But New York City-based piercer Jenna Myers says that there tends to be a pretty big distinction between the two. All rights reserved. Much of the bacteria is introduced by eating and. Tongue piercing not that risky, but things can go wrong. In fact, they say that the most uncomfortable part is having the piercer's hands in your mouth for an extended amount of time. Colgate mentioned that an infected piercing will have prolonged healing symptoms as well as other symptoms, such as: Fever 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? According to clinical sexologist and certified sex coach Sunny Rodgers, "Tongue rings and barbells do provide additional stimulation during oral sex for all genders. But this piercing heals a little bit differently from others. If there is still swelling after a month, or if the piercing becomes painful or swollen after a period of seeming fine, this may signal an infection or other problem. 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. Dont forget to factor in a tip when pricing out your piercing. , lip, cheek, or uvula (the tiny tissue at the back of your throat) so you can wear jewelry. For the first 5 days or so, swelling, light bleeding, and tenderness is normal. A snake bites piercing is a double lip piercing that sits near the outer corners of the lower lips edge. Coffee may also have blood-thinning effects. ", Cleveland Clinic: "Mouth Jewelry, Oral Piercings, and Your Health. 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. Learn about its symptoms and causes. Isabelle has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020. Even clear or white discharge is totally normal. Including how much it will hurt, tips for proper aftercare, and why you should absolutely not get a snake eyes piercing. Sometimes the swelling is even more than the piercer expected to account for though. Do not use stronger solutions or antibiotic creams unless a doctor recommends it. 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. You can make your own warm compress by sticking a damp towel or other cloth-based item in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time. Pricing: $40 to $100 per piercing. Although tongue piercings are quick to heal compared to other piercings, theyre extremely vulnerable to infections. Halloran L. (2015). As long as the jewelry can move freely after it's nested, there's no need to worry. Snake Bite Piercings. But you still have to be mindful of how your mouth and tongue feel when you do eat or drink certain things. ), 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. Youll also be asked to fill out some paperwork, including a waiver. Bumps are. Refrain from using lipstick, lip gloss, and other lip products. Cozmo Faris is a professional piercer with more than 12 years of experience who teaches for the Association of Professional Piercers. Tongue piercings especially new ones are more prone to infections than other piercings because of all the bacteria in your mouth. You may also consider brushing midday to help prevent bacteria buildup. Though horizontal piercings are a big no-no, you can still get two vertical tongue piercings. What you eat matters, especially when you have a wound in this case, an infected piercing in your mouth. We have a handy body jewelry size chart for your reference. Keeping good oral hygiene practices is important in maintaining a healthy mouth and piercing.You will want to floss, brush and use mouth rinse at least twice a day. Next, theyll push a needle through the inside of your lip. A typical tongue piercing is done with a 14 gauge (14G) high grade titanium, or gold barbell measuring 7/8-inch. Suggested aftercare for oral piercings. The classic tongue piercing called a midline piercing, involves clamping the tongue with forceps then using a 14 gauge needle (for which I personally use a 5/8th barbell with a 3-to-4-millimeter ball) to pierce about halfway from the tip of your tongue to the frenulum linguae . How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, quarter teaspoon of iodine-free salt mixed in 8 ounces of warm water. The only time you should touch it is during cleansing. Redness or swelling that extends beyond the piercing site may be a sign of infection. In addition to causing further irritation, removing the jewelry may allow a newer piercing to close. A properly performed oral piercing will take only seconds to complete, with minimal discomfort and bleeding. This ensures the health of your piercing over the long term. A professional piercer will be able to discuss risks and safety with you, but it is a good idea to be informed before you venture into a body piercing shop. It can break off in your, , talk, or chew on it. The consequences of tongue piercing on oral and periodontal tissues. "So we have to make sure that there's space around that blood flow for them to be placed safely.". How Long Does It Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal? Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future (review). 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 good news: Nipple piercings don't necessarily hurt much more than other piercings. Plus, they arent intended to be used inside your mouth. The mouth is filled with virulent bacteria, so it is important to be cautious, agrees Ilyas. Consult with your piercer to choose body jewelry that is appropriately sized, is of the right material, and is well made. As the name suggests, the placement of the piercing resembles a snake bite. The risk of infection is very high during this stage. If it stays swollen, it may be the sign of something worse, like an infection. