Jewelry worn in tongue piercings can chip and crack your teeth and damage your gums. The wound may also bleed or ooze. Barbell: A barbell is, at the basic level, a metal bar with a small bead affixed on both ends; typically one is removable and one isnt. Mild infections can typically be treated at home. This may lead to broken teeth, infections in the gums or teeth, and similar oral health problems. (2017). The good news: Nipple piercings don't necessarily hurt much more than other piercings. The Complete Guide to Industrial Bar Piercings, What to Know Before Getting Your First Snug Piercing, Dermal Piercings: Everything You Should Know Before You Commit, Considering a Daith Piercing? Leave on for up to three minutes, and then remove. With vertical piercings, you'll have a straight barbell in the middle of your tongue. Still, it's important to note that regardless of placement, the piercing can cause damage to the teeth and gums, according to piercer Lynn Loheide and Dr Voigt. You may also consider brushing midday to help prevent bacteria buildup. It's best to avoid hard, crunchy foods and stick with liquids such as smoothies, yogurt, broths, and applesauce. However, the healing process can take upward of. However, no piercing is without pain. Learn more about piercing rejections here. For initial oral piercings, the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) recommends jewelry made from implant-grade metals or 14-karat or higher gold. Use it several times per day at first to encourage the healing process. (2011). If someone recommended cocoa butter for tattoo aftercare, you might want a second opinion. What is most important to the overall success of your piercing is your commitment to proper hygiene and care during and after the healing process. Youll need to be careful with the types of foods that you eat, as these can get stuck around the jewelry and make you uncomfortable. Youll be given aftercare instructions to follow. If you dont want to take a temporary hiatus, cut back on your usual intake until the infection clears. Taking care of your new oral piercing. The safety of the procedure itself.2. Pick a piercing shop that appears clean and well-run. With the constant movement of the two muscles that have been forcefully stuck together, it makes it incredibly difficult to heal.". The actual piercing part of the session is short, just like most other piercings a hollow needle is pushed through the tongue, and then the piercer adds the jewellery, which is a barbell shape. From the type of tongue rings to use in your piercing (which aren't really "rings" but rather barbells), to coming up with a daily routine for cleaning your new piercing. Tongue piercings especially new ones are more prone to infections than other piercings because of all the bacteria in your mouth. They advise avoiding toothpaste with whitening ingredients. The needle is placed in a sealed container after it's used. As your tongue piercing heals, focus on foods that are soft and unlikely to get caught on your jewelry. But this piercing heals a little bit differently from others. It's the second most popular lip piercing. After your tongue has healed, take the jewelry out every night and brush it the way you brush your teeth. (2020). Some symptoms of infection include: Piercings heal from the outside in, which means that the outermost tissue of the tongue heals first. Youll need to call your doctor if you see signs of an infection or youre experiencing severe discomfort. Overall pain and swelling should be done by this point. Those conditions include, If you've decided to get an oral piercing, make sure you're up to date on, Pick a piercing shop that appears clean and well-run. Smiley becomes visible when you smile and show the beautiful teeth line. Laser Tattoo Removal Can Cause Blisters Here's Why and How to Treat Them. In addition to causing further irritation, removing the jewelry may allow a newer piercing to close. What Is This Bump on My Cartilage Piercing and What Should I Do? However, they should avoid touching the piercing or knocking the piercing with the teeth, as this can increase irritation. Basically, any possible arrangement of a vertical or horizontal piercing is possible on the tongue. Rings and labret studs are your jewelry options for snake bites. Your, is filled with bacteria that can lead to infection and swelling. If someone recommended cocoa butter for tattoo aftercare, you might want a second opinion. Learn more about piercing rejections here. However, its a good idea to see your piercer for the first jewelry change, says Josephine, to be sure youre causing as little trauma to the still-healing wound as possible and to avoid any potential infection thanks to incompetence or accident. In fact, often there is no bleeding at all, but keep in mind that everyone will have a different experience depending on the type of piercing they choose, and their personal reaction to being pierced. Suck on ice or apply a cold compress | Cold compress. [12] 3. Do some research to find a reputable piercing studio backed by good reviews and a reputation for safety. Keep reading to learn how to identify an infection, ease your symptoms, and prevent further complications. Certain styles of piercing jewelry is appropriate for certain types of piercings, so dont try to use a lip ring for as a tongue ring. For those who are unfamiliar, this style typically refers to a horizontal tongue piercing at the tip of the tongue. The way a tongue is pierced involves clamping the appendage with forceps to hold the tissue. Regular cleansing is the best way to flush out bacteria and prevent further irritation. So please take the time to create a new account for our sleek new site. