Labial piercing resulting in gingival recession. A case series

Several complications of oral piercing have been recently reported in the medical and dental literature. Even though few people have had problems related to oral piercing, dentists should familiarise themselves with the potential associated oral and dental problems. We present three cases of young people with gingival recession in the mandibular incisor area related to labial piercing. The clinical examination and the dental history of the three cases revealed the relationship between the gingival recession and the presence of labial piercing. In particular, a stud in the lower lip was held in place by a metal disk on the inner labial mucosa in each case. The metal disk was in close proximity to the mandibular front teeth and it would appear that it was responsible for local trauma and recession. This case series reinforces previously reported concerns regarding the practice of piercing and the role of the dentist, both in advising patients with oral or facial piercing and in the treatment of related oral, gingival and dental problems.