Consequences of oral piercing use among ecuadorian students

Abstract

The use of oral piercings has gained popularity among young people as a form of personal expression, sparking interest due to its impact on oral health and its connection to youth identity. This study aimed to define the consequences of using oral piercings among students from ninth grade to third year of high school at the Víctor Manuel Guzmán Educational Unit during the 2023-2024 period. A descriptive design with a quantitative approach was employed, utilizing a survey technique with a structured questionnaire consisting of thirteen closed questions applied to a sample of 124 students from parallel "A" of the institution. The results revealed that the main consequences of oral piercings are linked to poor hygiene practices, lack of knowledge about necessary care before and after placement, and disregard for preventive measures. These conditions significantly increase the risk of complications such as inflammation, pain, and other local symptoms. Although most students do not use piercings, those who do face negative repercussions mainly associated with insufficient information about the required care. In conclusion, this study highlights the need to implement educational programs to inform young people about the risks of using piercings and to promote safe practices that contribute to improving their oral health.