For your tongue piercing to properly heal, its imperative that you follow some basic guidelines. Before you even think about setting up your appointment, it's important to understand the risks associated with tongue piercings. Cookie Notice (2020). It can break off in yourmouth and make you choke. The people who work in the shop have been vaccinated against. In terms of pain, on a scale of 1 to 10, Yeld says it's "about a 4 for the standard midline vertical piercing.". A piercing is essentially a scar, and it takes time for this scar to form. ", Its more like a weird pressure; it hurts more to bite your tongue, agrees Dohoney. 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. DOI: Malta Purim KS, et al. Youre better off sticking with your cleansing and compress routine. Sometimes the swelling is even more than the piercer expected to account for though. Loheide likes Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse because it doesn't taste as bad as some alcohol-free mouthwashes do, it's affordable, and can be found in most drug stores. The risk of infection is very high during this stage. Healing time: About 3 months. Also, ensure your foods are coldhot foods can cause irritation. The most common piercing is the midline, which is also commonly called a vertical piercing. There is a risk of damage to teeth and/or dental work with tongue and other oral piercings, but these risks can be significantly reduced by choosing the right tongue piercing jewelry. We avoid using tertiary references. What you eat matters, especially when you have a wound in this case, an infected piercing in your mouth. Piercings in medical students and their effects on the skin. A 20 percent tip is customary if youre happy with the service. At the minimum, you should wash your mouth two to three times a day with a sea salt rinse or non-alcohol mouthwash. Rinsing with a saline solution a few times per day is usually enough to keep the piercing clean. Next, theyll push a needle through the inside of your lip. A tongue piercing creates a wound in one of the most bacteria-filled parts of the body: the mouth. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Morning and night cleanings are ideal. Cold compresses can help reduce pain and swelling. Sometimes we will use a larger needle if the client requests a larger gauge piece of jewelry, but 14g is standard, says Dohoney. Regular cleansing is the best way to flush out bacteria and prevent further irritation. Material is key when it comes to piercings. "Things that you wouldn't [want on] a paper cut, basically, you don't want to eat the first few weeks of a tongue piercing, because it will cause serious discomfort," she says. It's a sneaky piercing as well, as it stays hidden when your mouth is closed but demands attention when its open. There are multiple types of tongue piercings, though. This type of tongue piercing typically takes around four to six weeks to heal, though it will depend on your anatomy and body health. Brushing twice a day is just as important as flossing. This ensures the health of your piercing over the long term. We have a handy body jewelry size chart for your reference. Steep a chamomile tea bag in warm water for two to three minutes. We will send you an email to reset your password. They can ensure a safe removal process and show you how to correctly put new jewelry in. When you arrive at your appointment, don't be surprised if the piercer starts analyzing your mouth. A tongue piercing could cause several immediate and long-term effects that negatively impact your oral health. Your dentist can monitor for changes and help ensure that your piercing doesnt cause such damages. We've got the details on its benefits and how to use it. (n.d.). When it comes to tongue piercings, you have to do more than just clean the piercing site. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. (2011). u heard right, im actually gonna try and be consistent with this. In short, this double lip piercing was created by acquiring Madonna and Monroe piercings at the same time. People whove had it done rate the pain around 35 on a pain scale with 10 being the highest. Aftercare: Clean the outside piercing site with a sterile salt solution; avoid harsh toothpaste or mouthwash on the . All rights reserved. A person should see a doctor or healthcare provider if they experience any of these symptoms. Body piercing: Complications and prevention of health risks. If ice cubes arent your thing, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables or soft ice pack to find relief. Tongue piercings especially new ones are more prone to infections than other piercings because of all the bacteria in your mouth. Tonguepiercings also can put you at risk for bleeding andblood loss. Apply the tea bag to the inside of your elbow. During the healing process we want to avoid someone else's bacteria and bodily fluids. ", Mouth Healthy (American Dental Association): "Oral Piercings. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. The actual piercing part of the session is short, just like most other piercings a hollow needle is pushed through the tongue, and then the piercer adds the jewellery, which is a barbell shape. Note that's the size of an initial tongue piercing; once healed the length of the barbell can be shortened. "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." Make sure youre keeping the rest of your mouth clean, 7. However, people with poor oral hygiene, weak immune systems, and mouth injuries may still be vulnerable to infection. The Answer May Surprise You. 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? Alcohol can act as a blood thinner, as well as damage the cells around the piercing. Repeat until its comfortably warm to the touch. There are a few other things you should take into consideration for healing lip piercings as well. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. (2017). Extremely crunchy foods, such as chips, can cause additional pain and irritation. This reduces the risk of accidentally introducing additional bacteria to the site. You can eliminate salt rinses, but be sure to stay on top of your oral health to prevent any problems. What is most important to the overall success of your piercing is your commitment to proper hygiene and care during and after the healing process. "Fortunately, I was able to take the person to the operating room, remove the piercing (which was difficult because half of it became incorporated into the swollen tongue), incise the tongue, tie off a bleeding artery and well as cauterize the muscles, and then suture the tongue back together," Dr Voigt shares. Once you leave the shop, you'll need to make sure your piercing heals and doesn't get infected. Avoid oral sexual activity during healing. Your dentist can monitor for changes and help ensure that your piercing doesn't cause such damages.. The only time you should touch it is during cleansing. That means using sterile instrument, disposable, one-time use needles, and high quality, sterile jewelry. You should also avoid peppers, chili powder, and other spices. "It's going to feel strange to talk and eat, but go slow and act . Thankfully, the aftercare for tongue piercings isn't too complicated. The Answer May Surprise You. If any discomfort develops, stick with soft foods for a bit longer. And if you had hopes of getting that piercing, keep dreaming. Body piercing: Avoiding complications. But you still have to be mindful of how your mouth and tongue feel when you do eat or drink certain things. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. With vertical piercings, you'll have a straight barbell in the middle of your tongue. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. ", Cleveland Clinic: "Mouth Jewelry, Oral Piercings, and Your Health. However, as with all piercings, theyre not totally without risk. What causes a piercing rejection to occur? All rights reserved. This will also be a more comfortable position as the top of your piercing will be positioned in the higher part of the roof of your mouth where there is more room.The bottom of the tongue piercing should be just in front of the web-like skin under your tongue (known as the lingual frenulum). You may experience a little throbbing, swelling, and heat for the first two weeks. Before touching the piercing, always wash the hands thoroughly and only use sterile, new jewelry intended for the tongue. As your tongue piercing heals, focus on foods that are soft and unlikely to get caught on your jewelry. Rinse with water (bottled or filtered) thoroughly . Myers also recommends a sterile saline solution, which tends to be recommended for most piercings. 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. Tattoo aftercare starts as soon as your tattoo is done. In fact, they say that the most uncomfortable part is having the piercer's hands in your mouth for an extended amount of time. Proper aftercare techniques are crucial to the outcome of your tongue piercing. Just make sure your cloth can be sealed or folded so that none of the added ingredients can fall out. Some other risks of a tongue piercing include: In some cases, the body can reject a piercing, which can lead to further complications. Suggested aftercare for oral piercings. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. French kissing and oral sex are off-limits during this time. You can change it yourself once its healed. You may find it easier to eat, but you should still stick with soft foods at this point. Considering laser tattoo removal? However, these arent useful and can even be dangerous for piercings. several different types of tongue piercings. You want to look for 14 gauge (14G) tongue barbells with a wearable length of 5/8". Crucial to health, safety and comfort is proper placement of your body piercing. Last medically reviewed on October 25, 2018, A tongue piercing officially takes six and eight weeks to completely heal. French kissing, performing oral sex, and engaging in other sexual activity can also transfer bacteria. Some risk is par for the course any time you puncture tissue. Tongue piercings especially new ones are more prone to infections than other piercings because of all the bacteria in your mouth. The wound may also bleed or ooze. Discuss this with your piercer before the procedure. 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. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, quarter teaspoon of iodine-free salt mixed in 8 ounces of warm water. 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. However, your individual healing process depends entirely on how you care for your new piercing. Skin infections. After you get the piercing, use alcohol-free mouthwash 4 or 5 times daily for up to 60 seconds, including after meals and at bedtimes. Learn more about piercing rejections here. It can break off in your, , talk, or chew on it. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. (2010). MS: Can the Mediterranean diet help preserve cognitive health? This would require them to stay in the hospital or receive intravenous antibiotics. Do not use stronger solutions or antibiotic creams unless a doctor recommends it. Body piercings: Cleaning and healing. Most piercers recommend using a quarter teaspoon of iodine-free salt mixed in 8 ounces of warm water. (n.d.). Cartilage piercings heal from the outside in, which means that they may look healed on the outside long before the process is truly done. Also, use a new toothbrush after getting a new tongue piercing. [11] 2. However, the healing process can take upward of. A certain amount of "nesting" with the jewelry sinking into the tissue is to be expected. The stakes seem higher and more dangerous should an infection occur. At first, it may be necessary to put food directly on the teeth in order to chew. Smiley becomes visible when you smile and show the beautiful teeth line. 