All of the following are recognized potential complications of intraoral piercings EXCEPT:

Correct answer: B. Reduced risk of local infection

• A. ASPIRATION or SWALLOWING of a loosened bead or barbell is a genuine risk — aspiration into the airway is a medical emergency.
• B. CORRECT as the EXCEPTION. Intraoral piercings INCREASE infection risk substantially. The piercing tract is a persistent breach in the mucosal barrier sitting in a warm, moist, heavily colonized environment. Reported consequences range from localized infection to Ludwig's angina, endocarditis, hepatitis transmission and tetanus.
• C. TOOTH FRACTURE and chipping are frequent with TONGUE piercings, from habitual clicking of the barbell against the lingual surfaces of the posterior teeth.
• D. GINGIVAL RECESSION is among the most common complications, particularly with LIP and LABRET piercings, where the back-plate rubs repeatedly against the mandibular anterior facial gingiva.

Note: Additional risks: prolonged bleeding, swelling that can threaten the airway in the first days after tongue piercing, nerve damage, metal hypersensitivity, speech interference and imaging artifact. If a patient will not remove the piercing, advise a smaller plastic-ball barbell, meticulous hygiene, and regular monitoring of the adjacent gingiva and teeth.