Problemas relacionados com o uso de piercing na língua – relato de caso

Problems related to tongue piercing: case report

Abstract

Objective: Body piercing is viewed by young people as a new approach to style and social inclusion, applied in many different
parts of the mouth: tongue, lips, cheeks, teeth and uvula. Countless problems associated with tongue piercing have been
reported, such as calculus, halitosis, gingival recession, mucosal trauma, excessive salivation, bleeding, thrombophlebitis of
the sigmoid sinus and streptococcal endocarditis. This case report presents a minimally invasive restoration technique for
damaged teeth, while stressing the importance of healthcare practitioners explaining the problems caused by indiscriminate
body piercing. Case description: A female patient, 15 years old, went to the Adolescent Oral Health Department Clinic at
the Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), complaining that she had ‘broken’ her tooth. An examination showed a fracture in
Tooth 24, probably caused by the tongue piercing. The treatment consisted of advice on piercing risks and the fabrication of
an indirect conservatory ceramic repair. After guidance and treatment, the patient decided to remove the piercing. She has
been monitored since then and the repair is still in good condition. Comments: It is thus vital that the clinician is technically
well prepared to repair teeth and also able to assist patients in physical and psychosocial terms.