Tongue piercing as risk factor to periodontal health.

Body piercing has grown in popularity among teenagers and young adults. Dating back to antiquity, piercing is a cultural practice used in ceremonial or religious rites; however, today, it is commonly exercised as a method of self-expression. Different complications and side effects are associated with intraoral piercing, including pain, swelling, infection, gingival trauma, chipped or fractured teeth, increased salivary flow, calculus buildup, and interference with speech and swallowing. We present a case report of periodontal treatment of traumatized gingival tissue caused by a tongue stud. The step-by-step periodontal surgical management of the case has been elaborated. The role of oral and dental health care professionals in managing the growing problem of tongue piercing as a periodontal risk factor has also been highlighted.