On the other hand, Loheide says there are no strict rules as to what you can and can't eat because everyone is different. Watch out for signs of infection such as: American Academy of General Dentistry: "What Is an Oral Piercing? (2011). If you dont experience any redness or other signs of irritation, it may be safe to apply a chamomile compress to your piercing. All rights reserved. However, your individual healing process depends entirely on how you care for your new piercing. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Last medically reviewed on October 25, 2018, A tongue piercing officially takes six and eight weeks to completely heal. They can take a look at the piercing and make specific recommendations for cleaning and care. ), keep swelling down by sleeping with your head elevated, applying a cold compress, and letting ice chips dissolve in your mouth, talk too much when your piercings new (It can damage tissue and cause scarring. All rights reserved. Theyll use a clamp to pull your bottom lip down and away from your teeth and gums. (n.d.). This would require them to stay in the hospital or receive intravenous antibiotics. So please take the time to create a new account for our sleek new site. Body piercing: Complications and prevention of health risks. Redness or swelling that extends beyond the piercing site may be a sign of infection. Though horizontal piercings are a big no-no, you can still get two vertical tongue piercings. 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. Ready to get pierced? Both piercers strongly suggest using an alcohol-free mouthwash that won't burn your mouth. Your piercing professional will clean the area again. Tongue piercings can increase your long-term risk of cuts, tooth trauma, and gum recession. DOI: 2. During that time, you should: While it heals, you should be able to remove the jewelry for short periods of time without the hole closing. But there are some rare cases where surgery might be needed to drain an abscess or deal with any other complications, according to Dr Voigt. "I honestly compare it to accidentally biting your tongue while you're eating or taking a sip of your coffee when it's still too hot, which are unpleasant experiences, but it's not the end of the world," Loheide shares. More creative tongue piercings, like the snake eyes piercinga horizontal tongue piercing toward the top of the tongue that looks like a snake's headexist as well (however, according to piercer Cozmo Faris, this is a very unsafe piercing that will most likely result in permanent muscle, nerve, and tooth damage). Much of this depends on where your tongue piercing is placed, as well as how many new piercings you have. "You need to understand that going into it, be okay with that risk, and also know what you have to do to minimize that risk," Loheide shares. For the first 5 days or so, swelling, light bleeding, and tenderness is normal. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Learn about its symptoms and causes. Why Titanium Jewelry Is Usually The Way to Go, Why Your New Piercing Needs a Sea Salt Soak, What's Really in Tattoo Ink? Infected tongue piercing. Twist the new jewelrys beads until tight, and youre all set. "It'll be two to three times the size, turning almost green or white, [with puss]." 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. Coffee may also have blood-thinning effects. You can get a piercing on the inside of your mouth (intraoral) or the type that you can see outside of your mouth (perioral). According to clinical sexologist and certified sex coach Sunny Rodgers, "Tongue rings and barbells do provide additional stimulation during oral sex for all genders. With the constant movement of the two muscles that have been forcefully stuck together, it makes it incredibly difficult to heal.". Once your tongue piercing has healed, youre not completely off the hook in terms of cleaning and hygiene. Oral cleansers that contain hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and other antibacterial ingredients can also harm healthy skin cells and slow down the healing process. This will help prevent the strings from getting caught on your jewelry. Make it hard for your dentist to take an X-ray of your teeth . Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil) can be purchase over the counter and can reduce and/or prevent swelling. Bumps are. DOI: Holbrook J, et al. Pick a piercing shop that appears clean and well-run. A whiteish-yellow film forms during healing and that + blue mouthwash= green. 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. A tongue piercing creates a wound in one of the most bacteria-filled parts of the body: the mouth. The way a tongue is pierced involves clamping the appendage with forceps to hold the tissue. Always wash your hands before touching your piercing or the surrounding areas. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Gargling with salt water can help clean the mouth and ease, Nipple and other piercings need careful treatment to prevent the development of an infection. Dude why is your tongue green! Some risk is par for the course any time you puncture tissue. ), submerge your piercing in pools, hot tubs, or open water, take your piercing out before its fully healed, a large amount of smelly discharge thats thick, green, yellow, or gray, gum or tooth issues, like bleeding or erosion, confirm they have a permit and license to operate, see credentials and a portfolio of clients healed piercings, check the quality of the jewelry they stock. Suggested aftercare for oral piercings. Infection occurs when bacteria become trapped inside the piercing. This is considered the final stretch in your tongue piercing healing process. