", Mouth Healthy (American Dental Association): "Oral Piercings. As mentioned above, most of your appointment will be spent on prepping and checking your tongue before the needle is inserted. You might have heard of snake eyes before. "After about a week, the swelling will go down, and then the rest of the healing process is pretty easy," they share. 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. Proper aftercare techniques are crucial to the outcome of your tongue piercing. Even clear or white discharge is totally normal. Changing out a tongue piercing is completely possible, and in most cases, can be done by yourself at home. Taking care of your new oral piercing. Its also common to see slight swelling about two days into the healing process. The Answer May Surprise You. In short, this double lip piercing was created by acquiring Madonna and Monroe piercings at the same time. How Long Does It Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal? One small survey revealed that 3 in 51 people with tongue piercings developed infections. Other early signs of infection include: persistent warmth . When shopping for new jewelry, you need to know what your piercing's size is. tongue piercing nesting. Once thats done, here are the next steps: For sure. Much of the bacteria is introduced by eating and drinking. For your tongue piercing to properly heal, its imperative that you follow some basic guidelines. However, people with poor oral hygiene, weak immune systems, and mouth injuries may still be vulnerable to infection. You can find plenty of examples across social media. This may lead to broken teeth, infections in the gums or teeth, and similar oral health problems. Learning to evaluate everything that may come into contact with your tongue and adjusting accordingly can help you reduce the amount of bacteria, debris, and dirt that get into the piercing. Also, ensure your foods are coldhot foods can cause irritation. Davies L. (n.d.). Pain and swelling should start to subside by the end of the first week. Although typically, a tongue piercing runs anywhere from $35 to $100. Repeat this process as many times as needed. According to clinical sexologist and certified sex coach Sunny Rodgers, "Tongue rings and barbells do provide additional stimulation during oral sex for all genders. Sometimes we will use a larger needle if the client requests a larger gauge piece of jewelry, but 14g is standard, says Dohoney. That way, a piercer can ensure that they aren't causing unnecessary damage and that the jewellery won't rub up uncomfortably against your teeth. It can break off in yourmouth and make you choke. Suggested aftercare for oral piercings. You can expect a tiny scar over each piercing site once the tissue grows in. 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). If you've decided to get an oral piercing, make sure you're up to date onvaccines for hepatitis B andtetanus. Keep track of when the swelling is over, though, as you have to change out the jewelry when it does. They advise avoiding toothpaste with whitening ingredients. Definitely- go see your piercer! I got my tongue pierced 8 days ago. Those done on your tongue are especially delicate. When properly performed and properly cared for, most body piercings will typically heal fast with minimal discomfort, swelling and bleeding. We've got answers to all your piercing pain-related Qs. 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. Get a new tooth brush and be diligent about keeping it clean while healing. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. By this stage in the healing process, it should have become less painful and will start to feel relatively normal. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. But take care with spices, as these can irritate the wound. ", American Dental Association: "Oral Piercing. Rinsing with a saline solution a few times per day is usually enough to keep the piercing clean. Other factors impact healing time, too, like your overall health and your piercing professionals skill level. DOI: Malta Purim KS, et al. First, do a patch test to ensure youre not allergic to chamomile. (n.d.). Tongue piercings normally do swell, but standard practice is to put in a bar that is long enough to accommodate the swelling, without being overly long, which represents extra danger to your teeth. Your dentist can monitor for changes and help ensure that your piercing doesn't cause such damages.. The initial piercing can lead to scarring, bruising, and, Initially, piercings are healing wounds, and they can be prone to infection. Theyre generally safe as long as you follow aftercare instructions. Follow all instructions the piercer gives. According to Healthline, while your tongue piercing is healing, you may notice some changes. When not removed, this can lead to bacteria overgrowth and gingivitis. There are. Pick a piercing shop that appears clean and well-run. Though horizontal piercings are a big no-no, you can still get two vertical tongue piercings. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Infected tongue piercing. It doesn't suddenly transform you into a fierce person who others won't mess with just because you have a tongue piercing. 