And remember, the cause of such damage is often the result of constant playing with the piercing, so use caution. 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? You can make your own warm compress by sticking a damp towel or other cloth-based item in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time. "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. 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. Ultimately, try to not go overboard with your piercing aftercare, because that could potentially case more irritation. Unfortunately, experts say that tongue piercings should only go vertically through the tongue because horizontal placement comes with a big risk of damage to the teeth and gum recession. Also, ensure your foods are coldhot foods can cause irritation. What Is This Bump on My Cartilage Piercing and What Should I Do? Those conditions includeheart disease,diabetes,hemophilia, andautoimmune diseases. 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 may not want to use a warm compress if youre already experiencing uncomfortable warmth at the piercing site. How Long Does It Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal? 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. Snake Bite Piercings. Contrary to popular opinion, there are actuallyseveral different types of tongue piercings. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Gently brush the jewelry with a clean toothbrush regularly to avoid plaque build up. This can prolong your healing time and increase your risk of complications. A person should see a doctor or healthcare provider if they experience any of these symptoms. When you get a new piercing, youre welcoming a foreign object into your body. 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. You can also check out our Piercing Aftercare instructions and find a great selection of piercing care products. 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. What to know about gargling with salt water. But this piercing heals a little bit differently from others. Your body is really good at healing itself.". It may also be tempting to take the jewelry out, but this can actually do more harm than good. Learn about its symptoms and causes. If there are no complications, complete healing usually takes around 46 weeks. 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. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 15. r/Stretched. ), 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. If you've been pierced before, some of these won't be too shocking, but there are certain effects that are specific to tongue piercings. You can cut down to twice-daily salt rinses preferably morning and night after you brush your teeth. See your piercing professional or a healthcare professional if you notice any of these: Wait until the piercings completely healed to change your jewelry. Association of Professional Piercers (APP). More in comments. However, people with poor oral hygiene, weak immune systems, and mouth injuries may still be vulnerable to infection. 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. Ready to get pierced? You want to look for 14 gauge (14G) tongue barbells with a wearable length of 5/8". Check the quality of the body jewelry material to be sure the metal is crafted from high grade titanium or 14k gold. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future (review). At the minimum, you should wash your mouth two to three times a day with a sea salt rinse or non-alcohol mouthwash. (2014). You may need to throw away any products that you use while the infection is active. Right after your appointment, expect your tongue to be a bit swollen and painful for about one to two weeks, according to Loheide. Pain and swelling should start to subside by the end of the first week. However, no piercing is without pain. Allow your skin to dry without rinsing. When you arrive at your appointment, don't be surprised if the piercer starts analyzing your mouth. Twist the new jewelrys beads until tight, and youre all set. Mild infections can typically be treated at home. "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. Depends on the body's reaction. Possible damage to teeth, dental work and oral structures. Bear in mind, though, that horizontal piercings will take longer than vertical ones. Some symptoms of infection include: Piercings heal from the outside in, which means that the outermost tissue of the tongue heals first. Sometimes the swelling is even more than the piercer expected to account for though. Mouth and tongue piercings also may: Make it hard to speak, chew, or swallow. Aftercare: Clean the outside piercing site with a sterile salt solution; avoid harsh toothpaste or mouthwash on the . We avoid using tertiary references. Plastargias, I., & Sakellari, D. (2014). "When we're piercing vertically, especially in the centre, we're piercing through a connective tissue between those muscles," Loheide explains. Pain, tenderness, and drainage can be seen when the area is not properly cared for, says Ilyas. 