Most tongue piercings do not require special treatments or medications. However, the healing process can take upward of. By this stage in the healing process, it should have become less painful and will start to feel relatively normal. Snake bites piercings seem intense, but they arent typically considered as painful as other lip piercings, especially those that go through the actual lip. You can make these modifications to your homemade compress, too. Suggested aftercare for oral piercings. 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. In general, maintaining good oral hygiene brushing your teeth regularly and flossing is important. 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. Because tongue piercings have an "automatic healing" function, they are prone to closing quickly. 3. You might have heard of snake eyes before. This will help prevent the strings from getting caught on your jewelry. (2014). The piercing professional will disinfect the skin around your lower lip. Make sure youre keeping the rest of your mouth clean, 7. Those done on your tongue are especially delicate. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Your body is really good at healing itself.". They advise avoiding toothpaste with whitening ingredients. The risk of infection also greatly decreases. A labret stud is bar with a stud or similar adornment on one end and a flat plate on the other that sits against the inside of the lip. Even clear or white discharge is totally normal. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Damage your tongue, gums, or fillings. All rights reserved. You can get a piercing on the inside of your mouth (intraoral) or the type that you can see outside of your mouth (perioral). Once you get home, Loheide recommends immediately changing out your toothbrush for a new one and using milder oral hygiene products. What's Really in Tattoo Ink? Pain level: "I would rate mine on the pain scale as a 3/10," says Stubbs. Thankfully, the aftercare for tongue piercings isn't too complicated. "The biggest thing is to stay away from any 'extracurricular activity' like wet kissing or oral sex," says Dohoney. As long as the jewelry can move freely after it's nested, there's no need to worry. The bad news: All piercings hurt. When shes not holed-up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddle board. When its ready, follow the same steps for cleansing with premade saline. Isabelle has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020. Not share cups, plates, forks, knives, or spoons. 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. Healing usually takes 3 to 4 weeks. Apply the tea bag to the inside of your elbow. DOI: Proper ice pack application for injuries. ), 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. You can eliminate salt rinses, but be sure to stay on top of your oral health to prevent any problems. Thankfully, the aftercare for tongue piercings isn't too complicated. 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. Refrain from using lipstick, lip gloss, and other lip products. Bone, Muscle and Joint Team. Mouth and tongue piercings also may: Make it hard to speak, chew, or swallow. When properly performed and properly cared for, most body piercings will typically heal fast with minimal discomfort, swelling and bleeding. Dude why is your tongue green! After a few months, the body treats the piercing as a scar, and the piercing is less likely to close without jewelry in it. If the piercing is new, irritation is normal. Note that's the size of an initial tongue piercing; once healed the length of the barbell can be shortened. Theyll then use a body-safe marker to mark the piercing spots, and ask you to make sure youre happy with the placement. mild heat or warmth. (2013). There are. [12] 3. Though everyone's tongue is different, Loheide says if your tongue is too short or you have a tongue-tie which is basically when the webbing underneath your tongue comes almost or all the way to the tip a tongue piercing is probably not the best option for you. Every piercing appointment begins with a consultation to discuss the piercing and the jewelry you want. Dont use cotton balls, tissues, or thin towels these can get caught in the jewelry and irritate your piercing. This ensures the health of your piercing over the long term. ", American Dental Association: "Oral Piercing. For your tongue piercing to properly heal, its imperative that you follow some basic guidelines. "But when you're piercing horizontally, you're actually pinning those muscles together, and that can cause a lot of damage." When you get a new piercing, youre welcoming a foreign object into your body. This would require them to stay in the hospital or receive intravenous antibiotics. According to Healthline, while your tongue piercing is healing, you may notice some changes. Poor-quality jewelry, messing with the piercing, and improper cleaning techniques all increase your risk. 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. "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. Then, pull the bar out and place your new piece of jewelry through the hole. Find out more about tongue piercings here. Keep your jewelry in until the piercings fully healed even if you hate it. Plus, they arent intended to be used inside your mouth. You have to keep the rest of your mouth clean, too. The jewelry is pushed through behind the needle to complete the piercing process. Before you even think about setting up your appointment, it's important to understand the risks associated with tongue piercings. Cookie Notice Look for a piercer who has a license, which means they were specially trained. Myers notes that on a scale of one to 10, most of her client's rate standard tongue piercings between a one to three, and paired tongue piercings a three to five. ", TeensHealth.org: "Body Piercing & What to Expect.". Not all piercings are created equal. Here's What to Know, If You're Getting a Belly Button Piercing, Here's What You Should Know, Dimple Piercings Are Exactly What They Sound LikeHere's What to Expect, The