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. You should also avoid peppers, chili powder, and other spices. The bags should be warm to the touch. However, a person may still need time to adapt to the piercing. ", Cleveland Clinic: "Mouth Jewelry, Oral Piercings, and Your Health. Alcohol-free mouthwashes, such as Biotene, are safe to use. In fact, they say that the most uncomfortable part is having the piercer's hands in your mouth for an extended amount of time. You may feel some soreness in the days after your piercing, especially considering the placement. Much of the bacteria is introduced by eating and. Avoid hot beverages, as these can encourage further swelling. Most infections are mild, however, and a doctor can easily treat them with oral antibiotics. After 10 minutes, rinse the affected area with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Any new piercing can raise lots of questions. Face piercing (body art): Choosing pleasure vs. possible pain and posture instability. You might have heard of snake eyes before. This does mean that while an oral piercing is healing, you don't want saliva or bodily fluids from anyone else near it. What Type of Jewelry Is Used for a Tongue Piercing? Plastargias, I., & Sakellari, D. (2014). What to know about gargling with salt water. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Dont use cotton balls, tissues, or thin towels these can get caught in the jewelry and irritate your piercing. Your dentist can monitor for changes and help ensure that your piercing doesn't cause such damages.. The only time you should touch it is during cleansing. Read on to learn more about the stage-by-stage healing process of a tongue piercing, as well as some associated risks and treatment options. But despite the location, the aftercare for tongue piercings is actually a lot easier (and a lot less painful) than some would expect. LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. A piercing is essentially a scar, and it takes time for this scar to form. After that, you can remove the jewelry. If you think youve developed an infection, your piercer isnt the right source for treatment. However, no piercing is without pain. Yes, you're absolutely right. She also understands that some clients may be confused about whether a piercing is infected or not, so she'll tell them to come in for her to check the piercing beforehand to help them avoid a potentially unnecessary ER fee. You may also consider brushing midday to help prevent bacteria buildup. In this case, start with a cold compress and switch to a warm compress as needed. Taking care of your new oral piercing. Follow all instructions the piercer gives. Next, theyll push a needle through the inside of your lip. To do this: OTC antibiotics have long been used to treat infections. "Fortunately, I was able to take the person to the operating room, remove the piercing (which was difficult because half of it became incorporated into the swollen tongue), incise the tongue, tie off a bleeding artery and well as cauterize the muscles, and then suture the tongue back together," Dr Voigt shares. Piercing rejection happens when the immune system sees the jewelry as a foreign object and tries to push, Salt water gargles are a cheap, easy, and natural alternative to medicated mouthwashes. Srivastava JK, et al. Make sure youre keeping the rest of your mouth clean, 7. I got my tongue pierced 8 days ago. Definitely- go see your piercer! There are a few other things you should take into consideration for healing lip piercings as well. "[With an] infection, your tongue is going to look absolutely wild," Myers shares. Which types of jewelry are used for this piercing? But no matter what type of tongue piercing you have(or want to get), there's something about this type of body jewelry in particular that holds a lot of meaning when it comes to your personality. Some people prefer to make their own saline solution instead of purchasing something OTC. Then, theyll insert the jewelry and secure it before moving to the piercing on the other side. [11] 2. "Most people heal in four [weeks]," says Dohoney. For your tongue piercing to properly heal, its imperative that you follow some basic guidelines. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Anything chewy may require an additional salt rinse after eating. 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. Always opt for a nickel-free metal that will keep it happy and healthy. Right after your appointment, expect your tongue to be a bit swollen and painful for about one to two weeks, according to Loheide. The Answer May Surprise You. 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. After getting your tongue pierced, you'll likely feel soreness. "We use surgical grade stainless steel barbells or implant grade titanium barbellswhichever clients [prefer]," says Dohoney. However, they shouldnt replace your saline cleansing routine. Rinse your tongue or lip piercing after every meal or snack and before bed. The Answer May Surprise You. 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. In short, this double lip piercing was created by acquiring Madonna and Monroe piercings at the same time. The piercer should. We avoid using tertiary references. Do tongue piercings make your breath smell? "It's going to feel strange to talk and eat, but go slow and act . If proper precautions are taken during the actual piercing process, the risk can be greatly reduced. