Tongue Piercing: experience of piercees and practice of piercers in Klang Valley, Malaysia
- Author:
Roslan SAUB
1
;
Nurul Muhaimin Mohamad Mohsin
;
Wan Nurfitriyana Wan Othman
Author Information
1. Department of Community Oral Health and Clinical Prevention, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
tongue piercing;
body piercing;
body art;
qualitative study
- From:
Annals of Dentistry
2016;23(2):10-19
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
To explore the phenomenon of tongue piercing in Klang Valley. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with piercers and those who had their tongue pierced (“piercees”) in Klang Valley. Five piercers and eight piercees were interviewed. Piercees had their tongue pierced at age 16-25 years. Three main reasons for tongue piercing were to enhance appearance, express their individuality, and out of curiosity. They reported that they experienced various immediate and late complications. However, most were aware of and expected the complications. The majority of piercers reported adequate infection control procedures and enquired about the client’s health prior to piercing. Although some clients reported problems, such reports were rare. Tongue piercing is an invasive procedure with some risks, but precautions such as proper infection control procedures minimize the likelihood of encountering serious problems. The reasons for tongue piercing varied between individuals. Although the majority of the interviewed piercers reported cross-infection control, their knowledge of the medical risks associated with tongue piercing varied widely.
- Full text:9.2016my0092.pdf