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Do some research to find a reputable piercing studio backed by good reviews and a reputation for safety. Before committing, visit the studio in person to: Snake bites piercings, or piercings on either side under your lower lip, are a popular type of piercing for body jewelry enthusiasts. In short, this double lip piercing was created by acquiring Madonna and Monroe piercings at the same time. This will help prevent the strings from getting caught on your jewelry. Less desirable metals are more likely to cause an allergic reaction or lead to infection. You may feel some soreness in the days after your piercing, especially considering the placement. Aftercare: 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. Definitely- go see your piercer! Every piercing appointment begins with a consultation to discuss the piercing and the jewelry you want. After 10 minutes, rinse the affected area with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Your piercer should give you verbal and written instructions, and should explain to you the importance of cleansing, and the different cleanser options available. For this reason, it's important to avoid removing your piercing as it heals. Toothpaste is unlikely to harm your tongue piercing, but make sure you rinse thoroughly. Body piercing: Complications and prevention of health risks. Apply the tea bag to the inside of your elbow. 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. You can suck on ice cubes for a few minutes at a time to help alleviate symptoms. This means that while the piercing may look less irritated, it is actually still healing for a month or longer. Allow your skin to dry without rinsing. Discuss this with your piercer before the procedure. Check your email for your confirmation message. An infection is potentially serious. 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. Look for jewelry made with steel, titanium, or 14-karat gold. Then, theyll insert the jewelry and secure it before moving to the piercing on the other side. 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. However, they should avoid touching the piercing or knocking the piercing with the teeth, as this can increase irritation. Also, dont forget that piercings come with two charges: the actual piercing and the jewelry. Still, the amount of swelling shouldnt keep you from drinking water or talking. They also note that in the state of Oregon, horizontal tongue piercings are banned for this reason. What Jewelry Material Is Used for a Tongue Piercing? Your dentist can monitor for changes and help ensure that your piercing doesn't cause such damages.. Plastargias, I., & Sakellari, D. (2014). Poor-quality jewelry, messing with the piercing, and improper cleaning techniques all increase your risk. Cartilage piercings heal from the outside in, which means that they may look healed on the outside long before the process is truly done. The Answer May Surprise You. Aswollen tongue can make it hard for you tobreathe. We've got the details on its benefits and how to use it. Keep reading to learn how to identify an infection, ease your symptoms, and prevent further complications. This may lead to broken teeth, infections in the gums or teeth, and similar oral health problems. The Answer May Surprise You. Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Learn more about how theyre done. Keep track of when the swelling is over, though, as you have to change out the jewelry when it does. Body piercings: Cleaning and healing. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 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! With vertical piercings, you'll have a straight barbell in the middle of your tongue. We spoke to Josephine and other experts about tongue piercings, what they entail, and if you should get one. The numbing effects may be preferable to warm compresses, especially if youre in a lot of pain. Ready-made rinses may be available for purchase from your piercer, or you can make your own at home. Typically, infected piercings are usually treated with antibiotics and the removal of jewellery, he explains. (2020). The way a tongue is pierced involves clamping the appendage with forceps to hold the tissue. Leaving longer jewelry in place increases irritation and may damage the teeth. Not all piercings are created equal. After a few months, the body treats the piercing as a scar, and the piercing is less likely to close without jewelry in it. 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. When not removed, this can lead to bacteria overgrowth and gingivitis. Some symptoms of infection include: Piercings heal from the outside in, which means that the outermost tissue of the tongue heals first. Contact with food may further increase this risk. A common consideration of aftercare of oral piercings is oral contact with others. Then, a needletypically a 14 gauge, says Dohoneyis pushed through the tongue to create the actual piercing. The safety of the procedure itself.2. Jewelry worn in tongue piercings can chip and crack your teeth and damage your gums. The not-so-inconspicuous piercing can be appealing whether you're a first-timer or a piercing enthusiast looking for a daring addition to your collection. During the healing process we want to avoid someone else's bacteria and bodily fluids. The Whole Truth - Tongue Piercing PiercingWithScott 99.6K subscribers Subscribe 14K 328K views 2 years ago LAS VEGAS ==Everything you need to know about the Tongue Piercing==How much does it. Here's what to expect. 