title: Long-term effects of tongue piercing--a case control study.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate tooth and periodontal damage in subjects wearing a tongue piercing (TP) in comparison to matched control subjects without tongue piercing. Members of the German Federal Armed Forces who had TP (group TP) and a matched control group (group C) volunteered to take part in the study. The time in situ, localization and material of TP were documented. Dental examinations included DMF-T, oral hygiene, enamel fissures (EF), enamel cracks (EC) and recessions. Statistical analysis was determined by χ (2) test and the t test. Both groups had 46 male subjects (mean age 22.1 years). The piercings had been in situ for 3.8 ± 3.1 years. Subjects in the TP group had a total of 1,260 teeth. Twenty-nine subjects had 115 teeth (9.1%) with EF (67% lingual). In group C (1,243 teeth), 30 subjects had 60 teeth with EF (4.8%, 78% vestibular) (p < 0.01). Thirty-eight subjects belonging to group TP had EC in 186 teeth (15%). In group C, 26 subjects with 56 teeth (4.5%) were affected by EC (p < 0.001). Twenty-seven subjects in group TP had 97 teeth (7.7%) with recessions. Lingual surfaces of anterior teeth in the lower jaw were affected most frequently (74%). In group C, 8 subjects had 19 teeth (1.5%) with recessions (65% vestibular). Differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Tongue piercing is correlated with an increased occurrence of enamel fissures, enamel cracks and lingual recessions. Patients need better information on the potential complications associated with tongue piercing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Goettingen, Germany. dirk.ziebolz@med.uni-goettingen.de
authors.forename: Dirk
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ziebolz
authors.forename: Aick
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hildebrand
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Proff
authors.forename: Sven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rinke
authors.forename: Else
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hornecker
authors.forename: Rainer F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Mausberg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D046288:Body Piercing / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000145:classification; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000293:injuries; D004522:Educational Status; D005858:Germany; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000145:classification; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000145:classification; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective; D012907:Smoking; D014059:Tongue; D014072:Tooth Abrasion / Q000145:classification; D014099:Toothbrushing; D055815:Young Adult