# Oral health knowledge, behavior, and barriers to dental care of adult Jordanians adorning oral and/or perioral piercings-a cross-section study

## TL;DR

This study explores the oral health habits and challenges faced by Jordanian adults who have oral piercings, highlighting aesthetic motivations and barriers to dental care.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the oral health knowledge and care-seeking behavior of Jordanians with oral piercings.

## Key findings

- Most participants chose piercings for aesthetic reasons and received them from beauty parlors.
- Lack of trust in healthcare professionals was a major barrier to seeking dental care.
- Many participants had poor oral hygiene practices despite knowing basic dental health information.

## Abstract

The global prevalence of oral piercings is increasing, and there are mounting concerns about complications associated with oral and/or perioral piercings. Providing precautionary advice about piercing complications is important.

to determine the oral health knowledge, behavior, and barriers to dental care for oral and/or perioral piercings in adult Jordanians.

A web-based, anonymous, self-administered closed-end questionnaire was distributed across Jordan. It included questions regarding oral health knowledge, behavior, and barriers to dental care.

About (81.5%) liked how it looked. Most participants (49%) reported no complications, while 35% reported pain. The beauty parlors placed 76% of piercings and were also the source of help in case of complications. Most common barriers to seeking regular care were the perception that health professionals would refuse to treat them and the lack of confidence in the health professionals (90%) to treat the complications. Most participants (47%) brushed their teeth at least twice a day, and 68% spent 1–2 min brushing. Most participants (86%) knew that sugars and sweets caused dental caries. Also, (73%) believed bleeding gums was abnormal.

This study suggests that adult Jordanians primarily choose piercings for aesthetic reason, with beauty parlors being the preferred place for both piercings and assistance in the event of complications. The lack of trust in healthcare professionals, with the believe that experts may refuse treatment were the reasons for participants avoided seeking regular dental care, which might increase risk of periodontal and gingival diseases.