Intraoral piercing can cause all of the following EXCEPT:

Correct answer: C. A reduction in the risk of local infection

• A. Chipping, cracking, and wear facets on the lingual surfaces of anterior teeth are frequent from habitual contact with metal jewelry.
• B. Gingival recession is one of the most common and best-documented complications, particularly lingual recession on the mandibular anteriors from a lip or tongue stud rubbing the tissue.
• C. CORRECT — this is the EXCEPTION. Intraoral piercings INCREASE infection risk. They create a persistent breach in the mucosal barrier, harbor biofilm on the jewelry surface, and have been associated with local infection, Ludwig angina, endocarditis, hepatitis transmission, and tetanus.
• D. Localized alveolar bone loss adjacent to the piercing site is documented, often accompanying the recession.

Note: Other risks: prolonged bleeding, nerve injury, hypersalivation, speech interference, aspiration or swallowing of loose jewelry, and allergic reaction to nickel.