Any new piercing can raise lots of questions. You may also consider rinsing with a saline solution after every meal. Luckily, not every tongue piercing will become infected. However, theres a long list of dos and don'ts with tongue piercing aftercare. Avoid alcohol-based rinses. A person might have trouble talking and adapting to the new sensation in the mouth. Sometimes the signs of infection can be easy to confuse with irritation in piercings, especially if you're extra paranoid. Pick a piercing shop that appears clean and well-run. Rinse with water (bottled or filtered) thoroughly . Once you get home, Loheide recommends immediately changing out your toothbrush for a new one and using milder oral hygiene products. Keeping your head elevated at night can reduce swelling of your body piercing. 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. It also helps reduce the risk of complications. Considering laser tattoo removal? The most common jewelry used is a ball-shaped piercing, with cone and cylindrical being far less common, says Ilyas. Just make sure your cloth can be sealed or folded so that none of the added ingredients can fall out. If someone recommended cocoa butter for tattoo aftercare, you might want a second opinion. Anyone else inspired to get a tongue piercing right now? Look for jewelry made with steel, titanium, or 14-karat gold. Anything chewy may require an additional salt rinse after eating. In fact, Josephine says that the clamps tend to be more uncomfortable than the piercing itself. 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. Plaque buildup is responsible for foul breath, and having a tongue piercing can give plaque another area to build up on. In short, this double lip piercing was created by acquiring Madonna and Monroe piercings at the same time. Your body is really good at healing itself.". Apart from switching up your oral products, you may have to change what you eat, but only for a short while. We've got answers to all your piercing pain-related Qs. 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? 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. 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. Proper aftercare plays a crucial role in your healing process. You can change it yourself once its healed. It's a way to express your style, but it can be dangerous. Dude why is your tongue green! Then, pull the bar out and place your new piece of jewelry through the hole. The jewelry can cause issues as well. 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. One small survey revealed that 3 in 51 people with tongue piercings developed infections. The needle is new and has never been used. Body piercings: Cleaning and healing. 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? Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties. Angel Bites Piercing Process: This piercing process is typically performed with a hollow 14 or 16 gauge piercing needle. A 20 percent tip is customary if youre happy with the service. We've got answers to all your piercing pain-related Qs. We've sent you an email with a link to update your password. Learn more about piercing rejections here. Much of the bacteria is introduced by eating and drinking. Once thats done, here are the next steps: For sure. The most common is the midline piercing, a vertical piercing involving a needle going straight through at one point from top to bottom in the center of the tongue. Plus, they arent intended to be used inside your mouth. Healing usually takes 3 to 4 weeks. Ludwigs angina is an infection that can occur in your mouth. Gently apply to the affected area for up to five minutes at a time. 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. Placement: Located below the lip on both the left and right side. Just look to hashtags #tonguepiercing and #tonguepiercings on TikTok and Instagram, which have over 790 million views and 520,000 posts, respectively. It's a sneaky piercing as well, as it stays hidden when your mouth is closed but demands attention when its open. Check your email for your confirmation message. Myers estimates that for a single tongue piercing, it will take about one to three months and three to five for paired piercings. Furthermore, Mel Magazine added that your tongue piercing may represent your sexual adventurous side. Flossing helps remove food and plaque stuck in between your teeth. Follow all package directions and avoid swallowing. Avoid sharing food and drinks to minimize the spread of infectious bacteria. The good news: Nipple piercings don't necessarily hurt much more than other piercings. 3. 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 . But you still have to be mindful of how your mouth and tongue feel when you do eat or drink certain things. "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. Tongue piercings can also increase the risk of oral health problems, including infected gums and teeth. Elegant Roses. This ensures the health of your piercing over the long term. Myers also recommends a sterile saline solution, which tends to be recommended for most piercings. 