The Answer May Surprise You. If you notice any signs of an infection, call your piercing professional or a healthcare professional immediately. Bear in mind, though, that horizontal piercings will take longer than vertical ones. After 10 minutes, rinse the affected area with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. It can break off in your, , talk, or chew on it. The wound may also bleed or ooze. Rings and labret studs are your jewelry options for snake bites. Once the time comes to remove the jewelry used for the piercing, its best to see your piercer. Make you drool. 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. That means using sterile instrument, disposable, one-time use needles, and high quality, sterile jewelry. The hole may also close up if you remove the jewelry too soon. ", Its more like a weird pressure; it hurts more to bite your tongue, agrees Dohoney. Keep reading for everything you need to know about tongue piercings. Jewelry is made of surgical steel, solid gold, or platinum. 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. Contact with food may further increase this risk. 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. For the first 5 days or so, swelling, light bleeding, and tenderness is normal. Avoid oral sexual activity during healing. Healing time: 8 to 12 weeks. However, they should avoid touching the piercing or knocking the piercing with the teeth, as this can increase irritation. Definitely- go see your piercer! People with certain conditions that might make it hard for the piercing to heal are particularly at risk for health problems. Considering laser tattoo removal? LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. Before getting a tongue ring, it is important that you understand the risks associated with piercing and the safety measures you can take to avoid them. Youll also be asked to fill out some paperwork, including a waiver. The people who work in the shop have been vaccinated against. "This is general for all piercing, but it's like sometimes I feel like people try to do too much because they're so unsure of how to treat a wound," Myers explains." Proper aftercare techniques are crucial to the outcome of your tongue piercing. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. ", Center for Young Women's Health (Boston Children's Hospital): "Body Piercing. "[With an] infection, your tongue is going to look absolutely wild," Myers shares. An infection is potentially serious. If someone recommended cocoa butter for tattoo aftercare, you might want a second opinion. Our tongue rings are nickel-free 14k gold and the bar is internally threaded, which means that the threading is on the ball not the barbell, making it easier to pass through the piercing. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. This would require them to stay in the hospital or receive intravenous antibiotics. How Long Does It Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal? Yes, you're absolutely right. Your dentist can monitor for changes and help ensure that your piercing doesn't cause such damages.. The true sexual sensations come from the dichotomy of textures the softness of the tongue paired with the hardness of the piercing. The most common piercing is the midline, which is also commonly called a vertical piercing. Not eat spicy, salty, or acidic foods and drinks. Angel Bites Piercing Process: This piercing process is typically performed with a hollow 14 or 16 gauge piercing needle. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. If you think youve developed an infection, your piercer isnt the right source for treatment. Your, is filled with bacteria that can lead to infection and swelling. ), 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. Matheron E, et al. This ensures the health of your piercing over the long term. A small amount of bleeding is normal, but consistent bleeding may signal a problem. The Tongue Piercing: Everything You Need to Know. Dude why is your tongue green! A common consideration of aftercare of oral piercings is oral contact with others. Avoid hot beverages, as these can encourage further swelling. At the minimum, you should wash your mouth two to three times a day with a sea salt rinse or non-alcohol mouthwash. Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a Canada-based freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. Typically, infected piercings are usually treated with antibiotics and the removal of jewellery, he explains. A certain amount of "nesting" with the jewelry sinking into the tissue is to be expected. 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. This piercing type gets one of the cutest lip piercing names thanks to its functionality. Find out more about tongue piercings here. Dont put things in your mouth like pens and other things that carry bacteria. 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. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can buy these over the counter (OTC) at your piercers shop or local pharmacy. When that happens, she always advises going to the ER for professional help. 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. A warm compress can also minimize overall swelling and irritation. Here are some possible complications and side effects to watch for: Healing typically takes 23 months. Theres also the horizontal tongue piercing, which runs the needle through the tongue from side to side instead of top to bottom. The way a tongue is pierced involves clamping the appendage with forceps to hold the tissue. Like any piercing, there's always a possibility of infection or rejection. Right after your appointment, expect your tongue to be a bit swollen and painful for about one to two weeks, according to Loheide. What Is This Nose Piercing Bump and How Can I Get Rid of It? The Answer May Surprise You. 11. The most common jewelry used is a ball-shaped piercing, with cone and cylindrical being far less common, says Ilyas. Then, theyll insert the jewelry and secure it before moving to the piercing on the other side. This will also be a more comfortable position as the top of your piercing will be positioned in the higher part of the roof of your mouth where there is more room.The bottom of the tongue piercing should be just in front of the web-like skin under your tongue (known as the lingual frenulum). Here's what to expect. 