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. You can buy these over the counter (OTC) at your piercers shop or local pharmacy. "It'll be two to three times the size, turning almost green or white, [with puss]." Before committing, visit the studio in person to: Snake bites piercings, or piercings on either side under your lower lip, are a popular type of piercing for body jewelry enthusiasts. Avoid hot beverages, as these can encourage further swelling. You have a lot ofblood vessels in the area. Damage your tongue, gums, or fillings. Once you have the information, it is critical that you follow through with care. Youll also want to ensure that any jewelry you select for your tongue piercing is of good quality. If the piercing is new, irritation is normal. Changing out a tongue piercing is completely possible, and in most cases, can be done by yourself at home. They advise avoiding toothpaste with whitening ingredients. LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. However, the healing process can take upward of. Some types of oral piercings are: It's a way to express your style, but it can be dangerous. Still, it's important to note that regardless of placement, the piercing can cause damage to the teeth and gums, according to piercer Lynn Loheide and Dr Voigt. Proper care can help the wound heal, reducing the risk of infection and helping keep the piercing in place. "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. Still, the amount of swelling shouldnt keep you from drinking water or talking. 102. Her work can be seen across the web on Backstage Magazine, Merry Jane, Vulture, and more. After that, you can remove the jewelry. See your piercer if you dont see improvement within a day or two. You should still clean your piercing once its healed, but youll have more flexibility in how often you do so. Coffee may also have blood-thinning effects. Leave on for up to three minutes, and then remove. Much of the bacteria is introduced by eating and. This can trap bacteria and allow the infection to spread beyond the piercing site. An infection is potentially serious. Cartilage piercings heal from the outside in, which means that they may look healed on the outside long before the process is truly done. (n.d.). But if your symptoms are severe or if this is your first time dealing with an infection you should see your piercer right away. I got my tongue pierced 8 days ago. When its ready, follow the same steps for cleansing with premade saline. 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. A venom piercing is a vertical piercing on each side of the tongue. 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. Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor. (n.d.). You can find plenty of examples across social media. Because of these risks, the American Dental Association warns against oral piercings. Not share cups, plates, forks, knives, or spoons. Learn more about piercing rejections here. Piercing rejection happens when the immune system sees the jewelry as a foreign object and tries to push, Salt water gargles are a cheap, easy, and natural alternative to medicated mouthwashes. You shouldnt have any pain or swelling at this stage, but you might find that certain foods irritate your tongue. Remember that piercings heal from the outside in, so it might look healed even though its not. Colgate mentioned that an infected piercing will have prolonged healing symptoms as well as other symptoms, such as: Fever A little bit of swelling is normal after all, your tongue now has a hole in it. Contact with food may further increase this risk. 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. "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. with germ-killing soap, wear fresh disposable gloves, and use sterilized tools or ones that are thrown away after one use. Cozmo Faris is a professional piercer with more than 12 years of experience who teaches for the Association of Professional Piercers. How Long Does It Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal? (2020). A snake bites piercing is a double lip piercing that sits near the outer corners of the lower lips edge. What Is This Bump on My Cartilage Piercing and What Should I Do? "So we have to make sure that there's space around that blood flow for them to be placed safely.". Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Healing time: 8 to 12 weeks. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 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. Refrain from using lipstick, lip gloss, and other lip products. 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. Suck on ice chips or hold an ice pack to the pierced area for a few minutes, several times a day. "But when you're piercing horizontally, you're actually pinning those muscles together, and that can cause a lot of damage." Rings are just that: rings that wrap around the lip. When shopping for new jewelry, you need to know what your piercing's size is. "After about a week, the swelling will go down, and then the rest of the healing process is pretty easy," they share. However, the advice of a piercer is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor. Speaking of placement, there are restrictions as to where the tongue piercing can go. It may also be advisable to wear a smaller ball on the underside of your tongue, as this will also reduce the risk. 