ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF ORAL PIERCING ON THE ORAL MUCOSA: REVIEW ARTICLE

The human dentofacial apparatus is a complex system responsible for articulation, chewing, swallowing, and involvement in metabolic processes. Any foreign body in the oral cavity, including piercing, disrupts this balance and may trigger structural changes that manifest as either compensatory or pathological responses. Oral piercing is considered an aggressive traumatic factor capable of causing a wide range of local and systemic complications. The popularity of oral piercing increased in the 2000s, with its prevalence among young people in various countries ranging from 0.8% to 12%. Tongue piercing is the most common, followed by lip and cheek piercings. The rich innervation and vascularization of the oral cavity make it particularly susceptible to infections, traumatic, and functional disturbances. In the first days after the procedure, patients often experience pain, swelling, bleeding, and in some cases even airway obstruction. Over time, functional disorders may develop, including impaired chewing, swallowing, speech, and altered taste perception. The most severe infectious complications include endocarditis, brain abscess, Ludwig’s angina, and sinus thrombosis. Oral piercing also increases the risk of hepatitis and HIV transmission when aseptic standards are not met. Due to hygiene difficulties, the piercing canal becomes a reservoir for microbial biofilm. Long-term complications include gingival recession, periodontitis, dental erosion and fractures, fibroma formation, chronic ulcers, hypersalivation, and neurological disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia. The materials used in piercing jewelry (especially nickel or cobalt) may provoke contact dermatitis or oral galvanism. Clinical findings show that marginal periodontium and dental hard tissues are most frequently affected. Gingival recession often develops 1.5-2 years after piercing placement, and the length and surface texture of the jewelry significantly increase the traumatic effect. In some cases, embedding of piercing components into the tongue tissue has been reported, requiring surgical removal. Treatment strategies involve eliminating the traumatic factor, improving oral hygiene, using less aggressive materials, and, when necessary, performing microsurgical procedures to correct recession. In cases of enamel damage, restoration is carried out only after removing the harmful stimulus. In conclusion, the issue of oral piercing remains relevant due to its prevalence and potentially serious consequences. Despite numerous clinical reports, there is still a lack of experimental studies on the interaction between piercing metals and oral tissues. The long-term effects of chronic trauma and the potential risk of malignancy require further scientific investigation.