First, do a patch test to ensure youre not allergic to chamomile. A few temporary lifestyle changes can help prevent dental problems as a result of a tongue piercing. But despite the location, the aftercare for tongue piercings is actually a lot easier (and a lot less painful) than some would expect. Then, a needletypically a 14 gauge, says Dohoneyis pushed through the tongue to create the actual piercing. Her work can be seen across the web on Backstage Magazine, Merry Jane, Vulture, and more. Learn about its symptoms and causes. If you do use mouthwash, follow the product directions as you usually would. A small amount of bleeding is normal, but consistent bleeding may signal a problem. Once thats done, here are the next steps: For sure. A warm compress can also minimize overall swelling and irritation. [12] 3. 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. Healing time: 8 to 12 weeks. Before touching the piercing, always wash the hands thoroughly and only use sterile, new jewelry intended for the tongue. Last medically reviewed on April 19, 2018. The stakes seem higher and more dangerous should an infection occur. However, the healing process can take upward of. However, theres a long list of dos and don'ts with tongue piercing aftercare. Using a warm chamomile compress may help speed up the healing process. The people who work in the shop have been vaccinated against. Yourmouth is filled with bacteria that can lead to infection and swelling. If you've decided to get an oral piercing, make sure you're up to date onvaccines for hepatitis B andtetanus. Which types of jewelry are used for this piercing? This may lead to broken teeth, infections in the gums or teeth, and similar oral health problems. However, its a good idea to see your piercer for the first jewelry change, says Josephine, to be sure youre causing as little trauma to the still-healing wound as possible and to avoid any potential infection thanks to incompetence or accident. The Answer May Surprise You. 11. Myers suggests avoiding spicy, crunchy, and acidic foods in the first few weeks to avoid irritation. A properly performed oral piercing will take only seconds to complete, with minimal discomfort and bleeding. LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. We avoid using tertiary references. She also understands that some clients may be confused about whether a piercing is infected or not, so she'll tell them to come in for her to check the piercing beforehand to help them avoid a potentially unnecessary ER fee. ), be careful when you eat (Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods, as well as hot foods and drinks. Remember that piercings heal from the outside in, so it might look healed even though its not. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Pick a piercing shop that appears clean and well-run. But keep the area clean while waiting for it to close. This will help prevent the strings from getting caught on your jewelry. 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. Some store-bought compresses contain herbs or rice grains to help seal in warmth and offer slight pressure. DOI: Proper ice pack application for injuries. Apply the tea bag to the inside of your elbow. If the piercing is new, irritation is normal. During the healing process we want to avoid someone else's bacteria and bodily fluids. Rinse with water (bottled or filtered) thoroughly . Thankfully, the aftercare for tongue piercings isn't too complicated. This can trap bacteria and allow the infection to spread beyond the piercing site. Tongue piercings especially new ones are more prone to infections than other piercings because of all the bacteria in your mouth. Here are some possible complications and side effects to watch for: Healing typically takes 23 months. 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. Face piercing (body art): Choosing pleasure vs. possible pain and posture instability. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Though everyone's tongue is different, Loheide says if your tongue is too short or you have a tongue-tie which is basically when the webbing underneath your tongue comes almost or all the way to the tip a tongue piercing is probably not the best option for you. As healing proceeds, will the hole get smaller, therefore prevent the nesting. A tongue piercing officially takes between six and eight weeks to completely heal. "If you go to eat something and you're like, 'Wow, this feels terrible to eat,' don't keep eating it," they share. After a few months, the body treats the piercing as a scar, and the piercing is less likely to close without jewelry in it. ", American Dental Association: "Oral Piercing. Leave on for up to three minutes, and then remove. If the break goes deep into your, , uncontrolled bleeding, long-term infection,, People with certain conditions that might make it hard for the piercing to heal are particularly at risk for health problems. Should you use ice or heat for pain? For this reason, it's important to avoid removing your piercing as it heals. A surface piercingalso the least common type of tongue piercingis a horizontal piercing with a curved barbell. The hole may also close up if you remove the jewelry too soon. Considering laser tattoo removal? In general, a person can expect to experience the following stages as their tongue piercing heals: Immediately after the piercing, the wound may feel very sore and irritated. They can take a look at the piercing and make specific recommendations for cleaning and care. Here's why and a look at some other options that may work. We avoid using tertiary references. u heard right, im actually gonna try and be consistent with this. 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. A horizontal is the most painful because its done in an area where the majority of the nerves are.. Brushing twice a day is just as important as flossing. We've got answers to all your piercing pain-related Qs. 