the study were as follows: (1) To demonstrate the usefulness of an integrative medicine treatment approach in two cases of patients with chronic abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting of unclear etiology who had failed standard medical management. (2) To identify scars from tongue piercings as a possible contributing factor in chronic upper GI symptoms of unclear etiology. Two retrospective case studies are presented of young adult females who were seen in a private multi-physician integrative medicine practice in the US. The patients were treated with neural therapy and acupuncture. The desired outcome was the cessation or reduction of the frequency of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Both patients had resolution of their symptoms. From this study, we have concluded the following: (1) Tongue scars from tongue rings may be causes of chronic upper gastrointestinal symptoms. (2) Neural therapy and acupuncture may be helpful in the treatment of chronic upper GI symptoms related to tongue scars.

Qualitative assessment of tongue drive system by people with high-level spinal cord injury.

The Tongue Drive System (TDS) is a minimally invasive, wireless, and wearable assistive technology (AT) that enables people with severe disabilities to control their environments using tongue motion. TDS translates specific tongue gestures into commands by sensing the magnetic field created by a small magnetic tracer applied to the user's tongue. We have previously quantitatively evaluated the TDS for accessing computers and powered wheelchairs, demonstrating its usability. In this study, we focused on its qualitative evaluation by people with high-level spinal cord injury who each received a magnetic tongue piercing and used the TDS for 6 wk. We used two questionnaires, an after-scenario and a poststudy, designed to evaluate the tongue-piercing experience and the TDS usability compared with that of the sip-and-puff and the users' current ATs. After study completion, 73% of the participants were positive about keeping the magnetic tongue-barbell in order to use the TDS. All were satisfied with the TDS performance and most said that they were able to do more things using TDS than their current ATs (4.22/5).

Oral piercing and its complications in two Serbian youths a case report and review of the literature / El piercing oral y sus complicaciones en dos jóvenes de Serbia reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

OBJECTIVE: Historically, wearing adornments on pierced body parts has been associated with many cultures as manifestations of religious or cultural identities. Currently, its use has a broad acceptance among young people. In the oral cavity, the most common sites for piercings are the tongue and lower lip. RESULTS: Pain, swelling and infection are the most serious consequences associated with this procedure. Several complications may be associated with this practice with the most frequently observed being halitosis, periodontitis, tooth fracture, glossitis, and the formation of abscesses. Other adverse outcomes include mucosal or gingival trauma, increased salivary flow, and interference with speech, mastication and swallowing. CONCLUSION: This article presents case reports on lip and tongue piercings and literature review highlights of this procedure. Special attention is given to complications and dental implications associated with such a practice.

OBJETIVO: Históricamente, el llevar adornos en partes del cuerpo perforadas ha sido asociado en muchas culturas como manifestaciones de identidades religiosas o culturales. Actualmente, su uso tiene amplia aceptación entre los jóvenes. En la cavidad oral, los sitios más comunes para el piercing son la lengua y el labio inferior. RESULTADOS: Dolor, inflamación e infección son las consecuencias más serias asociadas con este procedimiento. Varias complicaciones pueden asociarse con esta práctica, siendo la halitosis, la periodontitis, la fractura de dientes, la glositis, y la formación de abscesos, las más frecuentemente observadas. Otros resultados adversos incluyen traumas de la mucosa y la encía, aumento del flujo salival, e interferencia con la articulación del habla, la masticación, y la deglución. CONCLUSIÓN: Este artículo presenta reportes de caso de piercing del labio y la lengua, y resalta aspectos de este procedimiento como parte de una revisión de la literatura. Se presta especial atención a las complicaciones y las implicaciones dentales asociadas con tal práctica.

Piercing lingual: complicações nos tecidos periodontais / Tongue piercing: complications in periodontal tissues

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo discorrer sobre o uso do piercing lingual e suas consequências na cavidade bucal, especificamente nos tecidos periodontais. É prevalente em ambos os sexos e com faixa etária diversificada, destacando, no entanto, maior entre adolescentes e adultos jovens. Essa realidade é exemplificada por meio de dois pacientes, atendidos no ambulatório da disciplina de Periodontia, da FOP/UPE. O exame clínico revelou várias alterações nos tecidos periodontais, tais como: inflamação gengival, cálculo dentário, recessão gengival e espaçamento entre os dentes. Como fator complicador, os pacientes em questão se negaram a retirar os piercings, e, desse modo, o tratamento planejado não pôde ser executado. Conclui-se destacando a importância do cirurgião-dentista na conscientização do paciente sobre os danos que esse tipo de adorno pode ocasionar nos tecidos da cavidade bucal.

This paper aims to discuss the use of tongue piercing and its consequences in the oral cavity, specifically the periodontal tissues. It is prevalent in both sexes and diverse age, emphasizing, however but higher among adolescents and young adults. This reality is exemplified by two patients treated at the outpatient clinic of discipline of periodontics, FOP/UPE. Clinical examination revealed several changes in tissues, such as gingival inflammation, dental calculus, gingival recession, and spacing between the teeth. As complicating factor in question patients refused to remove the piercing, and thus the planned treatment could not be executed. Given the relevance of the subject, concludes by highlighting the importance of the dentist in patient awareness of the damage that type of decoration can cause the tissues of the oral cavity.

Bacterial infections complicating tongue piercing.

Tongue piercing has become an increasingly popular form of body art. However, this procedure can occasionally be complicated by serious bacterial infections. The present article reports a case of prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by a Gemella species in a patient with a pierced tongue, and reviews 18 additional cases of local and systemic bacterial infections associated with tongue piercing. Infections localized to the oral cavity and head and neck region included molar abscess, glossal abscess, glossitis, submandibular lymphadenitis, submandibular sialadenitis, Ludwig's angina and cephalic tetanus. Infections distal to the piercing site included eight cases of infective endocarditis, one case of chorioamnionitis and one case of cerebellar abscess. Oropharyngeal flora were isolated from all cases. While bacterial infections following tongue piercing are rare, there are reports of potentially life-threatening infections associated with the procedure. Both piercers and their clients should be aware of these potential complications, and standardized infection prevention and control practices should be adopted by piercers to reduce the risk.