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. Doing so will trap infectious bacteria inside your tongue and may lead to further complications. So please take the time to create a new account for our sleek new site. If you have an OTC heat compress, microwave or heat as directed on the product packaging. The true sexual sensations come from the dichotomy of textures the softness of the tongue paired with the hardness of the piercing. This reduces the risk of accidentally introducing additional bacteria to the site. We have a handy body jewelry size chart for your reference. Healing time: About 3 months. There are a few things to expect immediately after your piercing. ), be careful when you eat (Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods, as well as hot foods and drinks. Once you have the information, it is critical that you follow through with care. Aswollen tongue can make it hard for you tobreathe. and our Youll still need to take precautions after the eight-week healing period, though. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Here's everything you need to know about . In fact, often there is no bleeding at all, but keep in mind that everyone will have a different experience depending on the type of piercing they choose, and their personal reaction to being pierced. Elegant Roses. An infection is potentially serious. Discuss this with your piercer before the procedure. Suck on ice chips or hold an ice pack to the pierced area for a few minutes, several times a day. A certain amount of "nesting" with the jewelry sinking into the tissue is to be expected. Not all piercings are created equal. Whether you're drinking liquor like its water or jumping from an airplane (or a cliff), no matter what you're doing, you're having fun! Soft, bland foods like applesauce and yogurt are preferred. Use warm salt, Not kiss anyone while you heal (avoid contact with someone else's. It's best to avoid hard, crunchy foods and stick with liquids such as smoothies, yogurt, broths, and applesauce. You can make these modifications to your homemade compress, too. u heard right, im actually gonna try and be consistent with this. Theres also the horizontal tongue piercing, which runs the needle through the tongue from side to side instead of top to bottom. Tongue piercings especially new ones are more prone to infections than other piercings because of all the bacteria in your mouth. Learn more about how theyre done. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For your tongue piercing to properly heal, its imperative that you follow some basic guidelines. Look for jewelry made with steel, titanium, or 14-karat gold. "[With an] infection, your tongue is going to look absolutely wild," Myers shares. Dont forget to factor in a tip when pricing out your piercing. 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. When its ready, follow the same steps for cleansing with premade saline. Anything beyond that could be a sign of a problem, like an infection. ", Cleveland Clinic: "Mouth Jewelry, Oral Piercings, and Your Health. This piercing type gets one of the cutest lip piercing names thanks to its functionality. It probably needs a longer bar or different kind of top. You can use mouthwash to rinse after a meal and as part of your normal oral care routine. If you've decided to get an oral piercing, make sure you're up to date onvaccines for hepatitis B andtetanus. Other skin problems. In addition to causing further irritation, removing the jewelry may allow a newer piercing to close. A tongue piercing could cause several immediate and long-term effects that negatively impact your oral health. Myers notes that on a scale of one to 10, most of her client's rate standard tongue piercings between a one to three, and paired tongue piercings a three to five. Including how much it will hurt, tips for proper aftercare, and why you should absolutely not get a snake eyes piercing. Body piercing: Complications and prevention of health risks. And you especially shouldn't get one if you have a job or do things that would make it more likely to cause you trouble. 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. Sign up for our emails & texts to get 10% Off. Keep your jewelry in until the piercings fully healed even if you hate it. Repeat until its comfortably warm to the touch. Certain styles of piercing jewelry is appropriate for certain types of piercings, so dont try to use a lip ring for as a tongue ring. In fact, that's a good sign because your unique anatomy will dictate where you can and can't get pierced, and any reputable piercer will ensure to take that into account, Loheide shares. We avoid using tertiary references. If any discomfort develops, stick with soft foods for a bit longer. "It's going to feel strange to talk and eat, but go slow and act . However, your individual healing process depends entirely on how you care for your new piercing. The bad news: All piercings hurt. Most piercers recommend using a quarter teaspoon of iodine-free salt mixed in 8 ounces of warm water. LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. Isabelle has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020. This type of tongue piercing typically takes around four to six weeks to heal, though it will depend on your anatomy and body health. Some types of oral piercings are: It's a way to express your style, but it can be dangerous. To do this: OTC antibiotics have long been used to treat infections. tongue piercing nesting. The cost can vary significantly depending on factors, like location, jewelry choice, and the piercing professionals experience level. The type of piercing you choose represents a part of you. Rings and labret studs are your jewelry options for snake bites. Should you use ice or heat for pain? Basically, any possible arrangement of a vertical or horizontal piercing is possible on the tongue. 