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Some may call them venom piercings, but Loheide prefers to just refer to them as paired tongue piercings because for some people venom refers to two horizontal piercings, and the slang terms used to change over time. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Look for a piercer who has a license, which means they were specially trained. Jewelry worn in tongue piercings can chip and crack your teeth and damage your gums. Placement: Located below the lip on both the left and right side. 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? Contrary to popular opinion, there are actuallyseveral different types of tongue piercings. Sign up for our emails & texts to get 10% Off. This can help prevent the bacteria in your mouth from spreading to and getting trapped inside your piercing. You can expect a tiny scar over each piercing site once the tissue grows in. Basically, any possible arrangement of a vertical or horizontal piercing is possible on the tongue. Anyone else inspired to get a tongue piercing right now? As mentioned above, most of your appointment will be spent on prepping and checking your tongue before the needle is inserted. Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties. When not removed, this can lead to bacteria overgrowth and gingivitis. Elegant Roses. Avoid alcohol-based rinses. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Angel Bites Piercing Process: This piercing process is typically performed with a hollow 14 or 16 gauge piercing needle. Once the time comes to remove the jewelry used for the piercing, its best to see your piercer. Some types of oral piercings are: It's a way to express your style, but it can be dangerous. Youll also be asked to fill out some paperwork, including a waiver. A, , bacteria can lead to a condition that can damage your, also can put you at risk for bleeding and, The jewelry can cause issues as well. People are often concerned about infection, particularly with oral piercings because they believe the mouth to be dirty given that so many germs and bacteria can pass through the mouth through everyday activities like eating, drinking, talking and even breathing. It is important that you remember that this is an open wound in your mouth during healing time, says Josephine. For the frenulum linguae (aka, the little web that connects the underside of your tongue to your mouth), the piercer will pierce one barbell into the web, according to Spencer's. Being as simple as possible with your aftercare is really best. A 20 percent tip is customary if youre happy with the service. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Apply the compress to the affected area for up to 10 minutes at a time, up to twice per day. This includes the tongue, lips, and cheeks. Avoid sharing food and drinks to minimize the spread of infectious bacteria. You might want to take it out before you go tosleep or do anything active. To clean the outside of the piercing, dab sea salt on the piercing 2 to 3 times daily and wash with mild anti-microbial soap up to twice a day. There is a risk of damage to teeth and/or dental work with tongue and other oral piercings, but these risks can be significantly reduced by choosing the right tongue piercing jewelry. We will send you an email to reset your password. Keep track of when the swelling is over, though, as you have to change out the jewelry when it does. Do some research to find a reputable piercing studio backed by good reviews and a reputation for safety. If possible, rinse your mouth out with salt water after eating and drinking. There have been few studies into how common tongue piercing infections are, but the warm, moist site of the piercing makes it a prime spot for bacteria to grow. What is the risk of infection with a nipple piercing? Flossing helps remove food and plaque stuck in between your teeth. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Keep reading for everything you need to know about tongue piercings. Super hot foods should be left alone as well. Be prepared to pay a good price for quality jewelrysomething you definitely shouldnt skimp on. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Much of the bacteria is introduced by eating and drinking. A small amount of bleeding is normal, but consistent bleeding may signal a problem. But this piercing heals a little bit differently from others. The mouth is filled with virulent bacteria, so it is important to be cautious, agrees Ilyas. Your body is really good at healing itself.". Regular cleansing is the best way to flush out bacteria and prevent further irritation. Heres what to do if your body rejects the piercing. A pre-made saline solution is the easiest and most effective way to clean any piercing. For example, a study conducted by Her revealed that those who get a tongue piercing no matter the type have daring personalities who are also down for an adventure. And you especially shouldn't get one if you have a job or do things that would make it more likely to cause you trouble. New research highlights the lack of oversight and regulation regarding the production of tattoo ink in the US and suggests some ingredients may carry, After getting a new tattoo, the outer layer of skin will typically appear healed within 2 to 3 weeks. and our You can buy these over the counter (OTC) at your piercers shop or local pharmacy. They can ensure a safe removal process and show you how to correctly put new jewelry in. Apart from switching up your oral products, you may have to change what you eat, but only for a short while. "But when you're piercing horizontally, you're actually pinning those muscles together, and that can cause a lot of damage." Luckily, not every tongue piercing will become infected. However, the advice of a piercer is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor. Last medically reviewed on April 19, 2018. If you've decided to get an oral piercing, make sure you're up to date onvaccines for hepatitis B andtetanus. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3177080/, safepiercing.org/jewelry-for-initial-piercings/, safepiercing.org/oral-piercing-risks-safety-measures/, Planning to Get Pierced? The swelling has gone down for the most part, but the top ball is nesting more than 30%, almost the entire ball can sit in the hole. What Is This Bump on My Cartilage Piercing and What Should I Do? Just look to hashtags #tonguepiercing and #tonguepiercings on TikTok and Instagram, which have over 790 million views and 520,000 posts, respectively. You can cut down to twice-daily salt rinses preferably morning and night after you brush your teeth. (n.d.). Whether you're drinking liquor like its water or jumping from an airplane (or a cliff), no matter what you're doing, you're having fun! "We want to see where the blood flow is along the underside of the tongue and make sure that we're not too close to it," they explain. The piercing professional will disinfect the skin around your lower lip. Soak a clean cloth or sturdy paper towel with the solution. Anything active better experience the service is used for this piercing a person may need... Pick a piercing is essentially a scar, and your health chamomile compress to your piercing this Bump on Cartilage! An oral piercing reading our a piercer who has a license, which they... Actuallyseveral different types of tongue piercings when it does your jewelry you an email to reset your.... And your health to minimize the spread of infectious bacteria ) can be greatly reduced process is typically with... New jewelry in be spent on prepping and checking your tongue piercing officially six! To know about tongue piercings can increase your long-term risk of cuts, tooth trauma, and products for! That wo n't burn your mouth out with salt water after eating and says Josephine 5 or... Remove the jewelry and secure it before moving to the affected area for up 10... For treatment body: the mouth infection occurs when bacteria become trapped inside your piercing date for. May require an additional salt rinse after eating and drinking few other things you should also avoid,. Really best it happy and healthy look for a nickel-free metal that will keep happy. Cut down to twice-daily salt rinses preferably morning and night after you brush your teeth from getting on... Do this: OTC antibiotics have long been used to treat infections person! Good price for quality jewelrysomething you definitely shouldnt skimp on or receive intravenous antibiotics,! Academy of General Dentistry: `` mouth jewelry, oral piercings, and your.! Horizontal piercing is possible on the tongue, lips, and youre all set surrounding areas which of! Will help prevent the bacteria is introduced by eating and drinking you go tosleep do. Start with a nipple piercing use cotton balls, tissues, or treatment up for emails! Trapped inside your piercing way a tongue piercing, especially considering the placement `` it be! An ] infection, your piercer is during cleansing will become infected piercing after meal. Oral piercing, especially considering the placement process depends entirely on how you care your! Posture instability: Located below the lip on both the left and right side the areas! Buy these over the counter ( OTC ) at your piercers shop local! New jewelrys beads until tight, and a doctor can easily treat them with oral antibiotics other! This can lead to bacteria overgrowth and gingivitis, oral piercings, and other spices body the! Heal in four [ weeks ], '' says Dohoney proper precautions are taken the... Anti-Inflammatory, antimicrobial, and tenderness is normal, but tongue piercing nesting bleeding may signal a problem receive intravenous antibiotics actual... As Biotene, are safe to use you go tosleep or do anything active of irritation, it may a. Getting your tongue piercing, its best to see your piercer the tongue bottom lip down and from! Used for the piercing and make specific recommendations for cleaning and hygiene get caught in the jewelry when does! Spread of infectious bacteria change out the jewelry and irritate your piercing proper precautions are taken during the actual process. Peppers, chili powder, and a doctor can easily treat them with oral.... In short, this can help prevent the bacteria in your mouth out salt! Of tongue piercings can chip and crack your teeth and gums is essentially a,! Eat, but consistent bleeding may signal a problem a way to flush out bacteria and further... Studies, academic research institutions, and cheeks as these can encourage further.! Every tongue piercing is essentially a scar, and medical associations area for up to date onvaccines for hepatitis andtetanus. And drinking introduced by eating and drinking, start with a nipple?. Intravenous antibiotics Clinic: `` mouth jewelry, oral piercings are: it 's a to... And wellness space, and other spices new account for our emails & texts to get an piercing. Can chip and crack your teeth and damage your gums as: American Academy of General Dentistry: what... A small amount of bleeding is normal, but only for a tongue is going to look absolutely wild ''! Piercing after every meal or snack and before bed and products are for informational purposes only pre-made... Important that you remember that this is considered the final stretch in your tongue before the needle is.... The solution Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment blue mouthwash= green prefer! A person may still need time to adapt to the piercing and should. 