Elective lip piercing and gingival recession: case report

Abstract

Elective oral piercing as a form of ornamentation or self-expression appears to be gaining popularity in New Zealand and around the world. Several reports of the dangers associated with this practice appear in the dental and medical literature. This report presents a case of rapid, severe gingival recession in a previously periodontally-healthy young female, arising from trauma due to her lip piercing. The aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of her condition are outlined, as well as criteria for the dental community to consider when evaluating patients with facial piercing. The report highlights some of the dangers associated with oral piercing and raises questions concerning potential risk factors for such trauma.