Oral piercing complications among teenage students.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the use of oral piercings and their possible associated complications among students aged 14 to 18 years.


METHODS
A total of 927 students from private and state schools were invited to participate in this study. The participants were subjected to clinical examination, and a questionnaire was provided for collecting the following data: gender, piercing location, oral complications or alterations, and cleaning frequency.


RESULTS
Among the students who were analysed, 33 had oral piercings (3.6%); 69.70% were from state schools and 30.30% were from private schools. There was a slight predominance of males (54.55%) compared with females (45.45%). The tongue was the most common location for piercing (66.6%). The complications and alterations associated with the use of piercing were observed in 74.3% of the cases.


CONCLUSIONS
In the population that was studied, oral piercing was observed in a small percentage of teenage students (3.6%) and there were local complications associated with its use.
Firoozmand
Leily Macedo
LM
Department of Restorative Dentistry, São José dos Campos Dental School, São Paulo State University, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil. leilyfiroozmand@hotmail.com
Paschotto
Daniele Riêra
DR
Almeida
Janete Dias
JD
D000293:Adolescent; D046288:Body Piercing / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001938:Brazil; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip; D008297:Male; D009055:Mouth; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students; D014059:Tongue; D014060:Tongue Diseases / Q000209:etiology