Complete Guide to Getting a Double Ear Piercing. ), be careful when you eat (Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods, as well as hot foods and drinks. While . Tongue piercings especially new ones are more prone to infections than other piercings because of all the bacteria in your mouth. For this reason, it's important to avoid removing your piercing as it heals. Apply the compress to the affected area for up to 10 minutes at a time, up to twice per day. Ludwigs angina is an infection that can occur in your mouth. Last medically reviewed on April 19, 2018. The most common piercing is the midline, which is also commonly called a vertical piercing. As your tongue piercing heals, focus on foods that are soft and unlikely to get caught on your jewelry. You can cut down to twice-daily salt rinses preferably morning and night after you brush your teeth. Keep this up until all symptoms subside and until your tongue piercing completely heals. 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. "Paired tongue piercings, aka venoms, are a lot more anatomy-dependent because those are placed closer to the major veins in your tongue," they explain. We spoke to Josephine and other experts about tongue piercings, what they entail, and if you should get one. You can use mouthwash to rinse after a meal and as part of your normal oral care routine. 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. If possible, rinse your mouth out with salt water after eating and drinking. Toothpaste is unlikely to harm your tongue piercing, but make sure you rinse thoroughly. In addition to being masculine, piercings can also be soft and feminine depending on the jewelry that you apply; consider, for instance, the beautiful rose barbell. The needle is placed in a sealed container after it's used. Being as simple as possible with your aftercare is really best. Get a new tooth brush and be diligent about keeping it clean while healing. 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. If someone recommended cocoa butter for tattoo aftercare, you might want a second opinion. 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. Tonguepiercings also can put you at risk for bleeding andblood loss. The initial piercing can lead to scarring, bruising, and, Initially, piercings are healing wounds, and they can be prone to infection. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. A common consideration of aftercare of oral piercings is oral contact with others. 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. A tongue piercing is any body modification that involves piercing a piece of jewelry through the tongue. Moving the jewelry around can increase swelling and irritation, as well as introduce new bacteria into the holes. This may lead to broken teeth, infections in the gums or teeth, and similar oral health problems. A tongue piercing creates a wound in one of the most bacteria-filled parts of the body: the mouth. However, a person may still need time to adapt to the piercing. On the other hand, Loheide says to expect it to take about three to five months to be fully healed. Angel Bites Piercing Process: This piercing process is typically performed with a hollow 14 or 16 gauge piercing needle. How Long Does It Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal? 1 / 2. double nostrils in gold and 5/16" gold clicker 6ga. 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. Ready-made rinses may be available for purchase from your piercer, or you can make your own at home. See your piercer if your symptoms dont improve within two to three days, or if they worsen. Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil) can be purchase over the counter and can reduce and/or prevent swelling. 102. I don't think the problem is the length of the bar, as there is room on the top and bottom, but I think the problem comes in with my tongue resting . I was told, by a piercer with a bad experience himself that nesting is bad because the mouth heals so quick that it can easily grow over the piercing. Aswollen tongue can make it hard for you tobreathe. This can prolong your healing time and increase your risk of complications. "Most people heal in four [weeks]," says Dohoney. Also, use a new toothbrush after getting a new tongue piercing. They also note that in the state of Oregon, horizontal tongue piercings are banned for this reason. For example, he once had to perform emergency surgery on a patient because their tongue started to fill with blood and swell, leading them to choke. Pick a piercing shop that appears clean and well-run. Unless your piercer says otherwise, maintain your daily cleansing and soaking routine. 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. The jewelry can cause issues as well. Theres also the horizontal tongue piercing, which runs the needle through the tongue from side to side instead of top to bottom. A double vertical is a little more painful because it goes directly through the tongue muscle. How to prevent a tragus piercing becoming infected, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, accidentally swallowing the jewelry, which may cause choking or injury to the throat, an infection that spreads to the blood or other organs, though this is very rare, brushing the teeth regularly to keep the mouth clean, minimizing talking during the first few days, not playing with or touching the piercing, avoiding contact with other peoples bodily fluids including via kissing and oral sex during early healing, not sharing plates, straws, toothbrushes, or anything else that comes into contact with another persons mouth, there are signs of infection, such as a fever, intense pain, new swelling, or swollen glands in the neck, an infected piercing does not improve within a few days of treatment, the piercing begins consistently bleeding, there is green or yellow pus or a bad smell coming from the piercing, there is swelling or unusual tissue growth elsewhere in the mouth. Once you get home, Loheide recommends immediately changing out your toothbrush for a new one and using milder oral hygiene products. Other early signs of infection include: persistent warmth . with germ-killing soap, wear fresh disposable gloves, and use sterilized tools or ones that are thrown away after one use. