Tongue piercing and insertion of metal studs: three cases of dental and oral consequences

ASDC J Dent Child. 2000 Sep-Oct;67(5):326-9, 302.

Abstract

"Body art" is a fashion that appears to be gaining popularity worldwide. There are many risks and potentially adverse results associated with tongue piercing. Pain (the procedure is performed without anesthetics), post-placement edema and the risk of prolonged bleeding, if the blood vessels are punctured during the piercing, and fracture of tooth structures, are but a few of the risks. The purpose of the present article is to describe the consequences of three cases of tongue piercing in which metallic barbell-shaped studs were inserted: the consequences include the fracture of tooth structure, caused by the device knocking against the teeth; and inflammation and edema occurred as a result of the piercing of the tongue.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies / complications*
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Punctures / adverse effects*
  • Tongue / injuries*
  • Tooth Fractures / diagnosis
  • Tooth Fractures / etiology