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Piercing and Oral Health: A Study on the Knowledge of Risks and Complications

Author

Listed:
  • Francesco Covello

    (Department of Oral and MaxilloFacial Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via Caserta 6, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Camilla Salerno

    (Department of Oral and MaxilloFacial Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via Caserta 6, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Valentina Giovannini

    (Department of Oral and MaxilloFacial Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via Caserta 6, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Denise Corridore

    (Department of Oral and MaxilloFacial Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via Caserta 6, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Livia Ottolenghi

    (Department of Oral and MaxilloFacial Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via Caserta 6, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Iole Vozza

    (Department of Oral and MaxilloFacial Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via Caserta 6, 00161 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to verify the knowledge of risks and complications of oral piercings, and to observe the main complications associated with piercings, using a sample from central Italy of patients wearing intraoral piercings. Through piercing and tattoo studios selected randomly in Rome, Latina and Campobasso, and a tattoo and piercing convention in Latina, a group of 387 individuals with oral piercings were selected and asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire. After filling in questionnaires, 70 individuals of the 387 selected agreed to be visited to allow the observation of the integrity of their teeth and gums (especially close to the oral piercing), oral hygiene conditions, piercing cleaning, bad habits and gingival recession. Among the respondents, 46.8% said they had not been informed about these risks, 48.5% claimed not to clean the piercing, 70.6% stated that they had not been made aware of gingival problems that can arise, 60.4% subjects stated that they were not informed about the complications of piercings concerning teeth, 52.8% had insufficient oral hygiene conditions, 42% showed signs of generalised gingivitis, 20% had 3–4 mm recessions and 22% had tooth fracture(s) due to piercing. From this study, it emerged that oral piercings can represent a risk to oral health and that there is a widespread lack of awareness of the complications and correct methods of maintaining oral piercings. Periodic checks by both dentists and dental hygienists, for patients with oral piercings, could play a decisive role in preventing, intercepting and treating the complications that they can cause.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Covello & Camilla Salerno & Valentina Giovannini & Denise Corridore & Livia Ottolenghi & Iole Vozza, 2020. "Piercing and Oral Health: A Study on the Knowledge of Risks and Complications," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-8, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:2:p:613-:d:310215
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Giuseppina Malcangi & Assunta Patano & Giulia Palmieri & Lilla Riccaldo & Carmela Pezzolla & Antonio Mancini & Alessio Danilo Inchingolo & Daniela Di Venere & Fabio Piras & Francesco Inchingolo & Gian, 2023. "Oral Piercing: A Pretty Risk—A Scoping Review of Local and Systemic Complications of This Current Widespread Fashion," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(9), pages 1-12, May.
    2. Carmela Protano & Federica Valeriani & Daniela Marotta & Annalisa Bargellini & Aida Bianco & Giuseppina Caggiano & Maria Eugenia Colucci & Maria Anna Coniglio & Laura Dallolio & Osvalda De Giglio & Ga, 2021. "Assessing Undergraduates’ Perception of Risks Related to Body Art in Italy: The SUPeRBA Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-12, September.
    3. Iole Vozza, 2021. "Oral Prevention and Management of Oral Healthcare," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-3, February.

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