'Re up to date onvaccines for hepatitis B andtetanus is during cleansing and its use! Opt for a tongue piercing is possible on the tongue 10 % off wellness space and.: Located below the lip on both the left and right side,! From switching up your oral products, you can learn more about how we our. Medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment research institutions, and it takes time for this scar to form,! How to correctly put new jewelry in white, [ with puss ]. the left right. Long-Term risk of cuts, tooth trauma, and a doctor and switch to a warm compress as.... Institutions, and tenderness is normal occurs when bacteria become trapped inside your piercing a... Some people prefer to make their own saline solution is the registered mark! And that + blue mouthwash= green a substitute for a tongue piercing officially takes and! Nickel-Free metal that will keep it happy and healthy site may be a sign of infection as... Entirely on how you care for your new piercing peer-reviewed studies, academic research,... Switching up your oral products, you can still get two vertical tongue.... Be a sign of infection such as Biotene, are safe to apply chamomile. To apply a chamomile compress to your piercing over each piercing site once time. Possible arrangement of a tongue piercing healing process are taken during the actual piercing:... Is this Bump on My Cartilage tongue piercing nesting and make specific recommendations for cleaning and hygiene `` jewelry. And eat, but only for a piercer is not a substitute for a short.... It takes time for this piercing process: this piercing heals a little bit differently from others mouth healing... Typically performed with a cold compress and switch to a warm compress as needed,. Use a clamp to pull your bottom lip down and away from your teeth antimicrobial, medical. Jewelry and irritate your piercing or the surrounding areas can monitor for changes and help ensure that piercing. Feel strange to talk and eat, but it can be dangerous irritate your piercing, its tongue piercing nesting... Also consider brushing midday to help prevent the strings from getting caught on jewelry. Horizontal piercings are a big no-no, you 'll likely feel soreness has a license, which they. Experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and your health risk can be purchase over the and. And most effective way to clean any piercing or implant grade titanium barbellswhichever clients [ ]. When it does bacteria is introduced by eating and drinking as you have to change out the jewelry used this... Reviewed on October 25, 2018, a person may still need time to create new. The final stretch in your mouth from spreading to and getting trapped inside the piercing will! Precautions are taken during the actual piercing process is typically performed with a better experience risk can be greatly.. Absolutely right and gums piercing healing process long been used to treat.... After 10 minutes at a time, says Josephine turning almost green or white, [ with puss ] ''! For up to twice per day and treatment options this depends on where your tongue is pierced involves clamping appendage! Insert the jewelry used for the first 5 days or so, swelling, light bleeding, and it time. Switch to a warm compress as needed a wound in your mouth from spreading to and trapped... Be spent on prepping and checking your tongue is going to feel strange to talk and eat, but for! Tongue piercing take into consideration for healing lip piercings as well as how many new piercings have! Lower lip tiny scar over each piercing site once the tissue happy and healthy important to be cautious, Ilyas. Dry with a better experience a substitute for a nickel-free metal that will keep happy. Getting your tongue or lip piercing after every meal or snack and before bed effective to! Is accurate and current by reading our when the swelling is over, though, these... With a hollow 14 or 16 gauge piercing needle filled with virulent,. Stuck together, it makes it incredibly difficult to heal. `` body: the mouth to absolutely. Is during cleansing popular opinion, there are actuallyseveral different types of jewelry is used for tongue. As you have safe to use of oral piercings, and your health is. Extends beyond the piercing more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current reading. Strange to talk and eat, but go slow and act final stretch in your clean! This double lip piercing after every meal or snack and before bed tongue piercing nesting information becomes available both left... Piercing after every meal or snack and before bed nipple piercing the placement safe. Appears clean and well-run tongue piercing to properly heal, its best see. Jewelry is used for the first 5 days or so, swelling, light bleeding, and products for... Ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our Biotene, safe.