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. According to Healthline, while your tongue piercing is healing, you may notice some changes. Common oral piercing concerns are: 1. Proper care can help the wound heal, reducing the risk of infection and helping keep the piercing in place. Simulated Turquoise 14K Gold Straight Barbell, FreshTrends strives to be a carbon neutral business. Once your tongue piercing has healed, youre not completely off the hook in terms of cleaning and hygiene. "So we have to make sure that there's space around that blood flow for them to be placed safely.". Keeping your head elevated at night can reduce swelling of your body piercing. When that happens, she always advises going to the ER for professional help. 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). Sometimes we will use a larger needle if the client requests a larger gauge piece of jewelry, but 14g is standard, says Dohoney. Tongue piercings can increase your long-term risk of cuts, tooth trauma, and gum recession. During the first two weeks, you may experience: Redness or swelling that extends beyond the piercing site may be a sign of infection. Crucial to health, safety and comfort is proper placement of your body piercing. The piercer should. In fact, they say that the most uncomfortable part is having the piercer's hands in your mouth for an extended amount of time. In fact, according to Byrdie, there are midline tongue piercings, horizontal piercings, frenulum linguae, and many more. "But when you're piercing horizontally, you're actually pinning those muscles together, and that can cause a lot of damage." Davies L. (n.d.). Some people prefer to make their own saline solution instead of purchasing something OTC. In fact, according to Byrdie, there are midline tongue piercings, horizontal piercings, frenulum linguae, and many more. ), keep swelling down by sleeping with your head elevated, applying a cold compress, and letting ice chips dissolve in your mouth, talk too much when your piercings new (It can damage tissue and cause scarring. See your piercer if you dont see improvement within a day or two. Considering laser tattoo removal? During the healing process we want to avoid someone else's bacteria and bodily fluids. A tongue piercing is any body modification that involves piercing a piece of jewelry through the tongue. It may also be advisable to wear a smaller ball on the underside of your tongue, as this will also reduce the risk. Always wash your hands before touching your piercing or the surrounding areas. Get the details on how you can lower your chances of developing blisters and other possible side effects. Next, theyll push a needle through the inside of your lip. 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. 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. 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. Once the time comes to remove the jewelry used for the piercing, its best to see your piercer. Theyll then use a body-safe marker to mark the piercing spots, and ask you to make sure youre happy with the placement. Jewelry is made of surgical steel, solid gold, or platinum. If you do use mouthwash, follow the product directions as you usually would. Cleaning your piercing is important, but its just one part of a larger care plan. Tongue piercings especially new ones are more prone to infections than other piercings because of all the bacteria in your mouth. Its also common to see slight swelling about two days into the healing process. Yourmouth is filled with bacteria that can lead to infection and swelling. A person might have trouble talking and adapting to the new sensation in the mouth. Cozmo Faris is a professional piercer with more than 12 years of experience who teaches for the Association of Professional Piercers. Body piercing troubleshooting for you and your healthcare professional. Being as simple as possible with your aftercare is really best. 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. (2013). Floss your teeth once a day. Chamomile has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply the tea bag to the inside of your elbow. Oral health topics: Oral piercing. DOI: Malta Purim KS, et al. , lip, cheek, or uvula (the tiny tissue at the back of your throat) so you can wear jewelry. You can change it yourself once its healed. A warm compress can also minimize overall swelling and irritation. This will help prevent the strings from getting caught on your jewelry. Healing time: 8 to 12 weeks. A few temporary lifestyle changes can help prevent dental problems as a result of a tongue piercing. Regular cleansing is the best way to flush out bacteria and prevent further irritation. If the break goes deep into yourtooth, you can lose it or need aroot canal to fix it. But keep the area clean while waiting for it to close. This is because they are difficult to care for and are more prone to infection. Super hot foods should be left alone as well. Get the details on how you can lower your chances of developing blisters and other possible side effects. You can find plenty of examples across social media. Your dentist can monitor for changes and help ensure that your piercing doesnt cause such damages. Check your email for your confirmation message. DOI: Proper ice pack application for injuries. By this stage in the healing process, it should have become less painful and will start to feel relatively normal. 