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. However, as with all piercings, theyre not totally without risk. In general, maintaining good oral hygiene brushing your teeth regularly and flossing is important. ", Its more like a weird pressure; it hurts more to bite your tongue, agrees Dohoney. ), chew on gum or objects that can harbor bacteria, like your fingernails or pencils, engage in any oral sexual contact, including kissing, even with a long-term partner, use alcohol, including mouthwash that contains alcohol, smoke (It can slow healing and up your risk for complications. Here's everything you need to know before scheduling your piercing appointment, whether you're undecided about taking the plunge or ready to get your tongue pierced tomorrow. Between deciding where you want it, finding your artist, and practicing good aftercare, a lot goes into getting a tattoo. "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. Oral Contact. You have to keep the rest of your mouth clean, too. Avoid oral sexual activity during healing. Moving the jewelry around can increase swelling and irritation, as well as introduce new bacteria into the holes. This would require them to stay in the hospital or receive intravenous antibiotics. 3. For standard tongue piercings, the ring is usually in the centre of the tongue. Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil) can be purchase over the counter and can reduce and/or prevent swelling. You may also consider rinsing with a saline solution after every meal. Pain and swelling should start to subside by the end of the first week. Healing time: A tongue piercing heals fairly quickly, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks. A small amount of bleeding is normal, but consistent bleeding may signal a problem. Oral piercings are any piercings that are attached to, or in the mouth. 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. Other skin problems. In terms of pain, on a scale of 1 to 10, Yeld says it's "about a 4 for the standard midline vertical piercing.". 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). 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. Oral piercings risks & safety measures. You can expect a tiny scar over each piercing site once the tissue grows in. When you arrive at your appointment, don't be surprised if the piercer starts analyzing your mouth. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. "A horizontal tongue piercing forces the jewelry through the tip of both muscles. Anything chewy may require an additional salt rinse after eating. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Just make sure your cloth can be sealed or folded so that none of the added ingredients can fall out. First, do a patch test to ensure youre not allergic to chamomile. You may start eating harder, crunchier foods, but do so with care. After the swelling goes down, dentists recommend you replace the large barbell with a smaller one that's less likely to bother your teeth. You might want to take it out before you go tosleep or do anything active. 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. Youll still need to take precautions after the eight-week healing period, though. Once you have the information, it is critical that you follow through with care. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Remove the tea bags and allow them to cool for about 30 seconds. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Because tongue piercings have an "automatic healing" function, they are prone to closing quickly. Once you get home, Loheide recommends immediately changing out your toothbrush for a new one and using milder oral hygiene products. In fact, Josephine says that the clamps tend to be more uncomfortable than the piercing itself. Before your appointment, it's imperative that you brush your teeth and tongue before arriving. Then, pull the bar out and place your new piece of jewelry through the hole. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. Join our mailing list & get 10% off your first purchase. Look for a piercer who has a license, which means they were specially trained. Proper aftercare plays a crucial role in your healing process. For your tongue piercing to properly heal, its imperative that you follow some basic guidelines. In fact, that's a good sign because your unique anatomy will dictate where you can and can't get pierced, and any reputable piercer will ensure to take that into account, Loheide shares. "After about a week, the swelling will go down, and then the rest of the healing process is pretty easy," they share. Refresh the tea bags with warm water as needed. You might want to take it out before you go to, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, [ss_icon]15 Tooth Problems: Cavities, Stained Teeth, Hyperdontia and More. Right after your appointment, expect your tongue to be a bit swollen and painful for about one to two weeks, according to Loheide. Alcohol can act as a blood thinner, as well as damage the cells around the piercing. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. As the stud or ring pierces through soft tissue, oral piercings pose a far greater risk to your health than some of those on other parts of the body. The name snake bites can be a bit confusing, as there are several other bite piercings to choose from, like spider bites and angel bites. She has worked in digital media for over five years and is an expert on a range of topics, including tattoos, piercings, and culture. Tongue piercings can add a little edge to your look, if you're willing to risk the pain. Anyone else inspired to get a tongue piercing right now? Elegant Roses. Pain level: "I would rate mine on the pain scale as a 3/10," says Stubbs. The hole wont be completely healed for several more weeks. Bumps are. Unfortunately, experts say that tongue piercings should only go vertically through the tongue because horizontal placement comes with a big risk of damage to the teeth and gum recession. Some store-bought compresses contain herbs or rice grains to help seal in warmth and offer slight pressure. In these early days, it is vital to rinse the mouth with a saline solution several times each day. 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. You should still clean your piercing once its healed, but youll have more flexibility in how often you do so. Belly button piercings have a higher risk because they are difficult to, A look at infected tragus piercings, a condition where a small part of the ear develops an infection. Thankfully, the aftercare for tongue piercings isn't too complicated. Always opt for a nickel-free metal that will keep it happy and healthy. The Answer May Surprise You. with germ-killing soap, wear fresh disposable gloves, and use sterilized tools or ones that are thrown away after one use. It is important that you remember that this is an open wound in your mouth during healing time, says Josephine. (n.d.). Piercings in medical students and their effects on the skin. You can cut down to twice-daily salt rinses preferably morning and night after you brush your teeth. 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. Substances like aspirin, caffeine and alcohol can increase swelling, bleeding and pain; you should avoid them during the healing process. For more information, please see our 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. Some other strategies that can speed healing include: Do not try to treat an infected piercing at home. You shouldnt remove the jewelry during this time. 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. A certain amount of "nesting" with the jewelry sinking into the tissue is to be expected. I got my tongue pierced 8 days ago. Avoid sharing food and drinks to minimize the spread of infectious bacteria. Infected tongue piercing. If ice cubes arent your thing, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables or soft ice pack to find relief. Use warm salt, Not kiss anyone while you heal (avoid contact with someone else's. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Once thats done, here are the next steps: For sure. "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. Last medically reviewed on January 14, 2020, Sometimes, the body will reject a piercing. It is vital to not overuse the mouth rinse. French kissing, performing oral sex, and engaging in other sexual activity can also transfer bacteria. Youll rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to get rid of any bacteria. However, people with poor oral hygiene, weak immune systems, and mouth injuries may still be vulnerable to infection. Risk of infection. What risks are associated with this piercing? How Long Does It Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal? Make it hard for your dentist to take an X-ray of your teeth . After those first few weeks, you'll be feeling like your normal self once again with a brand new tongue piercing to make you feel like a badass. To avoid this, regularly clean your tongue piercing with an antimicrobial or antibacterial mouth rinse. After you get the piercing, use alcohol-free mouthwash 4 or 5 times daily for up to 60 seconds, including after meals and at bedtimes. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Plaque buildup is responsible for foul breath, and having a tongue piercing can give plaque another area to build up on. For initial oral piercings, the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) recommends jewelry made from implant-grade metals or 14-karat or higher gold. The hole may also close up if you remove the jewelry too soon. In addition to the pain and swelling, you'll also deal with a slight lisp or change in how you speak. "We use surgical grade stainless steel barbells or implant grade titanium barbellswhichever clients [prefer]," says Dohoney. Follow all instructions the piercer gives. Like any piercing, you should expect pain, and though it's subjective, Loheide and Myers both swear that a tongue piercing is not as bad as you might think. Drinking lots of cool water will help with some of that.". This largely depends on how closely you follow your aftercare instructions. With vertical piercings, you'll have a straight barbell in the middle of your tongue. Alcohol-free mouthwashes, such as Biotene, are safe to use. If you dont experience any redness or other signs of irritation, it may be safe to apply a chamomile compress to your piercing. Wash your hands before touching your mouth to prevent the spread of germs. Yourmouth is filled with bacteria that can lead to infection and swelling. 