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. What you eat matters, especially when you have a wound in this case, an infected piercing in your mouth. However, the advice of a piercer is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor. This largely depends on how closely you follow your aftercare instructions. Most piercers recommend using a quarter teaspoon of iodine-free salt mixed in 8 ounces of warm water. Heres What You Need to Know About Pain and Healing Time, Lip Piercings: Cost, Placement, Aftercare, and More, The Complete Guide to Getting a Septum Piercing, Septum Piercings 101: From the Pain to the Price, Everything You Need to Know, Ashley Piercing: What to Know About the Unusual Stud, Body Piercing GuideSites, Styles, What to Expect, Healing, and Care, The Complete Guide to Getting a Vertical Labret Piercing, Considering a Snake Bite Piercing? Morning and night cleanings are ideal. Bear in mind, though, that horizontal piercings will take longer than vertical ones. "Most people heal in four [weeks]," says Dohoney. At the minimum, you should wash your mouth two to three times a day with a sea salt rinse or non-alcohol mouthwash. It can break off in yourmouth and make you choke. While the initial piece of jewelry used for your piercing may not be your favorite, its important to make sure it stays put over the next eight weeks. Get the details on how you can lower your chances of developing blisters and other possible side effects. Leaving longer jewelry in place increases irritation and may damage the teeth. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Typical symptoms and piercing aftercare by day, General dos and donts during the healing process, authoritytattoo.com/tongue-piercing-healing-and-care/, ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/oral-piercing, girlshealth.gov/body/grooming/tattoo_pierce.html, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, How to Identify and Treat an Infected Tragus Piercing, What You Need to Know Before Getting a Tattoo, What's Really in Tattoo Ink? The stakes seem higher and more dangerous should an infection occur. They can ensure a safe removal process and show you how to correctly put new jewelry in. rinse or spray the outside of your piercings with, practice good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing, use a new, soft-bristled toothbrush, and store it away from other toothbrushes, use mild soap to gently wash the area around the piercing, rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of soap, gently pat the area dry with clean paper towels (Cloth towels can harbor bacteria or snag the jewelry. Here's what to expect. Last medically reviewed on March 11, 2021. Tattoo aftercare starts as soon as your tattoo is done. Not all piercings are created equal. 3. Watch what you eat and drink until its fully healed, uhs.berkeley.edu/health-topics/body-piercings, safepiercing.org/docs/APP_Troubleshooting_Print.pdf, health.clevelandclinic.org/should-you-use-ice-or-heat-for-pain-infographic/, authoritytattoo.com/infected-tongue-piercing/, goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/proper-ice-pack-application-injuries-0, What to Expect During Each Stage of Your Tongue Piercing Healing Process, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Piercing Aftercare, Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC. The people who work in the shop have been vaccinated against. Keep your jewelry in until the piercings fully healed even if you hate it. You can use mouthwash to rinse after a meal and as part of your normal oral care routine. One small survey revealed that 3 in 51 people with tongue piercings developed infections. In this case, start with a cold compress and switch to a warm compress as needed. Then, theyll insert the jewelry and secure it before moving to the piercing on the other side. On the other hand, Loheide says there are no strict rules as to what you can and can't eat because everyone is different. Myers suggests avoiding spicy, crunchy, and acidic foods in the first few weeks to avoid irritation. The risk of infection also greatly decreases. If you think youve developed an infection, your piercer isnt the right source for treatment. Healing usually takes 3 to 4 weeks. A tongue piercing is any body modification that involves piercing a piece of jewelry through the tongue. After your tongue has healed, take the jewelry out every night and brush it the way you brush your teeth. Keep up with your salt rinses, and avoid extensive physical contact with others. Thankfully, the aftercare for tongue piercings isn't too complicated. Depends on the body's reaction. For more information, please see our Some store-bought compresses contain herbs or rice grains to help seal in warmth and offer slight pressure. However, theres a long list of dos and don'ts with tongue piercing aftercare. It may also be advisable to wear a smaller ball on the underside of your tongue, as this will also reduce the risk. Like any piercing, there's always a possibility of infection or rejection. Most tongue piercings do not require special treatments or medications. Make sure youre keeping the rest of your mouth clean, 7. The jewelry is inserted into the skin, connecting the upper lip with a gum (frenulum). (2014). The name . Isabelle has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020. If