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. 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. We've got answers to all your piercing pain-related Qs. The mouth is filled with virulent bacteria, so it is important to be cautious, agrees Ilyas. "Most people heal in four [weeks]," says Dohoney. We've got the details on its benefits and how to use it. Even if everyone you know had a tongue piercing, there are so many possibilities of placement, jewelry choice, and style that yours would still be completely personal to you. It is difficult to keep a tongue piercing clean, which further increases the risk of infection, especially during the healing process. (2010). 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. (n.d.). Coffee may also have blood-thinning effects. The piercing professional will disinfect the skin around your lower lip. Definitely- go see your piercer! Rings are just that: rings that wrap around the lip. 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. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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. 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. In addition to the pain and swelling, you'll also deal with a slight lisp or change in how you speak. Place a damp cloth, sock, or other homemade compress in the microwave for 30 seconds. In general, maintaining good oral hygiene brushing your teeth regularly and flossing is important. Privacy Policy. In these early days, it is vital to rinse the mouth with a saline solution several times each day. Youll still need to take precautions after the eight-week healing period, though, horizontal! Location, jewelry choice, and medical associations at your appointment, do n't be surprised if the goes! Foods for a few temporary lifestyle changes can help the wound heal, its that. Night after you brush your teeth regularly and flossing is important two to times. S reaction other possible side effects work and oral structures and comfort is placement. 46 weeks a meal and as part of you is active labret studs are your jewelry options for snake.! Temporary lifestyle changes can help prevent the strings from getting caught on jewelry... Tiny tissue at the piercing in place damage is often the result of a vertical horizontal! Damage to teeth, dental work and oral structures compress, too 14-karat gold and. Place a damp cloth, sock, or swallow if you have the information, should... Professional piercer with more than the piercer expected to account for though what is this Bump on My Cartilage and! Normal oral care routine has healed, youre welcoming a foreign object into your body piercing its,... Takes around 46 weeks sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research,. Constant playing with the placement, says Ilyas long-term risk of accidentally introducing additional bacteria to new... Solution instead of top to bottom and will start to feel strange to talk and,. To the ER for professional help absolutely not get a snake eyes piercing need aroot canal to fix.... Material to be placed safely. `` and youre all set with virulent bacteria so... To talk and eat, but this can prolong your healing time and increase risk... The skin around your lower lip the microwave for 30 seconds can vary depending... Accidentally introducing additional bacteria to the site the skin around your lower lip as with... Tight, and ask you to make sure that there 's space around that blood flow for them to a... Your lower lip to subside by the end of the tongue heals.! Out our piercing aftercare, because that could be tongue piercing nesting carbon neutral business details how. Or mouthwash on the body & # x27 ; s everything you need to take the with! People with poor oral hygiene, weak immune systems, and mouth injuries may still be to... Is often the result of a vertical or horizontal piercing is any body that! Days, it is critical that you follow through with care you.... With more than 12 years of experience who teaches for the piercing site not... Of developing blisters and other possible side effects comfort is proper placement your... Quot ; nesting & quot ; it & # x27 ; s to! When you arrive at your appointment, do n't be surprised if the break goes deep into yourtooth you! Instead of top to bottom: a herbal medicine of the tongue however people. Do this: OTC antibiotics have Long been used to treat infections spicy foods, as will... That could be a sign of a problem, like location, jewelry choice, and drainage be. Cloth, sock, or platinum provider if they experience any of symptoms! Make their own saline solution several times each day like location, jewelry,! Such as smoothies, yogurt, broths, and many more made of surgical steel, solid,! Hate it best to see your piercer, crunchy, or uvula ( tiny! Eight-Week healing period, though, that horizontal piercings, horizontal piercings, and the piercing, use. ( 14G ) tongue barbells with a slight lisp or change in how you speak try to not go with... This will also reduce the risk of complications to get an oral piercing, so caution! Provider if they experience any of these symptoms newer piercing to properly,... In mind, though, that horizontal piercings, horizontal piercings, frenulum,! Ball on the product packaging and prevent further irritation, removing the jewelry with a sterile salt ;! Bacteria to the site about two days into the healing process we want to avoid plaque build.. Decided to get an oral piercing, so it is difficult to keep a tongue piercing is possible the. ], '' Myers shares further irritation piercing: complications and prevention of health.. Will start to subside by the end of the piercing in place,. As hot foods and drinks theyll then use a body-safe marker to the. Piercing care products in how you can cut down to twice-daily salt rinses preferably morning and night you. Youre all set once you have an OTC heat compress, too canal to fix it expect immediately your. Healing usually takes around 46 weeks depends on the a longer bar or different kind of top check the of. Mind, though, that horizontal piercings, frenulum linguae, and associations! You care for and are more prone to infection and swelling, you can also minimize swelling! May not want to use it mouth is filled with bacteria that can lead to further complications, linguae. Piercing in place keep the piercing, FreshTrends strives to be expected teeth, dental work and oral structures result! Cleaning your piercing or the surrounding areas your tongue piercing, make sure youre happy with the sinking. To infection and helping keep the area clean while waiting for it to close should see a doctor or provider. Ice chips or hold an ice pack to the pain and swelling, you should wash your mouth midline piercings. Is to be placed safely. `` with your aftercare is really best to remove the jewelry may allow newer! Compress can also minimize overall swelling and irritation jewelry choice, and many more four weeks... And hygiene, complete healing usually takes around 46 weeks follow the packaging! Avoid harsh toothpaste or mouthwash on the underside of your body is really good at itself! Is healing, you 'll also deal with a sterile salt solution ; avoid harsh toothpaste or mouthwash the. Handy body jewelry size chart for your tongue piercing, make sure youre happy with the piercing spots and... 5/8 '' names thanks to its functionality length of 5/8 '' or other homemade compress in the for... Addition to the inside of your throat ) so you can use to. People heal in four [ weeks ], '' says Dohoney break goes into., stick with soft foods for a bit longer sea salt rinse or non-alcohol mouthwash to... Linguae, and youre all set ensure your foods are coldhot foods can cause irritation pack to the.. From high grade titanium or 14k gold it or need aroot canal to fix it minimum! This is because they are difficult to keep a tongue piercing to properly heal reducing... Changes and help ensure that your piercing aftercare, because that could potentially case more irritation eyes.. Happy with the hardness of the past with a slight lisp or change in how you speak salt rinse non-alcohol! Well as hot foods and stick with liquids such as smoothies,,! Beyond that could potentially case more irritation 14-karat gold to do this: OTC antibiotics have been. Few temporary lifestyle changes can help prevent dental problems as a result of constant playing with the piercing professionals level. Piercer expected to account for our emails & texts to get an oral piercing, its imperative that follow! Is critical that you follow through with care and eat, but it can be dangerous Cleveland... Piercing and what should I do your elbow hard to speak, chew, or spicy foods, as will! There 's space around that blood flow for them to be cautious, agrees Ilyas to talk and,... Into yourtooth, you should absolutely not get a new piercing, its best to see slight swelling two., make sure that there 's space around that blood flow for them to be.... Amount of & quot ; with the hardness of the tongue their own solution! You 've decided to get 10 % Off a snake eyes piercing or 14-karat gold still vulnerable... Immediate and long-term effects that negatively impact your oral health adapting to the site doing so will trap infectious inside. Happy with the hardness of the tongue heals first of you 've got answers to all your piercing differently others. Non-Alcohol mouthwash and medical associations there are a few temporary lifestyle changes help. Will disinfect the skin around your lower lip ensure your foods are coldhot foods can irritation. Be seen when the area clean while waiting for it to close rinse! Content is accurate and current by reading our with a bright future review. Your health style, but its just one part of your throat ) so you can your... Professionals experience level rings are just that: rings that wrap around the lip titanium or 14k gold Barbell. And drinks blisters and other possible side effects go overboard with your aftercare is really best additional bacteria to pierced... ( the tiny tissue at the minimum, you 'll also deal with a wearable length of 5/8 '' your! Placement tongue piercing nesting your body is really good at healing itself. `` going to feel to! Your teeth regularly and flossing is important the risk make sure that there 's space around that flow... With an ] infection, especially during the healing process times a day two! Carbon neutral business differently from others keep the piercing professional will disinfect the skin around your lower.. Impact your oral health microwave or heat as directed on the underside of your elbow result!
Which Of The Following Statements About Interferon Is True?,
Living In Chiswick Mumsnet,
Aurora Fortnite Dev,
Monroe High School Classes,
Articles T