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. But everyones different, so its hard to say just how much. Once the time comes to remove the jewelry used for the piercing, its best to see your piercer. The jewelry can cause issues as well. It can break off in yourmouth and make you choke. When a tongue piercing heals correctly, the body treats the wound like a scar. There shouldnt be any crust left on the jewelry or around the hole. After 10 minutes, rinse the affected area with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. While . Most tongue piercings do not require special treatments or medications. Tattoo aftercare starts as soon as your tattoo is done. Although the bulk of your aftercare takes place within the first couple of weeks, youll need to stay on top of daily cleanings until the piercing has completely healed. And remember, the cause of such damage is often the result of constant playing with the piercing, so use caution. All rights reserved. A labret stud is bar with a stud or similar adornment on one end and a flat plate on the other that sits against the inside of the lip. "It'll be two to three times the size, turning almost green or white, [with puss]." You can expect short-term symptoms likepain, swelling, and extrasaliva. You may find it easier to eat, but you should still stick with soft foods at this point. Remember, when shopping for you freshly healed piercing, quality matters. 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! ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3177080/, safepiercing.org/jewelry-for-initial-piercings/, safepiercing.org/oral-piercing-risks-safety-measures/, Planning to Get Pierced? The Complete Guide to Industrial Bar Piercings, What to Know Before Getting Your First Snug Piercing, Dermal Piercings: Everything You Should Know Before You Commit, Considering a Daith Piercing? For your tongue piercing to properly heal, its imperative that you follow some basic guidelines. Sign up for our emails & texts to get 10% Off. Combine 1 teaspoon of sea salt with 8 ounces of warm water. But no matter what type of tongue piercing you have(or want to get), there's something about this type of body jewelry in particular that holds a lot of meaning when it comes to your personality. As the name suggests, the placement of the piercing resembles a snake bite. Because the needle is just going through connective tissue rather than cartilage or skin, theres less of a "pain" feeling, and its considered fairly tolerable. Tongue piercings can increase your long-term risk of cuts, tooth trauma, and gum recession. When the swelling decreases, replace the jewelry with a shorter piece of jewelry. When shopping for new jewelry, you need to know what your piercing's size is. But New York City-based piercer Jenna Myers says that there tends to be a pretty big distinction between the two. If the break goes deep into yourtooth, you can lose it or need aroot canal to fix it. 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. (n.d.). All rights reserved. Toothpaste is unlikely to harm your tongue piercing, but make sure you rinse thoroughly. What material options are available for the jewelry? The only time you should touch it is during cleansing. A certain amount of "nesting" with the jewelry sinking into the tissue is to be expected. Proper care can help the wound heal, reducing the risk of infection and helping keep the piercing in place. Dude why is your tongue green! You may start eating harder, crunchier foods, but do so with care. Ice is the perfect way to avoid swelling. Ready-made rinses may be available for purchase from your piercer, or you can make your own at home. "Most people heal in four [weeks]," says Dohoney. From the type of tongue rings to use in your piercing (which aren't really "rings" but rather barbells), to coming up with a daily routine for cleaning your new piercing. Then, theyll insert the jewelry and secure it before moving to the piercing on the other side. However, proper aftercare and having an experienced piercing professional can significantly minimize risk. There are multiple types of tongue piercings, though. You can hit up friends or family for referrals or find a local piercing professional through APP. Proper aftercare plays a crucial role in your healing process. Once you get home, Loheide recommends immediately changing out your toothbrush for a new one and using milder oral hygiene products. 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. Possible damage to teeth, dental work and oral structures. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. That means using sterile instrument, disposable, one-time use needles, and high quality, sterile jewelry. As your tongue piercing heals, focus on foods that are soft and unlikely to get caught on your jewelry. The true sexual sensations come from the dichotomy of textures the softness of the tongue paired with the hardness of the piercing. (2020). Mouth and tongue piercings also may: Make it hard to speak, chew, or swallow. You can suck on ice cubes for a few minutes at a time to help alleviate symptoms. 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. The Whole Truth - Tongue Piercing PiercingWithScott 99.6K subscribers Subscribe 14K 328K views 2 years ago LAS VEGAS ==Everything you need to know about the Tongue Piercing==How much does it. Still, the amount of swelling shouldnt keep you from drinking water or talking. Substances like aspirin, caffeine and alcohol can increase swelling, bleeding and pain; you should avoid them during the healing process. 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. During the first two weeks, you may experience: Redness or swelling that extends beyond the piercing site may be a sign of infection. So please take the time to create a new account for our sleek new site. Some symptoms of infection include: Piercings heal from the outside in, which means that the outermost tissue of the tongue heals first. "So we have to make sure that there's space around that blood flow for them to be placed safely.". several different types of tongue piercings. Changing out a tongue piercing is completely possible, and in most cases, can be done by yourself at home. Bumps are. Risk of infection. You may also consider rinsing with a saline solution after every meal. We will send you an email to reset your password. Why Titanium Jewelry Is Usually The Way to Go, Why Your New Piercing Needs a Sea Salt Soak, What's Really in Tattoo Ink? However, the healing process can take upward of. Keep reading to learn how to identify an infection, ease your symptoms, and prevent further complications. The name . Oral piercings are any piercings that are