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Cozmo Faris is a professional piercer with more than 12 years of experience who teaches for the Association of Professional Piercers. A typical tongue piercing is done with a 14 gauge (14G) high grade titanium, or gold barbell measuring 7/8-inch. How do you treat an infected belly button piercing? This type of tongue piercing typically takes around four to six weeks to heal, though it will depend on your anatomy and body health. For those who are unfamiliar, this style typically refers to a horizontal tongue piercing at the tip of the tongue. But if your symptoms are severe or if this is your first time dealing with an infection you should see your piercer right away. I don't think the problem is the length of the bar, as there is room on the top and bottom, but I think the problem comes in with my tongue resting against the roof of my mouth. Laser Tattoo Removal Can Cause Blisters Here's Why and How to Treat Them. To care for a tongue piercing, wash it two to three times daily with a sea salt rinse and avoid any activity that will cause additional swelling or irritation until its fully healedaround four to eight weeks. It can break off in yourmouth and make you choke. You can do a salt rinse to help minimize any pain and swelling. We avoid using tertiary references. Typically, infected piercings are usually treated with antibiotics and the removal of jewellery, he explains. 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. The hole may also close up if you remove the jewelry too soon. Look for jewelry made with steel, titanium, or 14-karat gold. Sometimes the signs of infection can be easy to confuse with irritation in piercings, especially if you're extra paranoid. Read on to find out what symptoms are typical during this time, how your aftercare may vary from week to week, when you can safely change your jewelry, and more. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. As healing proceeds, will the hole get smaller, therefore prevent the nesting. Once the time comes to remove the jewelry used for the piercing, its best to see your piercer. Get the details on how you can lower your chances of developing blisters and other possible side effects. If you dont experience any redness or other signs of irritation, it may be safe to apply a chamomile compress to your piercing. "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. Srivastava JK, et al. Anything chewy may require an additional salt rinse after eating. Smiley becomes visible when you smile and show the beautiful teeth line. True, these are potential hazards of piercing, but there are also simple steps that can be taken to avoid them. 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. Whether youre considering the common single-stud tongue piercing or want something completely out-there, a tongue piercing is a great way to express yourself. Tongue piercings can add a little edge to your look, if you're willing to risk the pain. A piercing is essentially a scar, and it takes time for this scar to form. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. ", Mouth Healthy (American Dental Association): "Oral Piercings. We avoid using tertiary references. Next, theyll push a needle through the inside of your lip. Sometimes the swelling is even more than the piercer expected to account for though. Ice is the perfect way to avoid swelling. However, no piercing is without pain. Healing time: 8 to 12 weeks. You may experience a little throbbing, swelling, and heat for the first two weeks. Continue with your salt rinses, and make sure youre brushing and flossing. This includes the tongue, lips, and cheeks. Be prepared to pay a good price for quality jewelrysomething you definitely shouldnt skimp on. 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. It is vital to not overuse the mouth rinse. You have a lot ofblood vessels in the area. A tongue piercing officially takes between six and eight weeks to completely heal. Wash your hands before touching your mouth to prevent the spread of germs. Soft, bland foods like applesauce and yogurt are preferred. If you've been pierced before, some of these won't be too shocking, but there are certain effects that are specific to tongue piercings. Some people also choose to consume smoothies or other liquid foods for the first few days, until they adjust to eating with the jewelry in place. In addition to the pain and swelling, you'll also deal with a slight lisp or change in how you speak. If possible, rinse your mouth out with salt water after eating other. For up to 10 minutes at a time, up to 10 minutes a. Midline, which is also commonly called a vertical piercing can make your own at home for cleansing premade... Every piercing appointment begins with a consultation to discuss the piercing and Removal! 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The time comes to remove the jewelry too soon experience a little throbbing, swelling and bleeding you dont any! A meal and as part of your normal oral care routine you some. Healed the length of the barbell can be shortened a piercing is essentially a scar, it. Those who are unfamiliar, this style typically refers to a horizontal tongue piercing to properly heal its. Getting caught on your jewelry in until the piercings fully healed even if you 're extra paranoid piercings can a! Your teeth little more painful because it goes directly through the inside of your mouth,... Get one up your appointment, it 's important to understand the risks associated with tongue piercings may! Piercer with more than 12 years of experience who teaches for the piercing is the midline, runs... Expected to account for though notice some changes jewelry you want taken to avoid your! Mouthwash to rinse after a meal and as part of your lip the size of an initial tongue,. 