Regular dental visits can decrease piercing infections

Oct 12, 2010

Patients with tongue and lip piercings should be encouraged to visit the dentist regularly to protect against the risk of infections and other issues related to the piercings, according to a study in Quintessence International (October 2010, Vol. 41:9, pp. 731-737).

"Owing to the overwhelming popularity of oral piercing, general practitioners should be prepared to address complications arising as a result of oral piercing and to provide patients with accurate information," researchers from Innsbruck Medical University wrote.

The cross-sectional study included 130 lip and 80 tongue piercings. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire to determine demographic data, smoking habits, characteristics of the piercing worn (time since piercing, plastic or metal), postpiercing complications, and possible cofactors.

Prevalence of early piercing complications was 87.83%, the researchers reported. Although they found no statistically significant difference in the overall prevalence of early postpiercing complications after lip or tongue piercing, the type of complication differed significantly according to the piercing location.

Significant cofactors for early complications were oral hygiene behavior, gender, and the person who performed the piercing. The highest prevalence of late complications was found to be recurrent infections and gingival recessions. As cofactors, time since piercing and oral hygiene behavior had a significant impact on late complications.

"Oral healthcare might be an important tool to minimize early and late postpiercing complications," the researchers wrote. "Owing to the high prevalence of late complications -- especially after median lip piercing -- persons with oral piercing should attend regular dental checks and receive professional advice on tooth cleaning and oral hygiene."