Proper care of your new piercing is important to avoid infection and ensure proper healing. Piercings on the lips or in other areas of the mouth require special attention, because the bacteria present in and around the oral cavity can increase the risk of infections; these piercings also facilitate the transmission of certain diseases and can create problems for the teeth and gums. If you want your lip piercing to heal properly, you need to take care of it, keep it clean and dry, don't touch it, and avoid certain foods and activities.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for the Lip Piercing
Step 1. Know what to expect
Lip piercing can be painful and bleed. The area may hurt, swell, and be bruised for a few days after the operation. It may take six to ten weeks for it to fully heal, so be prepared for the idea of having to clean it several times a day during this time, in addition to the normal care that will be needed later.
Step 2. Purchase cleaning accessories in advance
It's pretty easy to clean this piercing, but you need to get some non-iodized salt, an alcohol-free mouthwash, and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Also buy a new toothbrush with soft bristles and replace the old one once the piercing is in place.
Step 3. Recognize the signs of infection
Before undergoing a lip puncture, you need to know the symptoms and signs of infections. You may notice pus, green or yellow discharge, tingling or numbness around the piercing area, fever, excessive bleeding, pain, redness and swelling.
Do not remove the jewelry if you are concerned that you have an infection, but seek immediate medical attention
Step 4. Learn to recognize an allergic reaction
Body jewelry often contains nickel, which is a common allergen for many people. Symptoms typically appear within 12 to 48 hours and include itching and swelling, scaly or crusted blistering, redness, rash, or dry skin.
The piercing will not heal properly if you are allergic to the material; so go back to the piercer as soon as possible if you fear an allergy
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning and Caring for the Lip Piercing
Step 1. Clean the inside of your mouth
Rinse it off for 30 seconds using an alcohol-free mouthwash or saline solution every time you've eaten, drank, or smoked. Also rinse before bedtime.
- To make a saline solution, add a pinch of non-iodized salt to 240ml of boiling water. Stir to dissolve the salt and wait for it to cool.
- Do not increase the dose of salt as it may irritate your mouth.
Step 2. Clean the outside of the hole and the jewel
Once a day, preferably during the shower when the scabs and debris around the piercing are softer, lather with your fingers using a mild soap and gently wash the entire area of the hole and the jewel. Carefully rotate the jewel in order to clean it completely and eliminate all traces of secretions. Finally rinse carefully, turning the jewel again.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning or when touching the piercing.
- Do not clean the hole with soap more than once a day.
Step 3. Soak the piercing
Fill a small bowl with saline solution and soak the piercing for 5 to 10 minutes, once or twice a day. When finished, rinse the area with warm water.
Step 4. Brush your teeth and floss at least twice a day
If possible, do this cleansing after every meal. Also rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash after brushing your teeth to remove any food residue from your mouth.
Step 5. Eat slowly and carefully
During the first few days it is best to eat soft foods. When you resume eating solid foods, cut them into small pieces and make sure to place the morsels directly on the molars. Be especially careful not to bite your lips and avoid contact with the piercing as much as possible. Chew your food away from the jewel if you can. In particular, during the first few days, you should mainly eat:
- Ice creams;
- Yogurt;
- Puddings;
- Cold foods and drinks such as smoothies that soothe and help decrease bloating.
Step 6. Reduce swelling
Suck on a piece of ice to relieve pain and edema. You can also take anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen to soothe the discomfort.
Part 3 of 3: Know what to avoid
Step 1. Do not eat, drink and smoke for the first three hours
For as long as possible and in any case during the first three hours after having the piercing done, you must leave it undisturbed. You also need to try not to talk for as long as possible. Until the piercing has healed completely you should avoid:
- Alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and drugs;
- Sticky foods, including oatmeal
- Hard foods, candy and chewing gum;
- Spicy foods;
- Do not gnaw on inedible objects, such as fingers, pens, or pencils.
Step 2. Leave the piercing alone
You should only touch it when you clean it. Teasing him too often can cause infection, swelling, pain, and lengthen healing time. You do not have to play with it, also avoid that other people touch it and minimize movements or contact with the jewel. During the healing phase you must also avoid:
- Oral sex and kissing
- Sharing food, drinks and cutlery;
- Strenuous activities and physical contact involving the face.
Step 3. Do not come into contact with water
This means avoiding the chlorinated water of swimming pools and whirlpools, but also that of lakes and rivers, showers or baths that are too long, Turkish baths and saunas. If you want the piercing to heal well you need to keep it dry, otherwise it will take longer.
Step 4. Avoid products that can aggravate the situation
Do not clean the piercing with alcohol, scented soaps, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial ointments, petrolatum-based creams or gels. These substances can create irritation, dryness, damage cells or even clog pores.
Do not apply cosmetics, make-up and face creams or lotions around the piercing area
Step 5. Do not change the jewelry until the hole has healed
Not only would you damage the new layer of skin that is forming, but the hole could also start closing right away.
Step 6. Maintain good oral hygiene
Once healed, there is no need to clean the piercing several times a day by rinsing with mouthwash or soaking it, but wash the jewelry and the whole area when you shower with mild soap every few days. Brush your teeth and floss regularly.
Warnings
- Only consult a qualified professional piercer who uses sterile instruments. Do not try to do the piercing yourself as it is dangerous and could lead to nerve damage, heavy bleeding, infections and other complications.
- See your dentist if you are concerned that the piercing is causing problems with your teeth, gums or tongue.
