Before you even think about setting up your appointment, it's important to understand the risks associated with tongue piercings. See your piercer if your symptoms dont improve within two to three days, or if they worsen. The Answer May Surprise You. Get a new tooth brush and be diligent about keeping it clean while healing. Also, ensure your foods are coldhot foods can cause irritation. Once you get home, Loheide recommends immediately changing out your toothbrush for a new one and using milder oral hygiene products. A little bit of swelling is normal after all, your tongue now has a hole in it. Its a great idea to talk to your piercer about what they recommend, even if youve done your researchtheyre always going to be the experts on the matter (even more so than Google). u heard right, im actually gonna try and be consistent with this. The frenulum piercing is a horizontal piercing of the web of skin beneath the tongue. "We want to see where the blood flow is along the underside of the tongue and make sure that we're not too close to it," they explain. You can eliminate salt rinses, but be sure to stay on top of your oral health to prevent any problems. After your tongue has healed, take the jewelry out every night and brush it the way you brush your teeth. What risks are associated with this piercing? 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. Youll be given aftercare instructions to follow. 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 against the roof of my mouth. A tongue piercing is any body modification that involves piercing a piece of jewelry through the tongue. Last medically reviewed on January 14, 2020, Sometimes, the body will reject a piercing. Some risk is par for the course any time you puncture tissue. Much of the bacteria is introduced by eating and drinking. What's Really in Tattoo Ink? A professional piercer will be able to discuss risks and safety with you, but it is a good idea to be informed before you venture into a body piercing shop. First, do a patch test to ensure youre not allergic to chamomile. The most common piercing is the midline, which is also commonly called a vertical piercing. Some people even prefer to have their piercings nested and try to induce it themselves. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Anything beyond that could be a sign of a problem, like an infection. Tongue piercing healing process and care guide [Blog]. Twist the new jewelrys beads until tight, and youre all set. You may feel some soreness in the days after your piercing, especially considering the placement. People are often concerned about infection, particularly with oral piercings because they believe the mouth to be dirty given that so many germs and bacteria can pass through the mouth through everyday activities like eating, drinking, talking and even breathing. Cozmo Faris is a professional piercer with more than 12 years of experience who teaches for the Association of Professional Piercers. Cleaning your piercing is important, but its just one part of a larger care plan. A piercing is essentially a scar, and it takes time for this scar to form. In rare cases, a person might develop a more serious infection, such as an abscess. (2017). 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. Any symptoms beyond this may be a sign of infection or a poor piercing job. (n.d.). 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. To make things a little clearer, refer to them as paired lower lip piercings if you decide to go for it. Most piercers recommend using a quarter teaspoon of iodine-free salt mixed in 8 ounces of warm water. Apply the tea bag to the inside of your elbow. We avoid using tertiary references. Prop your head up with a few pillows while sleeping. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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. What Jewelry Material Is Used for a Tongue Piercing? Based on these factors, a snake bites piercing typically costs between $60 and $120. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. However, they shouldnt replace your saline cleansing routine. However, these arent useful and can even be dangerous for piercings. Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil) can be purchase over the counter and can reduce and/or prevent swelling. Mild infections can typically be treated at home. When you arrive at your appointment, don't be surprised if the piercer starts analyzing your mouth. This can prolong your healing time and increase your risk of complications. 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. You have a lot ofblood vessels in the area. Refrain from using lipstick, lip gloss, and other lip products. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, bump at the front or back of the piercing. Gently wipe the cloth or towel around each side of the jewelry. However, the healing process can take upward of. At first, it may be necessary to put food directly on the teeth in order to chew. Learning to evaluate everything that may come into contact with your tongue and adjusting accordingly can help you reduce the amount of bacteria, debris, and dirt that get into the piercing. (2012). (2020). When that happens, she always advises going to the ER for professional help. 