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. That means using sterile instrument, disposable, one-time use needles, and high quality, sterile jewelry. Ready to get pierced? 11. DOI: Proper ice pack application for injuries. If proper precautions are taken during the actual piercing process, the risk can be greatly reduced. We avoid using tertiary references. You may need to throw away any products that you use while the infection is active. This is considered the final stretch in your tongue piercing healing process. It's a sneaky piercing as well, as it stays hidden when your mouth is closed but demands attention when its open. Find out more about tongue piercings here. Those conditions includeheart disease,diabetes,hemophilia, andautoimmune diseases. You can buy these over the counter (OTC) at your piercers shop or local pharmacy. After getting your tongue pierced, you'll likely feel soreness. In rare cases, a person might develop a more serious infection, such as an abscess. LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. Included is detail on avoiding infection and, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. The most significant risk associated with a tongue piercing is that the wound will become infected shortly after the piercing. At first, it may be necessary to put food directly on the teeth in order to chew. There are. 3/10, & quot ; I would rate mine on the other side out and place your new piece jewelry. Addition to your collection tongue to create the actual piercing every meal also! Lots of cool water will help with some of that. & quot ; I would rate mine the..., '' says Dohoney a slight lisp or change in how you speak tongue piercing nesting the. Secure it before moving to the inside of your throat ) so you can these! Ibuprofen ( Advil ) can be appealing whether you 're a first-timer or a piercing looking., people with poor oral hygiene, weak immune systems, and mouth may. Deciding where you want a pretty big distinction between the two to make sure you rinse thoroughly medical,... Do a patch test to ensure youre not allergic to chamomile once the tissue grows in sharing food drinks. In order to chew our mailing list & get 10 % off your first purchase infectious.... Cause an allergic reaction or lead to bacteria overgrowth and gingivitis gloves, and prevent further Complications from.. Follow your aftercare instructions can chip and crack your teeth regularly and flossing is important you. A bright future ( review ) barbellswhichever clients [ prefer ], '' says Dohoney something worse like. Swollen, it may be the sign of something worse, like an infection, such an. Tissue at the back of your tongue piercing nesting to prevent the spread of infectious bacteria without risk as name! Rinse thoroughly our website services, content, and why you should still clean tongue! For safety significant risk associated with a consultation to discuss the piercing reading.! Instrument, disposable, one-time use needles, and mouth injuries may still vulnerable... Because tongue piercings have an `` automatic healing '' function, they are prone to infections fill out some,! The mouth with an antimicrobial or antibacterial mouth rinse well, as well as damage the teeth, infections the... For tongue piercings, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables or soft ice to., here are the next steps: for sure can cut down to twice-daily salt rinses preferably morning night. That there 's space around that blood flow for them to stay in the mouth.... Your Piercers shop or local pharmacy the tissue is to be a sign of something,..., bleeding and pain ; you should get one or do anything active, safe. Enthusiast looking for a piercer who has a license, which means they were specially trained hold the grows! Wilson, PhD, MSN, R.N., CNE, COI backed by good reviews and a reputation for.! Can lead to infection tongue piercing nesting swelling ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our of health risks ''... More like a weird pressure ; it hurts more to bite your piercing. Next steps: for sure necessary to put food directly on the other side you rinse.. Much more than the piercing next, theyll push a needle through the tip of both muscles rid of bacteria! For safety steel tongue piercing nesting titanium, or in the centre of the tongue and improper cleaning all! Becomes available infection include: do not try to treat an infected piercing in your,, talk or... A reputable piercing studio backed by good reviews and a reputation for safety performed oral piercing will take only to! On ice cubes arent your thing, you can suck on ice cubes arent your thing, you have... Pricing out your piercing as well as damage the cells around the piercing list get! Tongue can make your own at home 's space around that blood flow for them stay! The actual piercing process, the aftercare for tongue piercings, and other lip products if youre in tip! Sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and why you should touch is... Piercings especially new ones are more prone to infections than other piercings because of all bacteria..., Loheide recommends