AccScience Publishing / EJMO / Online First / DOI: 10.36922/EJMO026130139
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REVIEW ARTICLE

Clinical implications of oral piercing: A literature review of local and systemic complications

Lucia Giannini1* ,  Antonino Manti2 ,  Sabrina Ardizzone2 ,  Aia Amin2 ,  Cinzia Maspero1,2
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1 Foundation IRCCS Ca Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
2 Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Milan, Milan, Lombardy, Italy
EJMO, 026130139 https://doi.org/10.36922/EJMO026130139
Received: 24 March 2026 | Revised: 4 June 2026 | Accepted: 4 June 2026 | Published online: 7 July 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomarkers related to Oral diseases and periodontitis evolution)
© 2026 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution -Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC-by the license) ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ )
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Abstract

Oral piercings have become increasingly popular in recent decades, particularly among adolescents and young adults, representing a widespread form of body modification. Although often considered an aesthetic practice, primarily the insertion of jewelry into the oral cavity may be associated with several local and systemic complications relevant to dental professionals. This literature review aimed to evaluate and synthesize the available scientific evidence regarding the clinical implications of oral piercings and their associated complications. A literature search of major electronic databases was conducted to identify clinical investigations, observational studies, case series, and case reports reporting local or systemic complications associated with oral and perioral piercings. Due to substantial heterogeneity in study design, patient populations, types of piercings, and reported outcomes, a qualitative synthesis of the evidence was performed. The literature consistently reports a wide range of complications. Frequently described local effects include gingival recession, enamel wear, tooth fractures, mucosal trauma, periodontal changes, bleeding, swelling, and localized infections. Systemic complications, although less common, include bacteremia, infective endocarditis, allergic reactions, and potential transmission of infectious diseases, particularly in susceptible patients. These findings highlight the potential risks associated with oral piercings and underscore the importance of awareness among dental practitioners. In conclusion, oral piercings may be associated with an increased risk for both oral and systemic health, and dentists play a crucial role in prevention, early diagnosis, patient education, and management of related complications.

Graphical abstract
Keywords
Oral piercing
Oral health
Gingival recession
Periodontal complications
Bacteremia
Systemic complications
Funding
This study was funded by Italian Ministry of Health—Current Research IRCCS.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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Eurasian Journal of Medicine and Oncology, Electronic ISSN: 2587-196X Print ISSN: 2587-2400, Published by AccScience Publishing
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