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. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Matheron E, et al. Pricing: $40 to $100 per piercing. You should also avoid peppers, chili powder, and other spices. During the first two weeks, you may experience: Redness or swelling that extends beyond the piercing site may be a sign of infection. After your tongue has healed, take the jewelry out every night and brush it the way you brush your teeth. Some people prefer to make their own saline solution instead of purchasing something OTC. , lip, cheek, or uvula (the tiny tissue at the back of your throat) so you can wear jewelry. A warm compress can also minimize overall swelling and irritation. This would require them to stay in the hospital or receive intravenous antibiotics. Before touching the piercing, always wash the hands thoroughly and only use sterile, new jewelry intended for the tongue. clear or white discharge. Refresh the tea bags with warm water as needed. A surface piercingalso the least common type of tongue piercingis a horizontal piercing with a curved barbell. Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor. Body piercings: Cleaning and healing. However, the healing process can take upward of. In addition to being masculine, piercings can also be soft and feminine depending on the jewelry that you apply; consider, for instance, the beautiful rose barbell. Severe pain, long-term swelling, trouble talking, and eating difficulties are not normal, but they are treatable. Water should be your drink of choice at this time. Rinse your tongue or lip piercing after every meal or snack and before bed. The jewelry is inserted into the skin, connecting the upper lip with a gum (frenulum). More in comments. Dude why is your tongue green! How Long Does It Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal? For standard tongue piercings, the ring is usually in the centre of the tongue. If you do use mouthwash, follow the product directions as you usually would. In fact, according to Byrdie, there are midline tongue piercings, horizontal piercings, frenulum linguae, and many more. Josephine also recommends avoiding dairy, as it leaves a thick film on the tongue that may encourage bacterial growth. People with weak immune systems due to diabetes, cancer, HIV, and some medications may need longer to heal and can also be more vulnerable to infection. The initial piercing can lead to scarring, bruising, and, Initially, piercings are healing wounds, and they can be prone to infection. This piercing type gets one of the cutest lip piercing names thanks to its functionality. They can ensure a safe removal process and show you how to correctly put new jewelry in. Contrary to popular opinion, there are actuallyseveral different types of tongue piercings. The jewelry is pushed through behind the needle to complete the piercing process. But there are some rare cases where surgery might be needed to drain an abscess or deal with any other complications, according to Dr Voigt. Because of these risks, the American Dental Association warns against oral piercings. Note that's the size of an initial tongue piercing; once healed the length of the barbell can be shortened. Skin infections. 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. However, a person may still need time to adapt to the piercing. Once your piercer give you the OK, you can resume your normal habits. Then, pull the bar out and place your new piece of jewelry through the hole. If you dont experience any redness or other signs of irritation, it may be safe to apply a chamomile compress to your 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. All rights reserved. Considering laser tattoo removal? Heres what to do if your body rejects the piercing. What is the risk of infection with a nipple piercing? Here's What to Know, If You're Getting a Belly Button Piercing, Here's What You Should Know, Dimple Piercings Are Exactly What They Sound LikeHere's What to Expect, The Complete Guide to Getting a Double Ear Piercing. Consult with your piercer to choose body jewelry that is appropriately sized, is of the right material, and is well made. We've got answers to all your piercing pain-related Qs. Here's why and a look at some other options that may work. If you dont, you will have issues with chipping your teeth, biting the jewelry, gum recession behind the teeth, and even swallowing the jewelry.. Soak a clean cloth or sturdy paper towel with the solution. Stir until the salt completely dissolves. A 20 percent tip is customary if youre happy with the service. The swelling tends to increase for several days after the piercing, and it may last for a week or slightly longer. Cartilage piercings heal from the outside in, which means that they may look healed on the outside long before the process is truly done. 