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. Join our mailing list & get 10% off your first purchase. Poor-quality jewelry, messing with the piercing, and improper cleaning techniques all increase your risk. Jewelry worn in tongue piercings can chip and crack your teeth and damage your gums. Dont put things in your mouth like pens and other things that carry bacteria. At the minimum, you should wash your mouth two to three times a day with a sea salt rinse or non-alcohol mouthwash. Not all piercings are created equal. Find out more about tongue piercings here. Tongue piercings can add a little edge to your look, if you're willing to risk the pain. 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. However, as with all piercings, theyre not totally without risk. When properly performed and properly cared for, most body piercings will typically heal fast with minimal discomfort, swelling and bleeding. 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. You can hit up friends or family for referrals or find a local piercing professional through APP. Gently brush the jewelry with a clean toothbrush regularly to avoid plaque build up. But despite the location, the aftercare for tongue piercings is actually a lot easier (and a lot less painful) than some would expect. Youll need to call your doctor if you see signs of an infection or youre experiencing severe discomfort. The type of piercing you choose represents a part of you. How Long Does It Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal? Please note: If you registered an account with us prior to Feb 1 2019 and are having trouble signing in, it may be because we recently had a makeover and launched a brand new site with exciting new features! Like any piercing, the price of a tongue piercing will vary depending on your specific circumstancesthat includes your location, the shop/piercer you choose, the exact piercing, and more. LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. "Tongue piercings are a great way to add some decoration to your mouth, as they sit like a pearl inside a clam, and your options for jewelry are limitless," says Sydney, Australia-based piercer Samantha Josephine. Being as simple as possible with your aftercare is really best. Repeat as often as youd like. Proper care can help the wound heal, reducing the risk of infection and helping keep the piercing in place. 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. Those conditions includeheart disease,diabetes,hemophilia, andautoimmune diseases. Watch out for signs of infection such as: American Academy of General Dentistry: "What Is an Oral Piercing? Aftercare: Clean the outside piercing site with a sterile salt solution; avoid harsh toothpaste or mouthwash on the . We've got the details on its benefits and how to use it. "When we're piercing vertically, especially in the centre, we're piercing through a connective tissue between those muscles," Loheide explains. But take care with spices, as these can irritate the wound. Here are the piercings its safe for, how to use it, side effects to, Swelling, redness, bleeding, or bruising are typical after a new nose piercing, but a bump may be cause for concern. Oral health topics: Oral piercing. Both piercers strongly suggest using an alcohol-free mouthwash that won't burn your mouth. You use your tongue on a daily basis, whether it be for eating or talking, so youll certainly feel a bit of pain as your tongue heals while you use it. However, your individual healing process depends entirely on how you care for your new piercing. I got my tongue pierced 8 days ago. And if you had hopes of getting that piercing, keep dreaming. Doing so will trap infectious bacteria inside your tongue and may lead to further complications. 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. Suck on ice or apply a cold compress | Cold compress. And in some people withheart disease, bacteria can lead to a condition that can damage yourheart valves. After getting your tongue pierced, you'll likely feel soreness. This is because they are difficult to care for and are more prone to infection. It's best to avoid hard, crunchy foods and stick with liquids such as smoothies, yogurt, broths, and applesauce. 3. Plastargias, I., & Sakellari, D. (2014). What to know about gargling with salt water. 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. Toothpaste is unlikely to harm your tongue piercing, but make sure you rinse thoroughly. Tongue piercings can increase your long-term risk of cuts, tooth trauma, and gum recession. The hole wont be completely healed for several more weeks. (2012). Be sure to keep up with your regular dental checkups over the lifetime of your piercing. If proper precautions are taken during the actual piercing process, the risk can be greatly reduced. What Type of Jewelry Is Used for a Tongue Piercing? How do you treat an infected belly button piercing? Keep your jewelry in until the piercings fully healed even if you hate it. Your piercing professional will clean the area again. The Answer May Surprise You. When its ready, follow the same steps for cleansing with premade saline. 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. Her work can be seen across the web on Backstage Magazine, Merry Jane, Vulture, and more. A horizontal is the most painful because its done in an area where the majority of the nerves are.. 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