Association between periodontal condition and use of tongue piercing: a case-control study

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the periodontal status and risk factors for gingival recession in individuals with tongue piercings.

Sixty cases (individuals with tongue piercings) and 120 controls (non-users) in Brazil, between 13 and 28 years of age, from both genders and a mix of races were selected. The clinical evaluation of patient oral health records included periodontal parameters and the presence of tooth fracture. Cases and controls were compared with demographic, behavioural and clinical variables of interest. Risk variables for the occurrence of gingival recession were identified in multivariate regression models, with linear and logistic regressions.

The case group presented a higher prevalence and severity of gingival recession when compared with the control group. Individuals with tongue piercings presented an 11 times greater chance for the occurrence of gingival recession in the anterior lingual mandibular region as compared with controls (OR=11.0, 95% CI 5.02-24.09). The presence of gingival recession in the anterior lingual mandibular region was associated with the use of piercings, age, male gender and bleeding on probing.

The use of tongue piercings was strongly associated with the occurrence of gingival recession in the anterior lingual mandibular region.