Intraoral jewelry or other oral accessories may lead to increased plaque levels, gingival inflammation and/or recession, caries, and metal allergy. In addition, oral piercing involving the tongue, lips, cheeks, and uvula have been associated with pathological conditions including pain, infection, scar formation, tooth fractures, metal hyper-sensitivity reactions, localized periodontal disease, speech impediment, Ludwig's angina, hepatitis, and nerve damage.

Life threatening complications, although rare, can be associated with oral piercings, which consists of bleeding, edema, endocarditis, and airway obstruction. Additionally, the use of dental jewelry may cause dental caries and periodontal problems.

Unregulated piercing parlors and techniques have been identified as potential vector for disease transmission (e.g., hepatitis, tetanus, tuberculosis) and as a cause of bacterial endocarditis in susceptible patients. Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry tel: 623-535-7873 - Avondale, Goodyear, Surprise