Dentists urged to warn patients of the dangers of oral piercings
Dentists have been encouraged to talk to their patients about the dangers of oral piercings.
The author of a new study, Professor Clemens Walter, has urged dental professionals to speak to patients about the potential complications and effects of tongue and lip piercings. Prof Walter recently presented the findings of the study at Europerio10, a high-profile congress in periodontology and implant dentistry.
The research found that people who have oral piercings are more likely to have deep pockets around their teeth, bleeding gums and signs of gum recession. These are all symptoms of gum disease, Prof Walter explained. The study also revealed that the level of risk increased with the duration of wearing a lip or tongue piercing.
Prof Walter said that dentists should take the opportunity to talk to patients who have oral piercings about the potential complications and encourage people to remove their piercings to protect their oral health.
Statistics suggest that around 5% of the population has an oral piercing. Women are around four times more likely to have a tongue or lip piercing than men. Reviews of several studies linked to the impact of oral piercings found that the incidence of receding gums, bleeding gums and deep pockets around the teeth was noticeably higher among people who have a lip or tongue piercing or both types of piercings.
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