Orofacial Piercings: Perceptions of Dental Practitioners and Piercing Parlours
Authors: Chadwick, Barbara L.1; Groves, Gemma2; Dransfield, Kathryn2
Source: Primary Dental Care, Volume 12, Number 3, July 2005 , pp. 83-88(6)
Publisher: Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK)
Abstract:
Objectives: To identify the advice given by piercing parlours prior to orofacial piercing and to determine how many dental practitioners see complications from orofacial piercings.Method: Administered questionnaire to 19 piercing parlours and postal questionnaire to 400 dental practitioners in south-east Wales.Results: Ninety-nine per cent of 227 dental practitioners in south-east Wales had treated patients with orofacial piercings, over three-quarters had seen a patient for a complication caused by the piercing, and over half (N=120) had treated a patient for a complication of piercing. Tongue (N=225) and lip (N=209) piercings were most frequently seen and the most commonly occurring complication was fractured or cracked teeth (N=176). Almost all practitioners wanted more information on orofacial piercing and its sequelae. All 19 piercing parlours in south-east Wales warned clients about pain following piercing and 18 mentioned swelling; only four discussed possible damage to teeth and none discussed the risk of airway obstruction.Conclusions: Despite the concerns of dental and medical professionals orofacial piercing remains popular and the complications it causes are frequently seen by dental practitioners. There is a need for literature to assist both dental practitioners and piercers in advising and safeguarding patients.Keywords: OROFACIAL PIERCINGS
Document Type: Research article
DOI: 10.1308/1355761054348477
Affiliations: 1: Reader in Paediatric Dentistry, Department of Dental Health & Biological Sciences, Dental School, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK 2: Dental School, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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