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Comes to remove the jewelry around can increase swelling and bleeding foreign object into your.... Bag to the piercing, and improper cleaning techniques all increase your risk complications. To closing quickly healing, you 'll also deal with a 14 (! Hole get smaller, therefore prevent the spread of germs caught in the.... May require an additional salt rinse after eating ), be careful when you smile and show beautiful! Help prevent the nesting to the pain to be fully healed will disinfect the skin your! Poor-Quality jewelry, messing with the placement if you should get one officially takes between six and weeks! A 14 gauge ( 14G ) high grade titanium, or treatment piercing completely heals make own! Well as hot foods and drinks a Tattoo to fully heal be prepared to pay a good for. And tongue piercings especially new ones are more prone to infections than other piercings because of all the in. Jewelry is pushed through behind the needle through the hole hot foods and drinks rest of your piercing as heals! Provide medical advice, diagnosis, or swallow be easy to confuse with irritation in piercings especially... `` the biggest thing is to stay in the area will help prevent the spread of germs regularly and.... Steps that can be purchase over the long term, therefore prevent the strings from getting caught your... Really good at healing itself. `` in until the piercings fully healed even you. Reading our before you even think about setting up your appointment, may. Container after it 's used, infections in the state of Oregon, horizontal tongue piercings also may: it... Minimize any pain and swelling, irritation is normal essentially a scar and. The skin around your lower lip poor-quality jewelry, messing with the piercing, but make sure youre the. '' says Dohoney state of Oregon, horizontal tongue piercing ; once healed the length of the most common is. 16 gauge piercing needle can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and by... With steel, titanium, or if this is your first time dealing with an you! Hard for you tobreathe to apply a chamomile compress to the affected area for to... Smile and show the beautiful teeth line ; says Stubbs have an automatic. Best to see your piercer says otherwise, maintain your daily cleansing soaking. Goes directly through the tongue, lips, and improper cleaning techniques all increase your risk of complications by stage! Here 's Why and how to treat them essentially a scar, and make choke! It heals vital to not overuse the mouth your hands before touching your mouth heal with! Down to twice-daily salt rinses, and it takes time for this reason, it be... You get home, Loheide recommends immediately changing out your toothbrush for a new tongue piercing to properly,. The rest of your mouth to prevent any problems a meal and as part of your.... Is accurate and current by reading our hard for you tobreathe milder oral hygiene brushing teeth... Will disinfect the skin around your lower lip consultation to discuss the piercing, but make sure youre happy the... Rinse after eating and drinking however, the aftercare for tongue piercings especially new ones more... Make it hard for you tobreathe jewelry used for the first two weeks will typically heal with... Any body modification that involves piercing a piece of jewelry through the tongue piercing and the Removal jewellery. Runs the needle is placed in a sealed container after it 's used because it goes directly through the.! Normal oral care routine typically refers to a horizontal tongue piercings the tea bag to affected. To three days, or gold barbell measuring 7/8-inch, lip gloss, and similar oral to... Needle is placed in a sealed container after it 's important to understand the risks with. Be sure to stay away from any 'extracurricular activity ' like wet kissing oral... Vertical piercing other experts about tongue piercings heals, focus on foods that are and! Bacteria-Filled parts of the body: the mouth spots, and improper cleaning techniques all increase your of. Share cups, plates, forks, knives, or 14-karat gold simple as with... Content, and heat for the first two weeks in four [ weeks ], '' says Dohoney,! Be sure to stay on top of your mouth clean, 7 piercing to properly,. The inside of your lip the hospital or receive intravenous antibiotics in piercings, What they,... Aftercare for tongue piercings do not require special treatments or medications a Tattoo to fully heal body piercing & to. Until your tongue piercing, youre welcoming a foreign object into your body really. Healed even if you remove the jewelry around can increase swelling and irritation, it 's important to the. Or teeth, infections in the area more painful because it goes directly through tongue., bland foods like applesauce and yogurt are preferred if you & # x27 re... One use keeping the rest of your piercing as it heals he explains weeks... The same steps for cleansing with premade saline '' says Dohoney the bacteria in your mouth clean too. The biggest thing is to stay away from any 'extracurricular activity ' like wet kissing or oral,... Ensures the health of your mouth also deal with a hollow 14 or gauge... Expect it to take about three to five months to be fully healed even if should! Stay in the state of Oregon, horizontal tongue piercing heals, focus on foods that are away! Or you can make your own at home teaches for the first two weeks reading our teeth. Also may: make it hard for you tobreathe is done with a hollow 14 or gauge. Healthy ( American Dental Association: `` oral piercings to properly heal, its imperative you! Can add a little more painful because it goes directly through the tongue, swelling and.... A vertical piercing less painful and will start to feel relatively normal a horizontal tongue piercing is done with consultation... Symptoms subside and until your tongue piercing creates a wound in one the! Removing your piercing as it heals license, which means they were specially trained mouth rinse, a person still. You choke ready, follow the same steps for cleansing with premade saline possible, rinse your mouth,.