:: SPECIAL CARE FOR ORAL PIERCINGS ::

Oral piercings (tongue, lip, cheek, beauty mark) heal very quickly and easily, usually within four to eight weeks. Jewelry can be changed after healing, but should never be left out even for short periods of time. These piercings close very quickly without jewelry, sometimes within a few minutes. This is especially true of tongue piercings. If you like your piercing, keep jewelry in it. If you must hide it, ask your piercer about clear acrylic or tongue colored retainers and balls. Check threaded jewelry periodically to make sure balls and discs are screwed on securely.

SWELLING

Expect your new piercing to be rather swollen for at least several days, with residual swelling for a month or so. Sucking on crushed ice constantly for the first few days helps keep swelling down and soothes your mouth. Anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen/Advil/Motrin) will also help. Keep your head elevated for a few days (extra pillows when sleeping), and try not to talk too much. Avoid anything which thins your blood (aspirin, alcohol, stimulants, acetominophin/Tylenol) or makes your heart pound. Also avoid straws and water pipes, as the suction may cause bleeding and more swelling. Eat whatever is comfortable, though anything spicy, acidic or hot in temperature may increase discomfort in the first week or so. In the first few days chamomile tea may also help keep swelling down and soothe pain. Let it cool or chill it, and hold it in your mouth while drinking it.

To allow for swelling, the initial “post” or ring is larger than the jewelry which can ultimately be worn. Once the swelling is gone and the piercing is healed, a shorter post or smaller diameter ring can be used. Leaving larger jewelry in is very often the cause of chipped teeth, irritated gums, scarring and other oral damage. But be patient! Changing the jewelry too soon can result in more swelling and delayed healing. Wait until you are healed.

CLEANING

You will need to clean the inside of your mouth every time you eat, drink or smoke. The only exception is bottled water. Rinse for 30-60 seconds with warm salt water or non-alcohol antimicrobial/antibacterial mouthwash diluted according to package instructions. This will not only clean your mouth, but will soothe mouth pain and speed healing. It also minimizes the white discharge which normally forms around the hole, and helps eliminate residue from smoking. Add a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) sea salt to 1 cup (8 oz.) warm water. Use bottled or distilled water, not tap water. (If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, you may need to limit the frequency of salt water use and use plain warm water rinses. Ask your doctor).

If you do choose to use mouthwash, stay away from alcohol based products such as Listerine and similar store brands. These are far too harsh, and repeated use will usually slow down healing. Instead, use a non-alcohol antimicrobial/antibacterial mouthwash diluted according to manufacturer's instructions. Tech 2000 and Biotene are two good options. Jason Healthy Mouth tea tree oil mouthwash is an excellent, cruelty free alternative which can also soothe swelling. Do not use any mouthwash product more than 4-5 times a day.

LIP/CHEEK/BEAUTY MARK PIERCINGS

In addition to the above suggestions, you will also need to clean the outside of your piercing at least twice daily and after smoking. Antimicrobial/germicidal soaps tend to be most effective, especially where oily skin, make-up or smoking is an issue. Individually packaged sterile saline pads from your pharmacy may be helpful for cleaning on the run. Warm salt water soaks on the outside of the piercing are strongly suggested to speed healing and minimize crusty dried discharge. Do not pick the discharge with your fingers! It will get worse. Instead, clean the piercing and soak more often. Follow suggestions under Basic Piercing Care.

GENERAL

Try to cut back on smoking, and avoid chewing gum or playing with your piercing during healing. Avoid wet kissing and unprotected oral sex until healed. If you must kiss your partner, have her/him first clean their mouth (see above) and clean your own mouth afterward. Remember, this is an open wound, and you could be exchanging more than just bacteria. Any fluid exchange should be considered unsafe sex. Even if you are monogamous, your partner still has different natural bacteria than you do, which can cause infections. You wouldn't let them lick a cut, would you?

Keep your fingers out of your mouth! Don’t lick your fingers, chew your nails or touch the piercing during healing. Think of everything you’ve touched all day, and everyone else who touched it first. This also applies to chewing on pen caps and other distractions. Get a new toothbrush or put the old one through the dishwasher. After the first few days, brush your tongue and jewelry when you clean your teeth. This will help remove bacteria and plaque build-up, especially on the bottom ball of tongue jewelry. Sensitive or natural toothpastes may be more comfortable than strong commercial varieties.

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Infinite Body Piercing, Inc.