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. You might have heard of snake eyes before. I got my tongue pierced 8 days ago. Your piercer should give you verbal and written instructions, and should explain to you the importance of cleansing, and the different cleanser options available. When properly performed and properly cared for, most body piercings will typically heal fast with minimal discomfort, swelling and bleeding. It is vital to not overuse the mouth rinse. Moving the jewelry around can increase swelling and irritation, as well as introduce new bacteria into the holes. This reduces the risk of accidentally introducing additional bacteria to the site. Some types of oral piercings are: It's a way to express your style, but it can be dangerous. Considering laser tattoo removal? "Once your piercing has healed and you become used to it, it is a no-fuss piercing that you can enjoy for years.". What Type of Jewelry Is Used for a Tongue Piercing? It may also be tempting to take the jewelry out, but this can actually do more harm than good. We've sent you an email with a link to update your password. They advise avoiding toothpaste with whitening ingredients. And if you had hopes of getting that piercing, keep dreaming. Remove the tea bags and allow them to cool for about 30 seconds. Still, the amount of swelling shouldnt keep you from drinking water or talking. Its also common to see slight swelling about two days into the healing process. This is because they are difficult to care for and are more prone to infection. Tongue piercings can also increase the risk of oral health problems, including infected gums and teeth. Gently brush the jewelry with a clean toothbrush regularly to avoid plaque build up. (2020). Speaking of placement, there are restrictions as to where the tongue piercing can go. What Is This Bump on My Cartilage Piercing and What Should I Do? Last medically reviewed on April 19, 2018. Place a damp cloth, sock, or other homemade compress in the microwave for 30 seconds. A barbell is inserted in a tongue piercing by pushing it through behind the needle. Much of the bacteria is introduced by eating and drinking. What is the risk of infection with a nipple piercing? Once your tongue piercing has healed, youre not completely off the hook in terms of cleaning and hygiene. Furthermore, Mel Magazine added that your tongue piercing may represent your sexual adventurous side. 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. 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. 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. However, your individual healing process depends entirely on how you care. 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. After your tongue has healed, take the jewelry out every night and brush it the way you brush your teeth. The piercer should. 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. Steep a chamomile tea bag in warm water for two to three minutes. 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. ", Mouth Healthy (American Dental Association): "Oral Piercings. Most of the time, your bump will, 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. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25690049, http://www.cdho.org/Advisories/CDHO_Factsheet_Oral_Piercing.pdf, https://www.cieh.org/media/1975/tattoo-toolkit_part-c_03-oral-piercing-aftercare.pdf, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3926233/, https://www.safepiercing.org/docs/APP_OralMinors_Print.pdf, https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/threats-to-dental-health/tongue-piercing-not-that-risky-but-things-can-go-wrong, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2852294/. Be prepared to pay a good price for quality jewelrysomething you definitely shouldnt skimp on. But keep the area clean while waiting for it to close. French kissing, performing oral sex, and engaging in other sexual activity can also transfer bacteria. Get the details on how you can lower your chances of developing blisters and other possible side effects. I got my tongue pierced 8 days ago. It is safest to have a piercer do this. You can get a piercing on the inside of your mouth (intraoral) or the type that you can see outside of your mouth (perioral). There are. 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. Oral piercings are any piercings that are attached to, or in the mouth. When you get a new piercing, youre welcoming a foreign object into your body. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 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. 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. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Super hot foods should be left alone as well. Tongue piercing healing process and care guide [Blog]. 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. A snake bites piercing is a double lip piercing that sits near the outer corners of the lower lip's edge. Rinse your tongue or lip piercing after every meal or snack and before bed. All rights reserved. "Most people heal in four [weeks]," says Dohoney. Soak a clean cloth or sturdy paper towel with the solution. Be sure to keep up with your regular dental checkups over the lifetime of your piercing. "Things that you wouldn't [want on] a paper cut, basically, you don't want to eat the first few weeks of a tongue piercing, because it will cause serious discomfort," she says. Refresh the tea bags with warm water as needed. In general, maintaining good oral hygiene brushing your teeth regularly and flossing is important. Being as simple as possible with your aftercare is really best. After getting your tongue pierced, you'll likely feel soreness. 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. Recommended Jewelry: Flat back labret lip rings. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to help treat the infection and prevent its spread. "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. Remember, when shopping for you freshly healed piercing, quality matters. Jewelry worn in tongue piercings can chip and crack your teeth and damage your gums. This will help prevent the strings from getting caught on your jewelry. Topical creams and ointments can trap bacteria inside the piercing and make things worse. DOI: Holbrook J, et al. French kissing and oral sex are off-limits during this time. If a person suspects an infection, it is best to make an appointment with a doctor. 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. Learn how to care for your tattoo, what to expect in the first month, the signs of infection, 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. Elegant Roses. Keep track of when the swelling is over, though, as you have to change out the jewelry when it does. 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. To make things a little clearer, refer to them as paired lower lip piercings if you decide to go for it. It's the second most popular lip piercing. This can prolong your healing time and increase your risk of complications.