You just got a new piercing. Are you sure you know how to take care of it? As a precaution, reading this article can be a LOT of help.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Oral Rinse
Step 1. The optimal way to take care of your piercing is to rinse your mouth for 30-60 seconds with a medical mouthwash (eg Biotene) after each meal, during the initial healing period (3-6 weeks)
Step 2. If you don't have a medical mouthwash available, the best thing to do is dilute 100ml of oral disinfectant with 100ml of water
This will decrease the concentration of disinfectant and prevent irritation of the piercing.
Note: do not simply rinse with normal mouthwash, because it is useless with your piercing; it will only mask bad breath
Step 3. Be careful not to clean your piercing too much, as this may block proper healing (some signs of over-cleaning are a tongue that looks very white or very yellow)
Method 2 of 4: Rinse with Sea Salt
Step 1. In addition to oral rinsing after each meal, sea salt gargle will help your piercing heal
Step 2. First, fill a disposable glass with about 200ml of water and add ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, stirring until dissolved
Step 3. Then rinse your mouth for about 15 seconds
Sea salt rinses should be done after each time you smoke or drink anything other than mineral water.
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Note: Some people with piercings have had more success substituting sea salt rinses for those with medical mouthwash.
Take Care of Your New Mouth Piercing Step 6Bullet1
Method 3 of 4: Brush your Teeth
Step 1. For the first week with your new piercing, we recommend that you brush your front teeth only, and only from the second week start brushing your tongue gently
Step 2. It is important to brush your teeth three times a day while your piercing is healing
Brushing your teeth will reduce the number of bacteria and food residues in your mouth.
Step 3. We also suggest that you purchase a new soft-bristled toothbrush for use in the initial healing period
Also, if you don't gently brush the balls and pin of your piercing, plaque (a kind of crusty white patina) will begin to form on them.
Step 4. You should brush your piercing daily to prevent plaque build-up
Method 4 of 4: Miscellaneous and Possible
- Ice and cold liquids can help you reduce swelling. Popsicles, ice cream, and frozen yogurt are other good ways to reduce swelling, but be sure to rinse with mouthwash or sea salt after each snack (not necessary if you're just using plain ice). The swelling usually lasts for 3-5 days.
- Ibuprofen: If you're extremely sensitive, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen (ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice) can help reduce swelling and pain.
Advice
- Try to avoid consuming products like tobacco or chewing gum, biting your nails, or giving in to any oral fixations you may have. All of these activities increase the chances of an infection and could prolong the healing process.
- Avoid going to the pool, spa, lake, etc. These types of water can be unclean and cause infection.
- Try to eat very slowly. Only put small portions of food in your mouth at a time. Eating may feel uncomfortable at first, but it's mainly due to bloating.
- Do not engage in dangerous activities that may threaten your piercing. Intense friction and tugging on a fresh piercing are very common ways to trigger rejection, a process whereby the body "rejects" the piercing.
- Eat nutrient-rich meals throughout the day, and try to supplement your diet with vitamin C (3000 mg as the mineral ascorbic acid) and zinc (120 mg for males and 60 mg for females). These supplements are most effective during the first 2-3 weeks of the healing process. If you are very active (e.g. you work hard, exercise regularly, etc.), additional nutrient-rich meals and an additional multivitamin addition can help keep your immune system functioning.
- Remember: A piercing is a wound. As a result, you should expect swelling, discoloration, and possibly even burning, bleeding, and itching. If your tongue has become swollen enough to push your piercing down, see your piercer for a longer pin. In addition, if your tongue is swollen, DO NOT REMOVE THE PIERCING! This will increase the chance of infection. Also, a natural part of the healing process for any wound includes the secretion of a yellowish-white fluid, which contains dead cells and blood plasma. This fluid will dry, forming a scab on your piercing. To properly remove this scab, refer to the advice given above on how to take care of your piercing.
- Drink lots of fluids. 8-10 glasses of mineral water is a good way to keep your body hydrated.
- Do not expose your piercing to cosmetics such as makeup, hair products, lotions etc. Cosmetics contain many different ingredients and can cause irritation and infection.
- Check at least once a day that your piercing accessories (e.g. balls, dice, glitter, etc.) are tight. Make sure you wash your hands with antibacterial soap first! Checking your accessories is a precaution that you should always observe throughout the life of your piercing. Remember: tighten all threaded accessories by turning them to the right. Right, and firmly on!
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Approximate healing times:
- Cheek: 6 months-1 year
- Cartilage: 2 months-1 year
- Ear lobe: 6-8 weeks
- Eyebrow: 6-8 weeks
- Genitals: 4 weeks-6 months
- Lip plate: 3 weeks-1 month (depending on the treatment)
- Lip: 3 weeks-1 month (depending on care)
- Navel: 6 months-over 1 year
- Nipple: 2-6 months
- Nostril: 2 months-1 year
- Septum: 1-2 months
- Language: 4-6 weeks
Warnings
- Remember that if you don't clean your piercing, you increase the risk of infection!
- If you have a tongue piercing, don't use regular mouthwash - it can only make things worse!
- Don't play with your piercing right away. If you catch yourself playing it, STOP IMMEDIATELY!
- Never touch your piercing EXCEPT to check it is secure or to clean it. Always make sure you wash your hands first!
- Don't eat too fast if you've just had your tongue pierced. You may inadvertently bite it and break it! We recommend that you do not eat solids before two days have passed.
