title: Tongue piercing and potential oral complications.
abstract: This article discusses potential oral and dental complications associated with tongue piercing. It will present an introductory overview of the procedure, outline a review of the medical and dental literature, and describe a case report of a young adult patient. Dental hygienists should not condemn those who choose to modify their bodies. Patients need to be informed of the potential complications associated with tongue and oral piercing, and dental hygienists can serve this role.
authors.affiliation: Woodall & Associates Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Fehrenbach
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011859:Radiography; D014059:Tongue / Q000293:injuries*; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*