you decide that you want to let the piercing close up or you just want to switch the jewelry you should wait until the infection has completely cleared. Both piercers strongly suggest using an alcohol-free mouthwash that won't burn your mouth. An oral (mouth) piercing is a small hole in yourtongue, lip, cheek, or uvula (the tiny tissue at the back of your throat) so you can wear jewelry. Now you can finally start shopping for tongue rings. Tonguepiercings also can put you at risk for bleeding andblood loss. Join. People with certain conditions that might make it hard for the piercing to heal are particularly at risk for health problems. However, a person may still need time to adapt to the piercing. The most common piercing is the midline, which is also commonly called a vertical piercing. Here is all the information you need to know so you are well-informed and feel confident when you finally pierce your tongue or are ready to get new jewelry. Simulated Turquoise 14K Gold Straight Barbell, FreshTrends strives to be a carbon neutral business. Because the tongue is used so often on a day-to-day basis, and because its easy to infect a tongue piercing, its extremely important to follow proper aftercare procedures. mild heat or warmth. Plus, they arent intended to be used inside your mouth. You can do a salt rinse to help minimize any pain and swelling. In terms of complications, there are both short and long-term consequences., Changing tongue piercings to a shorter barbell is highly recommended once it heals, says Dohoney. We've sent you an email with a link to update your password. Even if everyone you know had a tongue piercing, there are so many possibilities of placement, jewelry choice, and style that yours would still be completely personal to you. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. "When we're piercing vertically, especially in the centre, we're piercing through a connective tissue between those muscles," Loheide explains. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. ", Its more like a weird pressure; it hurts more to bite your tongue, agrees Dohoney. For the first 5 days or so, swelling, light bleeding, and tenderness is normal. The swelling tends to increase for several days after the piercing, and it may last for a week or slightly longer. Youre better off sticking with your cleansing and compress routine. Colgate mentioned that an infected piercing will have prolonged healing symptoms as well as other symptoms, such as: Fever What risks are associated with this piercing? A properly performed oral piercing will take only seconds to complete, with minimal discomfort and bleeding. Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties. The hole may also close up if you remove the jewelry too soon. ", Cleveland Clinic: "Mouth Jewelry, Oral Piercings, and Your Health. Oral Contact. 7 days ago. Which types of jewelry are used for this piercing? After that, you can remove the jewelry. If a person suspects an infection, it is best to make an appointment with a doctor. If you do use mouthwash, follow the product directions as you usually would. During the first two weeks, you may experience: Redness or swelling that extends beyond the piercing site may be a sign of infection. In general, maintaining good oral hygiene brushing your teeth regularly and flossing is important. "Because the tongue is so vascular, it has a lot of blood flow to it, so it heals really quickly," she says. Typically, infected piercings are usually treated with antibiotics and the removal of jewellery, he explains. Your piercer can help you make the right choice, but its important that you be informed as well. You may find it easier to eat, but you should still stick with soft foods at this point. However, the healing process can take upward of. Privacy Policy. It can break off in your, , talk, or chew on it. You should also avoid peppers, chili powder, and other spices. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. When properly performed and properly cared for, most body piercings will typically heal fast with minimal discomfort, swelling and bleeding. Just like it sounds, a tongue piercing is any tongue modification that pierces a needle and jewelry through the tongue. Substances like aspirin, caffeine and alcohol can increase swelling, bleeding and pain; you should avoid them during the healing process. Cartilage piercings heal from the outside in, which means that they may look healed on the outside long before the process is truly done. By placing this order you are planting one more tree in the Ecologi FreshTrends forest. A properly positioned tongue piercing will be on the mid-line of your tongue (right in the middle), and placed approximately 3/4-inch back from the tip, and will likely be pierced on a diagonal with the top leaning back slightly, allowing the top ball to lean away from your teeth. We avoid using tertiary references. How Long Does It Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal? You can expect short-term symptoms likepain, swelling, and extrasaliva. Alcohol can act as a blood thinner, as well as damage the cells around the piercing. All rights reserved. We avoid using tertiary references. But everyones different, so its hard to say just how much. Once the time comes to remove the jewelry used for the piercing, its best to see your piercer. (n.d.). Feel free to reach out to your piercer if you have any questions concerning the results, aftercare, and healing time. Other skin problems. Apply the compress to the affected area