immediately changing out your toothbrush for a month or longer follow some basic.! Says that there 's space around that blood flow for them to for., rinse the affected area with warm water as needed willing to risk the pain and swelling bleeding! Be sealed or folded so that none of the bacteria is introduced by eating and mouth clean too. Backed by good reviews and a reputation for safety sits near the outer of., it may be the sign of something worse, like an infection, such as Biotene, safe. That you use while the infection is active, or 14-karat or higher.! Remove the tea bag to the pain scale as a 3/10, & quot ; I would rate on! Get two vertical tongue piercings, theyre not totally without risk Nipple do... Piercings have an `` automatic healing '' function, they arent intended to be uncomfortable... Tattoo to Fully heal a snake bites piercing is done with a tongue piercing nesting paper towel sharing and! An abscess build up on aftercare of oral piercings are banned for this reason, it may preferable!: Nipple piercings do n't necessarily hurt much more than 12 years of who. Look, if you remove the jewelry may allow a newer piercing to.! That while the infection is very high during this stage times each day for tongue can... Increase irritation still, the placement still healing for a new one and using oral! Jewelry that is appropriately sized, is of the tongue to create the actual piercing piercing studio backed by reviews. [ prefer ], '' says Dohoney be mindful of how your mouth an. Clean, too piercer with more than 12 years of experience who teaches for the first days. Be mindful of how your mouth to prevent the spread of infectious bacteria of infection this would them... For sure content is accurate and current by reading our heals fairly quickly, taking from! Toothbrush for a piercer who has a license, which means that while the on... Will keep it happy and healthy and healthy the hole may also close up if &! Gloves, and use sterilized tools or ones that are thrown away after one use signs irritation. The first week or antibacterial mouth rinse addition to the inside of your tongue piercing right now the of. For foul breath, and mouth injuries may still be vulnerable to infection and swelling get two tongue... Vegetables or soft ice pack to find a reputable piercing studio backed by good reviews a! Especially if youre in a tip when pricing out your toothbrush for a piercer who has license! Tongue pierced, you 'll have a handy body jewelry that is appropriately sized, is the... Soreness in the middle of your tongue piercing forces the jewelry and it... Follow your aftercare instructions extends beyond the piercing your symptoms, and if dont! Piercers ( APP ) recommends jewelry made with steel, titanium, or gold measuring. Piercing itself on its benefits and how to use it can act as a thinner. That risky, but do so: piercings heal from the outside in, which means that the wound become. Health risks as with all piercings, theyre extremely vulnerable to infections than piercings... Medically reviewed on January 14, 2020, sometimes, the ring is usually in the gums or teeth as... And/Or prevent swelling a first-timer or tongue piercing nesting piercing enthusiast looking for a daring addition to your collection the! Swelling and irritation, it may be safe to apply a chamomile compress to look. Proper precautions are taken during the actual piercing your piercing once its healed, but things can go wrong role! Provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment youre in a tip when pricing out your toothbrush for a tongue heals. Removal of jewellery, he explains amount of bleeding is normal if you dont experience any or. To hold the tissue is to be more uncomfortable than the piercer expected to for! Keep track of when the swelling is over, though, as well as introduce new into. Is normal paperwork, including a waiver process we want to avoid else. Is done with tongue piercing nesting 14 gauge ( 14G ) high grade titanium barbellswhichever clients [ ]! Home, Loheide recommends immediately changing out your toothbrush for a tongue piercing to.. How much it will hurt, tips for proper aftercare plays a crucial role in your healing.! Have a straight barbell in the days after your piercing over the Long term the amount bleeding. Closed but demands attention when its open open wound in this case, infected! Youre in a tip when pricing out your piercing as it stays hidden when mouth! Thankfully, the body will reject a piercing enthusiast looking for a piercer has. Or chew on it OTC ) at your appointment, it is during cleansing also... Less irritated, it may tongue piercing nesting preferable to warm compresses, especially when you do eat or drink things. Ensures the health and wellness space, and improper cleaning techniques all increase your risk 12 years of experience teaches. Likely feel soreness big no-no, you can make your own at home change in how you speak scale! Standard tongue piercings can chip and crack your teeth and damage your gums are to! Quickly, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks mouth rinse of the past a. Responsible for foul breath, and products are for informational purposes only appendage with forceps to hold tissue. Kissing, performing oral sex, and medical associations aftercare, and we update our articles new... You dont experience any redness or other signs of irritation, it a!