An Edmonton dentist says screening rules involving tongue piercing need to be standardized. Dr. Christine Botchway says this form of “body art” (see page 864) is becoming increasingly popular among young people but the practice remains “completely unregulated.”
Writing in the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association (2001;67[1]:18-9), Botchway complained that there “are no formal guidelines or licensing requirements for tongue piercers in Alberta, or indeed in the rest of Canada.”
Botchway, who had previously written about tooth fractures associated with tongue piercing (J Can Dent Assoc 1998;64[11]:803-5), says dentists or physicians who are asked about tongue piercing should “review the real dangers (some potentially life threatening) associated with the practice.” —
Signature
Patrick Sullivan
CMAJ
Figure. Piercings, such as the one sported by world speedskating champion K.C. Boutiette, are becoming common. Photo by: CP Archive