Oral piercing in athletes: implications for general dentists

General dentists need to be aware of the growing number of athletes who display various forms of body art. Intraoral piercing and tongue jewelry place athletes at greater risk for serious medical and dental consequences that are confounded when the athlete attempts to compete while wearing a mouthguard with the tongue jewelry in place. All body jewelry should be removed during sporting events. General dentists have a professional responsibility to: become more aware of the extent and implications associated with tongue piercing in athletes to discourage athletes from having the tongue pierced; be prepared to manage postpiercing intraoral and dental complications; provide proper advice for the care and use of a mouthguard in the presence of tongue jewelry; and develop educational strategies that address the medical and dental complications of intraoral piercing.