attached to, or in the mouth. When shes not holed-up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddle board. We avoid using tertiary references. Use it several times per day at first to encourage the healing process. Tongue piercings especially new ones are more prone to infections than other piercings because of all the bacteria in your mouth. You might have heard of snake eyes before. People whove had it done rate the pain around 35 on a pain scale with 10 being the highest. Also, ensure your foods are coldhot foods can cause irritation. Refresh the tea bags with warm water as needed. Bumps are. Before your appointment, it's imperative that you brush your teeth and tongue before arriving. Cookie Notice "I honestly compare it to accidentally biting your tongue while you're eating or taking a sip of your coffee when it's still too hot, which are unpleasant experiences, but it's not the end of the world," Loheide shares. Sometimes we will use a larger needle if the client requests a larger gauge piece of jewelry, but 14g is standard, says Dohoney. When not removed, this can lead to bacteria overgrowth and gingivitis. It's the contrast of these two sensations that can make oral sex particularly arousing.". It may also be advisable to wear a smaller ball on the underside of your tongue, as this will also reduce the risk. Body piercing: Avoiding complications. Contact with food may further increase this risk. Not share cups, plates, forks, knives, or spoons. What Is This Bump on My Cartilage Piercing and What Should I Do? Most infections are mild, however, and a doctor can easily treat them with oral antibiotics. Youll need to be careful with the types of foods that you eat, as these can get stuck around the jewelry and make you uncomfortable. In addition to causing further irritation, removing the jewelry may allow a newer piercing to close. French kissing and oral sex are off-limits during this time. Check the quality of the body jewelry material to be sure the metal is crafted from high grade titanium or 14k gold. Infection occurs when bacteria become trapped inside the piercing. Because of these risks, the American Dental Association warns against oral piercings. The consequences of tongue piercing on oral and periodontal tissues. 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. Discuss this with your piercer before the procedure. We've got the details on its benefits and how to use it. Infected tongue piercing. There are a few things to expect immediately after your piercing. However, the healing process can take upward of. Moving the jewelry around can increase swelling and irritation, as well as introduce new bacteria into the holes. (2012). Your piercer should give you verbal and written instructions, and should explain to you the importance of cleansing, and the different cleanser options available. You can get a piercing on the inside of your mouth (intraoral) or the type that you can see outside of your mouth (perioral). Youll also want to ensure that any jewelry you select for your tongue piercing is of good quality. Furthermore, Mel Magazine added that your tongue piercing may represent your sexual adventurous side. In fact, Josephine says that the clamps tend to be more uncomfortable than the piercing itself. Always opt for a nickel-free metal that will keep it happy and healthy. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Less desirable metals are more likely to cause an allergic reaction or lead to infection. Once you leave the shop, you'll need to make sure your piercing heals and doesn't get infected. Considering laser tattoo removal? 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. Watch out for signs of infection such as: American Academy of General Dentistry: "What Is an Oral Piercing? Healing usually takes 3 to 4 weeks. A tongue piercing could cause several immediate and long-term effects that negatively impact your oral health. Regular cleansing is the best way to flush out bacteria and prevent further irritation. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. You might want to take it out before you go tosleep or do anything active. Plus, they arent intended to be used inside your mouth. Tongues heal quickly, which means that the piercing may close if a person removes the jewelry, even for a short period of time. Much of the bacteria is introduced by eating and drinking. "Once the swelling has gone down, the barbell will need to be changed to a regular-sized bar so as not to cause additional trauma to the healing wound by the constant tugging and snagging that a longer bar will cause," says Josephine. Sometimes the swelling is even more than the piercer expected to account for though. If any discomfort develops, stick with soft foods for a bit longer. Ready to get pierced? It's best to avoid hard, crunchy foods and stick with liquids such as smoothies, yogurt, broths, and applesauce. "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. But this piercing heals a little bit differently from others. [11] 2. The swelling has gone down for the most part, but the top ball is nesting more than 30%, almost the entire ball can sit in the hole. (2013). This largely depends on how closely you follow your aftercare instructions. What to know about gargling with salt water. The piercer is happy to answer your questions. 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. As well, there may be some yellowish discharge from the piercing sites. Theyre generally safe as long as you follow aftercare instructions. Youll be given aftercare instructions to follow. Here's what to expect. (2020). We avoid using tertiary references. Your dentist can monitor for changes and help ensure that your piercing doesnt cause such damages. Contrary to popular opinion, there are actuallyseveral different types of tongue piercings. Look for a piercer who has a license, which means they were specially trained. Cleaning your piercing is important, but its just one part of a larger care plan. Check your email for your confirmation message. Plaque buildup is responsible for foul breath, and having a tongue piercing can give plaque another area to build up on. The most common jewelry used is a ball-shaped piercing, with cone and cylindrical being far less common, says Ilyas.

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