Tongue piercing: Impact of time and barbell stem length on lingual gingival recession and tooth chipping

Background: The increasing popularity of tongue piercing has prompted several case reports documenting oral complications of this practice. However, there are no studies assessing potentially significant parameters. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of time (years of wear) and tongue barbell size (stem length) on gingival recession and tooth chipping. Methods: Fifty-two adults (mean age 22) with tongue piercings were examined for gingival recession on the lingual aspect of the 12 anterior teeth and for tooth chipping anywhere in the mouth. Subjects were grouped according to years of wear (0 to 2, 2 to 4, and 4+ years) and barbell stem length (long greater than or equal to1.59 cm, or short <1.59 cm). Data analysis was based on binomial test and non-parametric tests. Results: No subject with a tongue piercing <2 years (group 0-2) exhibited lingual recession or tooth chipping. Lingual recession was found on mandibular central incisors in 50% of subjects wearing long barbells for 2 or more years. Tooth chipping was found on molars and premolars in 47% of subjects with a tongue piercing for 4+ years. Conclusions: Tongue piercing is associated with lingual recession of mandibular anterior teeth and chipping of posterior teeth. Long-term use of a tongue barbell increases the prevalence of these complications. Barbell stem length appears to differentially affect prevalence of recession and chipping. Since the overwhelming majority of subjects with tongue piercings are young adults, cessation efforts are needed to target this population.