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Long-term effects of tongue piercing--a case control study
Dirk Ziebolz1, Aick Hildebrand, Peter Proff
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Goettingen, Germany. dirk.ziebolz@med.uni-goettingen.de
Clinical Oral Investigations
|January 29, 2011
Summary
Tongue piercing (TP) is linked to more dental issues like enamel fissures, cracks, and gum recession, particularly on lower front teeth. This study highlights the need for better patient education on TP risks.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health
- Dental Traumatology
- Periodontology
Background:
- Tongue piercing (TP) is a popular body modification.
- Potential oral health complications associated with TP are not fully understood.
- This study investigates the association between TP and specific dental and periodontal damages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare tooth and periodontal damage in individuals with tongue piercings (TP) versus a control group without piercings.
- To identify specific types of oral damage linked to the presence and duration of TP.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving male subjects from the German Federal Armed Forces.
- Two groups were formed: subjects with TP (group TP) and a matched control group (group C).
- Dental examinations assessed DMF-T, oral hygiene, enamel fissures (EF), enamel cracks (EC), and gingival recessions, with statistical analysis using chi-squared and t-tests.
Main Results:
- Subjects with TP showed significantly higher prevalence of enamel fissures (9.1% vs 4.8%) and enamel cracks (15% vs 4.5%) compared to controls.
- Gingival recessions were markedly more frequent in the TP group (7.7% vs 1.5%), predominantly on the lingual surfaces of lower anterior teeth.
- The duration of TP was recorded as an average of 3.8 years.
Conclusions:
- Tongue piercing is significantly correlated with an increased incidence of enamel fissures, enamel cracks, and lingual gingival recessions.
- These findings underscore the importance of informing patients about the potential oral health complications of tongue piercing.
- Further research may explore preventative strategies and management of TP-related dental issues.
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