Beware of piercing the labret!

Dentists are increasingly pointing out to their patients the risks that a labret piercing presents to their oral hygiene. This new trend, not without consequence, requires a meticulous and very precise installation.

Being the first witnesses of many complications resulting from this installation, the specialists of the oral health begin to be alarmed. This piercing requires an excessively precise installation under conditions of irreproachable hygiene, this in order to limit the risks of complications such as periodontal diseases.  

Risks of piercing 

Complications that may be detected at the time of installation or may arise over time are

• local bacterial infections which concern 10% to 20% of piercings (streptococci, staphylococci...)
• viral infections ranging from hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes, HPV to AIDS
• haematomas or haemorrhages that may leave behind a large scar (due to an exaggerated proliferation and inflammation of the fibrous tissue under the skin).

In order to limit and reduce the risks to the maximum, it is necessary to show a perfect hygiene at the time of the installation of the piercing in particular by the use of sterile material with single use, the sterilization of the room and the material, the port of gloves... The people wishing to make itself a piercing must feel free to inform itself on this hygiene by visiting the buildings and by asking for more information on the methods of the installation. To avoid allergies, care should be taken to avoid travelling piercers, and check that the jewellery is made of surgical steel or gold. During the healing process, it is necessary to watch out for any abnormalities and to consult a doctor in case of doubt. Swimming in the sea or in a swimming pool is also not recommended.

 Singular dangers

The labret piercing is located on the lower or upper lip. Currently this fashion is very widespread among young people, surely inspired by the many stars who have worn it.

This trend carries too many risks, noted by the medical community of dental care (composed of dermatologists, dental surgeons, orthodontists, stomatologists and maxillofacial surgeons). The labret causes all these complications because of its singular situation inside the mouth.

Beyond the immediate complications that can cause the installation of this piercing such as the infectious risks or the allergies of contact, it is also illustrated as the cause of problems often undetectable by its carrier because they are not visible, nor painful in the everyday life.
Indeed, the incessant rubbing of the labret against the teeth and the gum causes irreversible effects. The damage to the teeth and gums can be devastating: cracks, loss of enamel, dental fractures, gum recession, bone loss, loosening of teeth, etc.

Essential medical information

Before the installation of the intra-oral or buccal piercings, a medical information must be transmitted by the piercer to the customer: information on the risks and the contra-indications, possible prescription of an antibioprophylaxis, local anaesthesia and assumption of responsibility of the frequent immediate complications. The installation of approved piercings must be in adequacy with certain fixed rules such as the size and the shape (bar of small size), the nature of the material (light)... in order to improve on the long term the dento-alveolar tolerance.


It is moreover strongly recommended to address itself to a dentist before the installation of the piercing, in order to detect any anomaly, or factor of risk being able to complicate or to contra-indicate the installation.

Dr Michaël LUMBROSO
Implantologist Dentist / Parodontologist in Versailles