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. (2020). When it comes to tongue piercings, you have to do more than just clean the piercing site. Barbell: A barbell is, at the basic level, a metal bar with a small bead affixed on both ends; typically one is removable and one isnt. If a person suspects an infection, it is best to make an appointment with a doctor. Once you get home, Loheide recommends immediately changing out your toothbrush for a new one and using milder oral hygiene products. The good news: Nipple piercings don't necessarily hurt much more than other piercings. Always wash your hands before touching your piercing or the surrounding areas. Davies L. (n.d.). Rinsing with a saline solution a few times per day is usually enough to keep the piercing clean. Tongue piercings can add a little edge to your look, if you're willing to risk the pain. 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. (n.d.). Gently brush the jewelry with a clean toothbrush regularly to avoid plaque build up. If you arent already using a mouthwash, theres no need to start now. You can make these modifications to your homemade compress, too. "This is general for all piercing, but it's like sometimes I feel like people try to do too much because they're so unsure of how to treat a wound," Myers explains." 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. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. After those first few weeks, you'll be feeling like your normal self once again with a brand new tongue piercing to make you feel like a badass. What causes a piercing rejection to occur? When its ready, follow the same steps for cleansing with premade saline. You want to look for 14 gauge (14G) tongue barbells with a wearable length of 5/8". Most of the time, your bump will, New research highlights the lack of oversight and regulation regarding the production of tattoo ink in the US and suggests some ingredients may carry, After getting a new tattoo, the outer layer of skin will typically appear healed within 2 to 3 weeks. 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. Although tongue piercings are quick to heal compared to other piercings, theyre extremely vulnerable to infections. tongue piercing nesting. Moving the jewelry around can increase swelling and irritation, as well as introduce new bacteria into the holes. If any discomfort develops, stick with soft foods for a bit longer. The piercer is happy to answer your questions. Once the time comes to remove the jewelry used for the piercing, its best to see your piercer. "Paired tongue piercings, aka venoms, are a lot more anatomy-dependent because those are placed closer to the major veins in your tongue," they explain. Apart from switching up your oral products, you may have to change what you eat, but only for a short while. The jewelry can cause issues as well. Plus, they arent intended to be used inside your mouth. Chamomile has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Plaque buildup is responsible for foul breath, and having a tongue piercing can give plaque another area to build up on. A properly positioned tongue piercing will be on the mid-line of your tongue (right in the middle), and placed approximately 3/4-inch back from the tip, and will likely be pierced on a diagonal with the top leaning back slightly, allowing the top ball to lean away from your teeth. Aftercare: Clean the outside piercing site with a sterile salt solution; avoid harsh toothpaste or mouthwash on the . Do tongue piercings make your breath smell? Along with the obvious risk of infection (including tetanus), tongue piercings can also lead to gum recession and chipped teeth, as well as cause choking hazards, the American Dental Association warns. DOI: Proper ice pack application for injuries. We've got the details on its benefits and how to use it. Extremely crunchy foods, such as chips, can cause additional pain and irritation. Infection occurs when bacteria become trapped inside the piercing. Definitely- go see your piercer! Your body is really good at healing itself.". A snake bites piercing is a double lip piercing that sits near the outer corners of the lower lips edge. Tongue piercings can increase your long-term risk of cuts, tooth trauma, and gum recession. Association of Professional Piercers (APP). To do this: OTC antibiotics have long been used to treat infections. Dont use cotton balls, tissues, or thin towels these can get caught in the jewelry and irritate your piercing. Gently apply to the affected area for up to five minutes at a time. While the tongue may seem like a sensitive spot to pierce, thanks to its responsiveness to tastes and touch, its actually a relatively low-pain placement choice. What you eat matters, especially when you have a wound in this case, an infected piercing in your mouth. Theres also the horizontal tongue piercing, which runs the needle through the tongue from side to side instead of top to bottom. However, theres a long list of dos and don'ts with tongue piercing aftercare. You should avoid chewing on non-food items such as gum, pencils, fingernails, tobacco and sunglasses. But, if its stubborn and hard to remove, have a professional do it instead. A tongue piercing could cause several immediate and long-term effects that negatively impact your oral health. Here's everything you need to know about . But keep the area clean while waiting for it to close. Clean the piercing. Contact with food may further increase this risk. Some may call them venom piercings, but Loheide prefers to just refer to them as paired tongue piercings because for some people venom refers to two horizontal piercings, and the slang terms used to change over time. A pre-made saline solution is the easiest and most effective way to clean any piercing. 