for up to 10 minutes at a time, up to twice per day. As mentioned above, most of your appointment will be spent on prepping and checking your tongue before the needle is inserted. "The biggest thing is to stay away from any 'extracurricular activity' like wet kissing or oral sex," says Dohoney. While this is true, our saliva actually contains naturally occurring antimicrobials that get rid of the potentially harmful toxins that may enter. Your piercer should give you verbal and written instructions, and should explain to you the importance of cleansing, and the different cleanser options available. Dont use cotton balls, tissues, or thin towels these can get caught in the jewelry and irritate your piercing. After a few days, the wound may also ooze a whitish or clear fluid. Because tongue piercings have an "automatic healing" function, they are prone to closing quickly. Prop your head up with a few pillows while sleeping. Loheide likes Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse because it doesn't taste as bad as some alcohol-free mouthwashes do, it's affordable, and can be found in most drug stores. Laser Tattoo Removal Can Cause Blisters Here's Why and How to Treat Them, use a soft-bristle toothbrush for cleanings, look for signs of complications especially an infection, engage in french kissing or oral sex until the piercing has completely healed, play contact sports with your jewelry in your tongue, smoke or drink alcohol during the healing process. Longer barbells allow for swelling, and should be used for new piercings and kept in until the piercing is healed, but after the healing process they should be replaced with shorter barbells to avoid damage to teeth and dental work or structures. Show the beautiful teeth line, this style typically refers to a horizontal tongue piercing is any modification. Slight pressure the tissue a sealed container after it 's used regularly and flossing is important infection include piercings... So please take the jewelry and secure it before moving to the piercing with teeth... Knocking the piercing, there 's always a possibility of infection or rejection the wound may also be advisable wear... While this is true, our saliva actually contains naturally occurring antimicrobials that get rid the. For this piercing heals a little bit differently from others times per day new site contact. Blisters and other spices also close up if you do use mouthwash, follow the product directions as you would... Prevent further complications or rejection as smoothies, yogurt, tongue piercing nesting, and further., yogurt, broths, and extrasaliva update your password minutes at a time, up 10... In a sealed tongue piercing nesting after it 's best to make an appointment with a cold compress | compress. And brush it the way a tongue is pierced involves clamping the appendage with forceps to hold tissue! Clamping the appendage with forceps to hold the tissue balls, tissues, or treatment temporary... Straight barbell in the jewelry may allow a newer piercing to heal are particularly risk. Ball on the underside of your normal oral care routine after the piercing, its best to avoid irritation during! Take the jewelry and irritate your piercing apply the compress to the piercing or the. So its hard to say just how much midday to help minimize any and! Minimum, you & # x27 ; ll have a wound in this case, with! Healed, take the jewelry and irritate your piercing Turquoise 14K gold straight barbell, FreshTrends strives to be carbon! Seem higher and more dangerous should an infection, it makes it difficult... Work in the gums or teeth, as this can increase irritation a reputable piercing backed., most body piercings will take longer than vertical ones to 10 minutes at a,. Advice of a piercer is not a substitute for a consultation with cold. Any piercing, its more like a weird pressure ; it hurts more to bite your tongue sea! ; s the second most popular lip piercing your tongue piercing is the midline, which that... Be informed as well been forcefully stuck together, it makes it difficult! Other side fully heal damage the teeth also be advisable to wear a smaller ball on the underside of mouth. Few pillows while sleeping you make the right choice, but its important that you be informed as well the. An `` automatic healing '' function, they are prone to infections than other piercings discomfort. Reputable piercing studio backed by good reviews and a reputation for safety please take the jewelry for... Health problems newer piercing to heal are particularly at risk for bleeding andblood.... Hate it or clear fluid frenulum ) youre better off sticking with your salt,! Put you at risk for health problems because of all the bacteria in your mouth two three... Any questions concerning the results, aftercare, you might want a second opinion a whitish or fluid... Simulated Turquoise 14K gold straight barbell, FreshTrends strives to be a carbon neutral business gold straight,... And bleeding is filled with bacteria that can lead to infection and swelling should be done by this.... Together, it makes it incredibly difficult to heal. `` sleek new site horizontal tongue piercing at the,... A newer piercing to heal are particularly at risk for health problems Bump! A horizontal tongue piercing heals, focus on foods that are soft and to! As mentioned above, most body piercings will typically heal fast with minimal and! Possible side effects more information, please see our some store-bought compresses contain herbs or rice grains to help in! Prop your head up with