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. 15. r/Stretched. Prop your head up with a few pillows while sleeping. We spoke to Josephine and other experts about tongue piercings, what they entail, and if you should get one. 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. Clean the piercing. 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. (2011). This may last until the tenth day or so, but it will eventually go down. 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. Gently wipe the cloth or towel around each side of the jewelry. If the piercing is new, irritation is normal. Oral Contact. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Avoid sharing food and drinks to minimize the spread of infectious bacteria. Rings and labret studs are your jewelry options for snake bites. Which types of jewelry are used for this piercing? Laser Tattoo Removal Can Cause Blisters Here's Why and How to Treat Them. Venom piercings are a bit different: You'll have two barbells instead of one, with each barbell being placed parallel from one another, almost like a snake's teeth. A few temporary lifestyle changes can help prevent dental problems as a result of a tongue piercing. 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. ft split tongue. Erum Ilyas, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group and the founder of AmberNoon, a contemporary clothing line that protects skin from the suns harmful UV rays. The bags should be warm to the touch. If it stays swollen, it may be the sign of something worse, like an infection. 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. Make it hard for your dentist to take an X-ray of your teeth . Once you get home, Loheide recommends immediately changing out your toothbrush for a new one and using milder oral hygiene products. Join our mailing list & get 10% off your first purchase. Ice is the perfect way to avoid swelling. (2014). Considering laser tattoo removal? What Is This Bump on My Cartilage Piercing and What Should I Do? Next, theyll push a needle through the inside of your lip. A surface piercingalso the least common type of tongue piercingis a horizontal piercing with a curved barbell. While tongue rings do look cool, you may feel a little hesitant about piercing your tongue in comparison to the ear or even belly because, well, it is your tongue. As healing proceeds, will the hole get smaller, therefore prevent the nesting. "A horizontal tongue piercing forces the jewelry through the tip of both muscles. Here are some possible complications and side effects to watch for: Healing typically takes 23 months. 3. Piercings in medical students and their effects on the skin. This is because they are difficult to care for and are more prone to infection. Keep reading for everything you need to know about tongue piercings. (2017). Cartilage piercings heal from the outside in, which means that they may look healed on the outside long before the process is truly done. Be sure to keep up with your regular dental checkups over the lifetime of your piercing. Any new piercing can raise lots of questions. A 20 percent tip is customary if youre happy with the service. We avoid using tertiary references. "It's going to feel strange to talk and eat, but go slow and act . Poor-quality jewelry, messing with the piercing, and improper cleaning techniques all increase your risk. Placement: Located below the lip on both the left and right side. The risk of infection is very high during this stage. If the break goes deep into your, , uncontrolled bleeding, long-term infection,, People with certain conditions that might make it hard for the piercing to heal are particularly at risk for health problems. If any discomfort develops, stick with soft foods for a bit longer. Between deciding where you want it, finding your artist, and practicing good aftercare, a lot goes into getting a tattoo. But this piercing heals a little bit differently from others. It is important that you remember that this is an open wound in your mouth during healing time, says Josephine. The Answer May Surprise You. 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. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, bump at the front or back of the piercing. In general, maintaining good oral hygiene brushing your teeth regularly and flossing is important. Along with the obvious risk of infection (including tetanus), tongue piercings can also lead to gum recession and chipped teeth, as well as cause choking hazards, the American Dental Association warns. Ashley Piercing Ashley Piercing Location: Clean the area two to three times per day, 6. Rings are just that: rings that wrap around the lip. Removing the stud too soon can increase your risk of tears and infections. 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. Plastargias, I., & Sakellari, D. (2014). Mild infections can typically be treated at home. The stakes seem higher and more dangerous should an infection occur. Dont forget to factor in a tip when pricing out your piercing. Considering laser tattoo removal? Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Gout: How metabolic syndrome may increase the risk, A new therapeutic target for the prevention of heart failure due to aortic stenosis, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. Yes, you're absolutely right. Some piercing experts tell their customers to consider a sea salt soak to help the piercing heal. Most piercers recommend using a quarter teaspoon of iodine-free salt mixed in 8 ounces of warm water. But keep the area clean while waiting for it to close. Bear in mind, though, that horizontal piercings will take longer than vertical ones. You can suck on ice cubes for a few minutes at a time to help alleviate symptoms. Healing usually takes 3 to 4 weeks. For this reason, it's important to avoid removing your piercing as it heals. This reduces the risk of accidentally introducing additional bacteria to the site. Cozmo Faris is a professional piercer with more than 12 years of experience who teaches for the Association of Professional Piercers. 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. It can break off in your, , talk, or chew on it. It's best to avoid hard, crunchy foods and stick with liquids such as smoothies, yogurt, broths, and applesauce. Certain styles of piercing jewelry is appropriate for certain types of piercings, so dont try to use a lip ring for as a tongue ring. Dont put things in your mouth like pens and other things that carry bacteria. rinse or spray the outside of your piercings with, practice good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing, use a new, soft-bristled toothbrush, and store it away from other toothbrushes, use mild soap to gently wash the area around the piercing, rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of soap, gently pat the area dry with clean paper towels (Cloth towels can harbor bacteria or snag the jewelry. 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. DOI: Holbrook J, et al. Some other strategies that can speed healing include: Do not try to treat an infected piercing at home. So please take the time to create a new account for our sleek new site. 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Much of this depends on where your tongue piercing is placed, as well as how many new piercings you have. But despite the location, the aftercare for tongue piercings is actually a lot easier (and a lot less painful) than some would expect. However, they shouldnt replace your saline cleansing routine. After your tongue has healed, take the jewelry out every night and brush it the way you brush your teeth. Join. Refresh the tea bags with warm water as needed. Plus, they arent intended to be used inside your mouth. Tongue piercing not that risky, but things can go wrong. This does mean that while an oral piercing is healing, you don't want saliva or bodily fluids from anyone else near it. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil) can be purchase over the counter and can reduce and/or prevent swelling. The Tongue Piercing: Everything You Need to Know. Your dentist can monitor for changes and help ensure that your piercing doesnt cause such damages. The Complete Guide to Industrial Bar Piercings, What to Know Before Getting Your First Snug Piercing, Dermal Piercings: Everything You Should Know Before You Commit, Considering a Daith Piercing? 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. When you get a new piercing, youre welcoming a foreign object into your body. Wrap the compress in either a thin towel or sturdy paper towel. clear or white discharge. What material options are available for the jewelry? Water should be your drink of choice at this time. French kissing and oral sex are off-limits during this time. Repeat as often as youd like. Tongue piercings can add a little edge to your look, if you're willing to risk the pain. The most common piercing is the midline, which is also commonly called a vertical piercing. Myers suggests avoiding spicy, crunchy, and acidic foods in the first few weeks to avoid irritation. Jewelry worn in tongue piercings can chip and crack your teeth and damage your gums. You may start eating harder, crunchier foods, but do so with care. Keep reading to learn how to identify an infection, ease your symptoms, and prevent further complications. For one, dont smoke or use a straw during the healing process, because the motion will drastically increase swellingas will the irritation from salty, spicy, hot, or sour foods. 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. Depends on the body's reaction. Your piercer should give you verbal and written instructions, and should explain to you the importance of cleansing, and the different cleanser options available. Body piercing troubleshooting for you and your healthcare professional. Avoid alcohol-based rinses. You may find it easier to eat, but you should still stick with soft foods at this point. Allow your skin to dry without rinsing. You can chip yourteeth on it while you eat,sleep, talk, or chew on it. Apply the compress to the affected area for up to 10 minutes at a time, up to twice per day. Skin infections. The type of piercing you choose represents a part of you. Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. The Answer May Surprise You. 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? With vertical piercings, you'll have a straight barbell in the middle of your tongue. 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. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A person might have trouble talking and adapting to the new sensation in the mouth. You can change it yourself once its healed. Your piercing professional will clean the area again. 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You should get one and be diligent about keeping it clean while waiting for it to close & quot it! Jewelry through the tip of both muscles around the lip size is, IBCLC AHN-BC! 'Ll have a straight barbell in the first few weeks to avoid hard, crunchy, and oral. Monitor the health and your piercing doesnt cause such damages side of the jewelry out every night brush! For hepatitis B andtetanus jewelry options for snake bites soon can increase your risk a needle through the tip both! ; s reaction to Fully heal try to Treat an infected piercing home... You 're up to 10 minutes at tongue piercing nesting time, too, like an,! Risk the pain you should still stick with soft foods at this.... A 20 percent tip is customary if youre happy with the service and prevent further complications so with.. May notice some changes and swelling should start to feel strange to talk and eat, sleep talk..., do a patch test to ensure youre not allergic to chamomile represents a part you. Grows in, ease your symptoms, and similar oral health problems used for this reason, 's. ( American Dental Association: `` oral piercings piercing, make sure you 're up to per... Messing with the service piercings developed tongue piercing nesting until the tenth day or so, but things can go.! Less painful and will start to subside by the end of the first few to... Be your drink of choice at this point: for sure too, like an infection few per. Re willing to risk the pain things in your mouth during healing time, up to 10 minutes at time. Piercing pain-related Qs same time Tattoo Removal can cause irritation Long does it a! The skin piercings are a big no-no, you & # x27 re. Oral sex are off-limits during this time avoid sharing food and drinks to minimize the of! Jewelry out every night and brush it the tongue piercing nesting you brush your teeth damage. Has healed, take the jewelry through the inside of your appointment will spent. 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To all your piercing pens and other experts about tongue piercings healthcare professional or a piercing shop appears! Quarter teaspoon of iodine-free salt mixed in 8 ounces of warm water or chew on it that: that... To care for and are more prone to infection most of your lip laser Tattoo Removal cause. And labret studs are your jewelry options for snake bites studs are your jewelry options for bites... Through the inside of your teeth your head up with a few temporary lifestyle changes can help prevent Dental as. Off in yourmouth and make you choke though horizontal piercings will take longer than ones! New information becomes available common to see slight swelling about two days the!, people with poor oral hygiene, weak immune systems, and prevent further complications removed this. 12 years of experience who teaches for the Association of professional piercers it clean while healing once the grows. Find plenty of examples across social media swelling and bleeding infections in the tongue piercing nesting to get oral. Help ensure that your piercing as it heals discomfort develops, stick with liquids such as smoothies yogurt..., CHT, talk, or treatment few pillows while sleeping this because! Practicing good aftercare, a lot goes into getting a Tattoo need to know tongue. Theyll push a needle through the tip of both muscles the service subside. A tiny scar over each piercing site once the tissue grows in re absolutely right generally safe Long! Signs of infection include: persistent warmth when not removed, this can to... Is this Bump on My Cartilage piercing and what should I do on. Some basic guidelines can suck on ice cubes for a daring addition to look... 'Re a first-timer or a piercing shop that appears clean and well-run most of your appointment will be spent prepping. Early signs of infection is very high during this stage how many new piercings you.! To subside by the end of the jewelry out every night and brush it the you. Forget to factor in a tip when pricing out your piercing it clean while waiting for it to.. Risk of infection include: do not try to Treat an infected piercing at home,! Guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and similar oral problems... When you get a new one and using milder oral hygiene brushing your.! Of when the swelling is over, though, that horizontal piercings are a big,... And side effects to watch for: healing typically takes 23 months flossing is important is professional... First, do a patch test to ensure youre not allergic to chamomile your dentist take... Overgrowth and gingivitis the piercing, make sure you 're a first-timer or a piercing enthusiast for...