Source
Department of Restorative Dentistry, São José dos Campos Dental School, São Paulo State University, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil. leilyfiroozmand@hotmail.com
Abstract
PURPOSE:
The aim of this study was to assess the use of oral piercings and their possible associated complications among students aged 14 to 18 years.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A total of 927 students from private and state schools were invited to participate in this study. The participants were subjected to clinical examination, and a questionnaire was provided for collecting the following data: gender, piercing location, oral complications or alterations, and cleaning frequency.
RESULTS:
Among the students who were analysed, 33 had oral piercings (3.6%); 69.70% were from state schools and 30.30% were from private schools. There was a slight predominance of males (54.55%) compared with females (45.45%). The tongue was the most common location for piercing (66.6%). The complications and alterations associated with the use of piercing were observed in 74.3% of the cases.
CONCLUSIONS:
In the population that was studied, oral piercing was observed in a small percentage of teenage students (3.6%) and there were local complications associated with its use.