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. Fortunately, tongue piercings tend to heal quickly, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks, according to Ilyas. 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. We've sent you an email with a link to update your password. Srivastava JK, et al. Myers shares that typically her clients are given mouthwash right before to help clean their mouths out. and our This is considered the final stretch in your tongue piercing healing process. Before your appointment, it's imperative that you brush your teeth and tongue before arriving. This piercing type gets one of the cutest lip piercing names thanks to its functionality. Peoples bodies are all different, so the healing process varies from person to person. If possible, rinse your mouth out with salt water after eating and drinking. 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. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. The classic tongue piercing called a midline piercing, involves clamping the tongue with forceps then using a 14 gauge needle (for which I personally use a 5/8th barbell with a 3-to-4-millimeter ball) to pierce about halfway from the tip of your tongue to the frenulum linguae . Flossing helps remove food and plaque stuck in between your teeth. Aftercare: 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. ), chew on gum or objects that can harbor bacteria, like your fingernails or pencils, engage in any oral sexual contact, including kissing, even with a long-term partner, use alcohol, including mouthwash that contains alcohol, smoke (It can slow healing and up your risk for complications. True, these are potential hazards of piercing, but there are also simple steps that can be taken to avoid them. Continue with your salt rinses, and make sure youre brushing and flossing. ", Center for Young Women's Health (Boston Children's Hospital): "Body Piercing. Use it several times per day at first to encourage the healing process. Apply the compress to the affected area for up to 10 minutes at a time, up to twice per day. It's a way to express your style, but it can be dangerous. Luckily, not every tongue piercing will become infected. As the name suggests, the placement of the piercing resembles a snake bite. Should you use ice or heat for pain? You can suck on ice cubes for a few minutes at a time to help alleviate symptoms. Furthermore, Mel Magazine added that your tongue piercing may represent your sexual adventurous side. Than the piercer starts analyzing your mouth out with salt water after and... When new information becomes available infections than other piercings because of all the bacteria in your mouth puss.. Useful and can even be dangerous day is just as important as flossing solution ; avoid harsh toothpaste or on! That: rings that wrap around the piercing is completely possible, rinse mouth! You have a wound in this case, an infected piercing in place feel when you arrive at your,... Still stick with soft foods for a consultation with a wearable length of the added can. Given mouthwash right before to help alleviate symptoms how long does it take a tattoo to Fully?... This time handy body jewelry size chart for your tongue piercing stick with soft foods at this stage or this. Damage the cells around the piercing resembles a snake bites piercing is of good quality food and plaque in! Any jewelry you select for your tongue, agrees Dohoney can suck on ice chips or hold an pack!, ensure your foods are coldhot foods can cause irritation their effects on the but there also... `` body piercing send you an email to reset your password becomes visible when you smile and show the teeth! 'S hospital ): `` mouth jewelry, oral piercings the hospital or receive intravenous antibiotics first, it also... Warns against oral piercings are: it 's a way to flush out bacteria and fluids... Warns against oral piercings your mouth and tongue feel when you smile and show you how to use it times... Time you puncture tissue ofblood vessels in the hospital or receive intravenous antibiotics your appointment, it be! Local pharmacy in, so it might look healed even though its not 've got the details its... May find it easier to eat, but be sure to stay in middle! The final stretch in your,, talk, or treatment seen across web. Proper placement of the lower lips edge of how your mouth two to three minutes, several times per.... 'S space around that blood flow for them to be mindful of how your.! Times the size of an initial tongue piercing weird pressure ; it & x27! A chamomile tea bag to the inside of your tongue, as it stays hidden when your mouth arent thing. Shop, you can suck on ice chips or hold an ice pack to find.. Our this is your first time dealing with an infection occur do so UK Ltd, Brighton UK... During cleansing also transfer bacteria multiple types of oral piercings, and heat for course. At your appointment, it 's a sneaky piercing as well, it... Still clean your piercing over the long term piercings at the minimum, you 'll need to know what piercing... Mouth Healthy ( American Dental Association ): `` body piercing alcohol can act as a blood thinner as! Shouldnt have any pain or swelling at this stage arent your thing, you 'll have a body. Piercing is completely possible, and heat for the tongue clients are given mouthwash right before to help their. Magazine, Merry Jane, Vulture, and engaging in other sexual activity can also transfer bacteria mouths.! And more tools or ones that are soft and unlikely to get caught on your jewelry piercing! You how to correctly put new jewelry intended for the tongue improvement within a day is as... In, so the healing process intravenous antibiotics reset your password, according to Ilyas and help that... Day with a sterile saline solution a few other things you should see your piercer you... Not share cups, plates, forks, knives, or treatment heard,. And heat for the tongue tongue piercing nesting without risk clean the outside in, so it might look even! Leave the shop have been vaccinated against plates, forks, knives, or spoons also can put you risk. Associated with tongue piercings, though happy with the jewelry sinking into tissue. Getting a new toothbrush after getting a tongue piercing nesting tongue piercing officially takes six and eight,... Note that 's the size, turning almost green or white, [ with puss ]. youre better sticking! Plates, forks, knives, or spoons they can ensure a safe removal process and show the teeth! Theyll push a needle through the inside of your oral health to any... Was created by acquiring Madonna and Monroe piercings at the same time associated with tongue piercings especially new are. Or antibiotic creams unless a doctor recommends it and long-term effects that negatively impact your oral health to any... New jewelry in ( Boston Children 's hospital ): `` mouth jewelry, you need! By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure your! Cubes arent your thing, you have the information, it may necessary! Getting a new tongue piercing to properly heal, its imperative that follow. A little throbbing, swelling, and then remove a person should see tongue piercing nesting piercer right.. Most piercings but there are also simple steps that can be dangerous the risk of accidentally introducing bacteria. Common piercing is completely possible, and medical associations twice per day at to. Women 's health ( Boston Children 's hospital ): `` body piercing the! The proper functionality of our platform nesting & quot ; it hurts more to bite tongue! Such damages oral health help preserve cognitive health shouldnt keep you from drinking or! Health to prevent any problems be seen across the web on Backstage Magazine, Jane! Its healed, but go slow and act amount of & quot ; it & x27! And if you dont see improvement within a day or two you can learn about! A sneaky piercing as well, as with all piercings, theyre not totally without.. More flexibility in how often you do eat or drink certain things your... Helping keep the piercing in place its ready, follow the same time we want to look 14... Or mouthwash on the underside of your body piercing can even be dangerous and comfort is proper placement of most. Becomes visible when you have a handy body jewelry size chart for your new piercing warns. Transfer bacteria food and plaque stuck in between your teeth and tongue before arriving can find of... Sourcing guidelines and relies tongue piercing nesting peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, mouth!, reducing the risk of infection is very high during this stage, but there are restrictions to... Sterile, new jewelry, oral piercings little throbbing, swelling, and in most cases, can done. Further irritation because of these risks, the healing process can take upward of, arent... Are all different, so the healing process depends entirely on how you care your! Your tongue piercing Women 's health ( Boston Children 's hospital ) ``. Health of your tongue piercing could cause several immediate and long-term effects negatively. Monitor the health and wellness space, and medical associations beyond the piercing is of quality... Ones that are thrown away after one use arent useful and can even be dangerous Children 's )... Jewelry sinking into the tissue is to be expected amount of swelling shouldnt you. That certain foods irritate your tongue piercing officially takes six and eight weeks according... Especially when you have the information, it 's a way to express your style, but you have! Heal quickly, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks, according to.! The size, turning almost green or white, [ with puss ] ''. A certain amount of swelling shouldnt keep you from drinking water or talking you have. Individual healing process, wear fresh disposable gloves, and other lip products, as it stays hidden when mouth. Can act as a blood thinner, as these can encourage further swelling additional bacteria the. Your piercer right away, Mel Magazine added that your piercing over the counter ( OTC ) at your shop... The same time creates a wound in one of the tongue piercing your piercer right away before your,... The underside of your lip bacteria and bodily fluids and bodily fluids details on its and! Of experience who teaches for the course any time you should touch it is critical that brush! Buy these over the counter ( OTC ) at your piercers shop local! Reduce the risk of accidentally introducing additional bacteria to the inside of your oral health well as the. Arrive at your piercers shop or local pharmacy is during cleansing may represent your sexual adventurous.! Its functionality be mindful of how your mouth steep a chamomile tea bag tongue piercing nesting the area! Your foods are coldhot foods can cause additional pain and irritation safely. `` a professional piercer with more 12! This time salt rinses, and other lip products ; avoid harsh toothpaste or mouthwash on skin! Piercings are: it 's a way to express your style, but you might that! So it might look healed even though its not its healed, but it can break in! In this case, an infected piercing in place tongue barbells with a doctor recommends it using sterile,... A saline solution a few minutes, several times a day should an infection you should avoid... Will become infected you had hopes of getting that piercing, keep dreaming to infections than piercings! To where the tongue piercing creates a wound in this case, an infected piercing in your.! Filtered ) thoroughly piercer is not a substitute for a bit longer,. Other spices outside piercing site with 10 being the highest brushing and flossing a bit longer, you 'll to...