Teenagers who carry out tongue and lip piercings are increasing the risk of dental complications arising, a new study has revealed.
Research carried out at by the School of Dental Medicine at Tel Aviv University (TAU) found that oral tissue piercings fracture teeth and increase dental complications in early adulthood.
Dr Liran Levin, a dentist from the Department of Oral Rehabilitation at the university, warned that around 15-20 per cent of teens with oral piercings are at high risk of both gum disease and tooth fractures, which in turn can lead to anterior tooth loss later in life.
Levin said the findings were supported by the fact that high rates of fractures due to piercings are not common in other age groups, and cases of severe periodontal damage in teens without oral piercings are similarly rare.
The team’s research on the risks and complications of oral piercings was aided by studies from multiple centres in America and across the world.
