An investigation into the practice of tongue piercing in the South West of England.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence and range of complications following tongue piercing.


METHODS
A survey of individuals with tongue piercings ('piercees') and tongue piercers was undertaken in the South West of England. One hundred and twenty-three piercees completed a self-administered questionnaire and 22 piercers took part in an interviewer-led questionnaire.


RESULTS
The mean age of an individual having a tongue piercing was 19 years old. Almost all the subjects reported problems following piercing; early problems were mainly due to tissue trauma, whereas later, ingestion of jewellery and tooth fracture were common events. A minority (7%) of piercees required the advice of a healthcare professional following tongue piercing. The majority of piercers reported adequate cross-infection measures and enquired about their clients' health prior to piercing. However, only one piercer was aware of the risk of bacterial endocarditis following tongue piercing. Most of the piercers reported that they would advise their clients to attend an Accident and Emergency department if a serious complication ensued.


CONCLUSIONS
Tongue piercing may be associated with significant short-term and long-term morbidity, including tooth damage. Although the majority of piercers interviewed reported adequate cross-infection controls, knowledge of the medical risks associated with tongue piercing varied widely.
Stead
L R
LR
Department of Oral and Dental Science, Division of Oral Medicine, Pathology and Microbiology, University of Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY.
Williams
J V
JV
Williams
A C
AC
Robinson
C M
CM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D046288:Body Piercing / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000453:epidemiology; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014059:Tongue / Q000293:injuries; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology