All rights reserved. After your tongue has healed, take the jewelry out every night and brush it the way you brush your teeth. Cookie Notice Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. If a person suspects an infection, it is best to make an appointment with a doctor. We've got the details on its benefits and how to use it. For the frenulum linguae (aka, the little web that connects the underside of your tongue to your mouth), the piercer will pierce one barbell into the web, according to Spencer's. Even clear or white discharge is totally normal. It can break off in your, , talk, or chew on it. Body piercing troubleshooting for you and your healthcare professional. When shopping for new jewelry, you need to know what your piercing's size is. We avoid using tertiary references. However, the advice of a piercer is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor. As well, there may be some yellowish discharge from the piercing sites. Here's what to expect. And remember, the cause of such damage is often the result of constant playing with the piercing, so use caution. However, they should avoid touching the piercing or knocking the piercing with the teeth, as this can increase irritation. Some symptoms of infection include: Piercings heal from the outside in, which means that the outermost tissue of the tongue heals first. (2020). A piercing is essentially a scar, and it takes time for this scar to form. As your tongue piercing heals, focus on foods that are soft and unlikely to get caught on your jewelry. The wound may also bleed or ooze. Healing time: 8 to 12 weeks. Also, ensure your foods are coldhot foods can cause irritation. Theres also the horizontal tongue piercing, which runs the needle through the tongue from side to side instead of top to bottom. Suck on ice chips or hold an ice pack to the pierced area for a few minutes, several times a day. This may last until the tenth day or so, but it will eventually go down. A snake bites piercing is a double lip piercing that sits near the outer corners of the lower lips edge. Davies L. (n.d.). Using a warm chamomile compress may help speed up the healing process. We've got answers to all your piercing pain-related Qs. You should still clean your piercing once its healed, but youll have more flexibility in how often you do so. Skin infections. There are multiple types of tongue piercings, though. Discuss this with your piercer before the procedure. 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. Cartilage piercings heal from the outside in, which means that they may look healed on the outside long before the process is truly done. If proper precautions are taken during the actual piercing process, the risk can be greatly reduced. Placement: Located below the lip on both the left and right side. Not share cups, plates, forks, knives, or spoons. Suck on ice or apply a cold compress | Cold compress. 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. "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. ft split tongue. What risks are associated with this piercing? Like any piercing, there's always a possibility of infection or rejection. However, these arent useful and can even be dangerous for piercings. The not-so-inconspicuous piercing can be appealing whether you're a first-timer or a piercing enthusiast looking for a daring addition to your collection. Toothpaste is unlikely to harm your tongue piercing, but make sure you rinse thoroughly. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, bump at the front or back of the piercing. I was told, by a piercer with a bad experience himself that nesting is bad because the mouth heals so quick that it can easily grow over the piercing. 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 Is This Bump on My Cartilage Piercing and What Should I Do? 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. Twist the new jewelrys beads until tight, and youre all set. During that time, you should: While it heals, you should be able to remove the jewelry for short periods of time without the hole closing. Keep track of when the swelling is over, though, as you have to change out the jewelry when it does. Youll still need to take precautions after the eight-week healing period, though. New site, means new logins for some loyal customers. During the first two weeks, you may experience: Redness or swelling that extends beyond the piercing site may be a sign of infection. Check your email for your confirmation message. The initial piercing can lead to scarring, bruising, and, Initially, piercings are healing wounds, and they can be prone to infection. Much of the bacteria is introduced by eating and drinking. However, a person may still need time to adapt to the piercing. Depends on the body's reaction. 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If someone recommended cocoa butter for tattoo aftercare, you might want a second opinion. Rinse your tongue or lip piercing after every meal or snack and before bed. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. After that, you can remove the jewelry. 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. Youll be given aftercare instructions to follow. Swelling associated with tongue piercings can get pretty wild. Thankfully, the aftercare for tongue piercings isn't too complicated. Because the tongue is used so often on a day-to-day basis, and because its easy to infect a tongue piercing, its extremely important to follow proper aftercare procedures. Though horizontal piercings are a big no-no, you can still get two vertical tongue piercings. They also note that in the state of Oregon, horizontal tongue piercings are banned for this reason. Snake Bite Piercings. Nesting is a normal reaction that helps to protect your gum and teeth from getting scraped at or damaged by the jewelry. Regular cleansing is the best way to flush out bacteria and prevent further irritation. The Tongue Piercing: Everything You Need to Know. 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. However, people with poor oral hygiene, weak immune systems, and mouth injuries may still be vulnerable to infection. "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. The swelling tends to increase for several days after the piercing, and it may last for a week or slightly longer. But, if its stubborn and hard to remove, have a professional do it instead. Be prepared to pay a good price for quality jewelrysomething you definitely shouldnt skimp on. Ludwigs angina is an infection that can occur in your mouth. Wait 24 hours. "But we also want to look at the shape of someone's teeth and someone's mouth when we're deciding placement." You can change it yourself once its healed. If any discomfort develops, stick with soft foods for a bit longer. You followed all the advice and youre tongue piercing healed. Dude why is your tongue green! 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 . Right after your appointment, expect your tongue to be a bit swollen and painful for about one to two weeks, according to Loheide. Get the details on how you can lower your chances of developing blisters and other possible side effects. A tongue bar, particularly a large or heavy one, may knock into the teeth. Jewelry worn in tongue piercings can chip and crack your teeth and damage your gums. A person might have trouble talking and adapting to the new sensation in the mouth. Isabelle has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020. Proper aftercare plays a crucial role in your healing process. 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. You can also check out our Piercing Aftercare instructions and find a great selection of piercing care products. A horizontal is the most painful because its done in an area where the majority of the nerves are.. (2017). But this piercing heals a little bit differently from others. The most common piercing is the midline, which is also commonly called a vertical piercing. ), submerge your piercing in pools, hot tubs, or open water, take your piercing out before its fully healed, a large amount of smelly discharge thats thick, green, yellow, or gray, gum or tooth issues, like bleeding or erosion, confirm they have a permit and license to operate, see credentials and a portfolio of clients healed piercings, check the quality of the jewelry they stock. Plus, they arent intended to be used inside your mouth. 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. Can also check out our piercing aftercare instructions and find a great selection piercing. 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