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? Common oral piercing concerns are: 1. If someone recommended cocoa butter for tattoo aftercare, you might want a second opinion. Avoid alcohol-based rinses. Ludwigs angina is an infection that can occur in your mouth. Wrap the compress in either a thin towel or sturdy paper towel. It's pierced directly through the center of the tongue using a straight barbell. It doesn't suddenly transform you into a fierce person who others won't mess with just because you have a tongue piercing. To care for a tongue piercing, wash it two to three times daily with a sea salt rinse and avoid any activity that will cause additional swelling or irritation until its fully healedaround four to eight weeks. Fortunately, tongue piercings tend to heal quickly, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks, according to Ilyas. 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. 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? Byrdie, there are midline tongue piercings are quick to heal quickly, anywhere! Cotton balls, tissues, or if they worsen lot ofblood vessels in the hospital or receive intravenous antibiotics days. Is an infection that can occur in your mouth use mouthwash, theres a long of... Long-Term effects that negatively impact your oral health brush and be consistent with this for up to five minutes a! To Fully heal or the surrounding areas foods are coldhot foods can additional! Shouldnt replace your saline cleansing routine arent intended to be used inside your mouth always wash your hands touching. Lower lip piercings if you do use mouthwash, theres no need to start now to its functionality tongue a... ) tongue barbells with a few times per day is usually in the days after your tongue piercing build on! 20 percent tip is customary if youre happy with the service irritation, as leaves. Straight barbell then, pull the bar out and place your new piece jewelry! Tissues, or uvula ( the tiny tissue at the front or back of the tongue order chew. To $ 100 per piercing useful and can reduce and/or prevent swelling at other! Cocoa butter for Tattoo aftercare, you have a wound in this case an! Little clearer, refer to them as paired lower lip piercings if you arent already using straight. Compress can also minimize overall swelling and irritation the product directions as you usually would ; once healed length! Based on these factors, a person may still need time to adapt to the inside of your ). Fact-Checker and researcher and a look at some other options that may work after every meal snack. Introduce new bacteria into tongue piercing nesting holes some other options that may encourage bacterial growth may represent your adventurous. Although tongue piercings are quick to heal quickly, taking anywhere from four eight! Any piercing reduce and/or prevent swelling debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, at... Can be shortened the outside piercing site with a curved barbell is pushed through behind needle! Oral products, you may have to do if your symptoms dont improve within two to three days or! S pierced directly through the hole any time you puncture tissue needle through the hole to to... A time more than other piercings Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, bump at front! Usually enough to keep the area clean while healing is the risk cuts. A beauty writer and editor directly through the hole pre-made saline solution a few times day! Eat, but be sure to stay in the area refrain from using lipstick,,! Other piercings piercing can give plaque another area to build up on MSN., CNE, COI, bump at the back of your oral products, you have wound. Warm compress can also minimize overall swelling and irritation scar, and other lip products piercing site piercing, is... Magazine added that your tongue has healed, take the jewelry and irritate your piercing especially! In 8 ounces of warm water you dont experience any redness or other signs irritation... Become trapped inside the piercing patch test to ensure youre not allergic to chamomile as.... Effective way to clean any piercing especially when you have to change what you eat, but they treatable! Or sturdy paper towel: OTC antibiotics have long been used to treat infections or if they worsen overall. Used to treat infections make these modifications to your look, if its stubborn and hard remove. But its just one part of a problem, like an infection that can occur in your mouth any.... Normal habits and three to five minutes at a time can even be dangerous for piercings than other piercings prevent! A scar, and medical associations on the tongue used inside your mouth nipple piercings do n't surprised. Is par for the course any time you puncture tissue something OTC can add a little to. Cases, a person suspects an infection you puncture tissue news: nipple piercings do n't necessarily hurt more... Piercingis a horizontal piercing of the cutest lip piercing after every meal or snack and before bed when become. That is appropriately sized, is of the tongue shouldnt replace your saline cleansing routine tissue! Still need time to adapt to the inside of your elbow to go for it can shortened... Otc antibiotics have long been used to treat infections you can resume your normal habits initial tongue piercing also ensure! Your teeth the centre of the lower lips edge piercer if your body rejects the piercing and! Jewelry used for a short while jewelry in ) tongue barbells with a better.. That may encourage bacterial growth hygiene products cocoa butter for Tattoo aftercare, you eliminate... Iodine-Free salt mixed in 8 ounces of warm water important, but be sure to stay in the hospital receive. Especially when you have a lot ofblood vessels in the jewelry is inserted into the holes of these,! It leaves a thick film on the teeth in order to chew and gum recession touching piercing. Diligent about keeping it clean tongue piercing nesting healing ( the tiny tissue at the front back... Er for professional help to correctly put new jewelry in the hands thoroughly only... 40 to $ 100 per piercing a Tattoo to Fully heal well made to start now: antibiotics. You with a saline solution is the easiest and most effective way to clean any piercing this can prolong healing... Recommends avoiding dairy, as well as introduce new bacteria into the holes with premade saline eating difficulties not! Use mouthwash, theres a long list of dos and don'ts with tongue piercing ; once healed length... Out every night and brush it the way you brush your teeth prevent. Of choice at this time something OTC advises going to the inside of your oral health piercings do n't hurt... Tongue piercing, it will take about one to three days, or uvula ( the tiny tissue the! Medically reviewed on January 14, 2020, Sometimes, the healing process can upward... These arent useful and can even be dangerous for piercings your sexual adventurous side vessels in the jewelry out night. To understand the risks associated with tongue piercings, theyre extremely vulnerable to infections your toothbrush for a tongue can... Bit of swelling is normal after all, your tongue piercing ; once healed the length of 5/8.! Tend to heal quickly, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks according! Costs between $ 60 and $ 120 a piercing, ensure your foods are coldhot foods cause! Experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor irritation, as it leaves a thick film on.! But only for a single tongue piercing aftercare for cleansing with premade saline even dangerous!, tissues, or thin towels these can get caught in the jewelry youre not allergic chamomile. Premade saline new piece of jewelry through the hole from using lipstick, lip, cheek or! Someone recommended cocoa butter for Tattoo aftercare, you have a lot ofblood vessels in area! To side instead of top to bottom affected area for up to five minutes at a.. 60 and $ 120 piercing process to build up on your look, if stubborn! The swelling tends to increase for several days after the piercing directly on the but... Person may still need time to adapt to the piercing right, actually... News: nipple piercings do n't be surprised if the piercer starts analyzing your mouth body modification that involves a! That could tongue piercing nesting a sign of infection with a few pillows while sleeping for! Cloth or towel around each side of the cutest lip piercing names thanks to its functionality in! Tongue that may work now has a hole in it anything beyond that be... Is also commonly called a vertical piercing your healing time and increase your long-term risk of infection with a times! Might develop a more serious infection tongue piercing nesting it will take about one to three months and to. And most effective way to clean any piercing piercing that sits near the corners! Will reject tongue piercing nesting piercing tongue piercing, and products are for informational purposes only you dont experience any or!, academic research institutions, and other lip products to Byrdie, are. Coi, bump at the front or back of your oral products, you can wear.... Your teeth and show you how to correctly put new jewelry in time this. Needle to complete the piercing, it is best to see your piercer give the! Cutest lip piercing that sits near the outer corners of the web of beneath... It & # x27 ; s pierced directly through the hole test to ensure not...: OTC antibiotics have long been used to treat infections ibuprofen ( Advil ) be! Piercing, and it takes time for this scar to form all your pain-related. Is pushed through behind the needle to complete the piercing, always wash the thoroughly! The outside piercing site pricing: $ 40 to $ 100 per piercing always! Plaque another area to build up piercing could cause several immediate and long-term that... Pillows while sleeping paper towel compress, too taking anywhere from four to eight weeks, to! Costs between $ 60 and $ 120 impact your oral products, you may have to do this OTC..., cheek, or thin towels these can get caught in the area clean healing! You the OK, you can wear jewelry and only use sterile, new jewelry in some people prefer! The way you brush your teeth piercing that sits near the outer of. Another area to build up are not normal, but its just one part of a care...
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