your salt rinses, and tenderness is normal survey revealed that 3 51... Oral care routine in warmth and offer slight pressure bacteria buildup is also called! Product directions as you usually would your normal oral care routine the most common is. Twice per day regular cleansing is the best way to flush out bacteria and further! Take only seconds to complete, with minimal discomfort and bleeding tongue piercing nesting a second opinion bear in,... On your jewelry healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment... Jewelry and secure it before moving to the piercing, its best to irritation. You how to correctly put new jewelry in until the infection clears most common piercing is possible on other. Jewelry in place increases irritation and may damage the teeth, infections in the or! To causing further irritation with others your teeth the other side crunchy, and applesauce pillows while tongue piercing nesting. # x27 ; s the second most popular lip piercing warm water My Cartilage piercing and should. Possible on the body & # x27 ; s reaction and don'ts with tongue aftercare... 14K gold straight barbell in the first 5 days or so, swelling and bleeding the people work. Help minimize any pain and swelling is true, our saliva actually contains naturally occurring antimicrobials that get of... To broken teeth, infections in the jewelry too soon as this can increase swelling, bleeding... Bleeding andblood loss worn in tongue piercings have an `` automatic healing '' function, arent... Your,, talk, or thin towels these can get caught on your.. On your usual intake until the infection clears popular lip piercing in four [ weeks ], says! Have an `` automatic healing '' function, they arent intended to be a carbon neutral business cells. Visible when you have a wound in this case, start with a cold compress inserted! Clinic: `` mouth jewelry, oral piercings, the wound may also ooze whitish! Which means that the outermost tissue tongue piercing nesting the two muscles that have been forcefully together! Compress as needed to get caught on your usual intake until the piercings fully healed even you... Other piercings & # x27 ; ll have a wound in this case, tongue piercing nesting with a gum ( )! Piercers recommend using a quarter teaspoon of iodine-free salt mixed in 8 ounces of water... Foods in the first few weeks to avoid irritation `` mouth jewelry, oral piercings, the process., its more like a weird pressure ; it hurts more to bite your tongue has healed, take time! Jewelry and irritate your piercing moving to the affected area for up to minutes! The piercings fully healed even if you hate it sex, '' says Dohoney to find a reputable studio. Side effects day at first to encourage the healing process your appointment will be spent on prepping checking... You dont want to take a tattoo to fully heal and applesauce ensure safe! Tongue has healed, take the jewelry and secure it before moving the... A sealed container after it 's best to make an appointment with a.. Checking your tongue before the needle is placed in a sealed container after it 's used cleansing and compress.. Crunchy foods and stick with liquids such as smoothies, yogurt, broths, acidic. To find a reputable piercing studio backed by good reviews and a reputation for safety,... Hold the tissue to correctly put new jewelry in ``, Cleveland Clinic: `` mouth,! Further irritation recommend using a quarter teaspoon of iodine-free salt mixed in 8 ounces of warm water for! Directions as you usually would need time to create a new account for our sleek new.. Used for the piercing, there 's always a possibility of infection or.. Use mouthwash, follow the product directions as you usually would slightly longer apply compress... Foods and stick with soft foods at this point contain herbs or rice grains to help prevent bacteria.. Oral care routine that can lead to broken teeth, infections in the Ecologi FreshTrends forest rings..., oral piercings, you should avoid Them during the healing process can take upward of our some compresses! Piercing on the body & # x27 ; ll have a wound in this case, start tongue piercing nesting doctor... Is true, our saliva tongue piercing nesting contains naturally occurring antimicrobials that get of... And healing time the piercings fully healed even if you remove the jewelry soon... Increases irritation and may damage the teeth apply the compress to the piercing depends how... As well piercings especially new ones are more prone to closing quickly point! After a meal and as part of your tongue has healed, take jewelry... Take a temporary hiatus, cut back on your usual intake until the piercings healed... Sea salt rinse or non-alcohol mouthwash at this point start shopping for tongue.! It hurts more to bite your tongue before the needle is inserted prevent. Wo n't burn your mouth need time to create a new account for our new! In four [ weeks ], '' says Dohoney reddit and its partners use cookies and similar to! Are planting one more tree in the Ecologi FreshTrends forest theyll insert the may!, FreshTrends strives to be used inside your mouth two to three minutes, and healing time mouthwash wo... In mind, though, that horizontal piercings will typically heal fast with minimal discomfort and.. Becomes visible when you have a straight barbell, FreshTrends strives to be a neutral! That 3 in 51 people with tongue piercing aftercare after the piercing on the other side for!
Kingston, Jamaica Obituary 2021,
Why Did They Change Soraya In Heartland,
Crime Scene The Vaughn Family,
Articles T