Document Detail


An investigation into the practice of tongue piercing in the South West of England.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  16444231     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and range of complications following tongue piercing. METHODS: A survey of individuals with tongue piercings ('piercees') and tongue piercers was undertaken in the South West of England. One hundred and twenty-three piercees completed a self-administered questionnaire and 22 piercers took part in an interviewer-led questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean age of an individual having a tongue piercing was 19 years old. Almost all the subjects reported problems following piercing; early problems were mainly due to tissue trauma, whereas later, ingestion of jewellery and tooth fracture were common events. A minority (7%) of piercees required the advice of a healthcare professional following tongue piercing. The majority of piercers reported adequate cross-infection measures and enquired about their clients' health prior to piercing. However, only one piercer was aware of the risk of bacterial endocarditis following tongue piercing. Most of the piercers reported that they would advise their clients to attend an Accident and Emergency department if a serious complication ensued. CONCLUSION: Tongue piercing may be associated with significant short-term and long-term morbidity, including tooth damage. Although the majority of piercers interviewed reported adequate cross-infection controls, knowledge of the medical risks associated with tongue piercing varied widely.
Authors:
L R Stead; J V Williams; A C Williams; C M Robinson
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  British dental journal     Volume:  200     ISSN:  0007-0610     ISO Abbreviation:  Br Dent J     Publication Date:  2006 Jan 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2006-01-30     Completed Date:  2006-04-20     Revised Date:  2006-11-15    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7513219     Medline TA:  Br Dent J     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  103-7; discussion 93     Citation Subset:  D; IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Oral and Dental Science, Division of Oral Medicine, Pathology and Microbiology, University of Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Body Piercing / adverse effects,  statistics & numerical data*
Endocarditis, Bacterial / epidemiology
England / epidemiology
Foreign Bodies / epidemiology
Health Behavior
Health Education
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Infection Control / statistics & numerical data
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Tongue / injuries
Tooth Fractures / epidemiology

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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