Health considerations for oral piercing and the policies that influence them

With the increase in popularity of piercings, the health care professional needs to be aware of the complications that can occur due to lack of regulations of the piercing establishments. Due to lack of training of piercing professionals and lack of enforcement of sterilization procedures, infection and life threatening complications can arise. Complications include, but are not limited to, hemorrhage, nerve damage, gingival recession, HIV, tongue swelling, tooth fracture, Bactermia, Ludwigs angina, increase salivary flow, jewelry aspiration, and localized infection. Texas requires an individual to be 18 years of age to receive a piercing. However, Texas does not regulate the piercing establishment or the artist providing the services. Oral health care providers should be aware of the lacking regulations of piercing studios so they can be more vigilant of oral complications that may occur.