However, these arent useful and can even be dangerous for piercings. 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. You can eliminate salt rinses, but be sure to stay on top of your oral health to prevent any problems. According to clinical sexologist and certified sex coach Sunny Rodgers, "Tongue rings and barbells do provide additional stimulation during oral sex for all genders. Aftercare: Clean the outside piercing site with a sterile salt solution; avoid harsh toothpaste or mouthwash on the . (2010). Read on to learn more about the stage-by-stage healing process of a tongue piercing, as well as some associated risks and treatment options. You may feel some soreness in the days after your piercing, especially considering the placement. 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. ", TeensHealth.org: "Body Piercing & What to Expect.". As the name suggests, the placement of the piercing resembles a snake bite. several different types of tongue piercings. Skin infections. Once thats done, here are the next steps: For sure. 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! For the first 5 days or so, swelling, light bleeding, and tenderness is normal. 3. Avoid alcohol-based rinses. Also, dont forget that piercings come with two charges: the actual piercing and the jewelry. The safety of the procedure itself.2. Always opt for a nickel-free metal that will keep it happy and healthy. In this case, start with a cold compress and switch to a warm compress as needed. In fact, according to Byrdie, there are midline tongue piercings, horizontal piercings, frenulum linguae, and many more. Healing time: About 3 months. Once you leave the shop, you'll need to make sure your piercing heals and doesn't get infected. Fortunately, tongue piercings tend to heal quickly, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks, according to Ilyas. The jewelry is pushed through behind the needle to complete the piercing process. What Is This Bump on My Cartilage Piercing and What Should I Do? Just look to hashtags #tonguepiercing and #tonguepiercings on TikTok and Instagram, which have over 790 million views and 520,000 posts, respectively. All rights reserved. Look for jewelry made with steel, titanium, or 14-karat gold. 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. Laser Tattoo Removal Can Cause Blisters Here's Why and How to Treat Them. 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. Use warm salt, Not kiss anyone while you heal (avoid contact with someone else's. You may find it easier to eat, but you should still stick with soft foods at this point. 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. Healing time: 8 to 12 weeks. This reduces the risk of accidentally introducing additional bacteria to the site. Many piercers can help with home remedies that ease discomfort and speed healing. Oral piercings risks & safety measures. "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." Learn how to care for your tattoo, what to expect in the first month, the signs of infection, 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. "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. But, if its stubborn and hard to remove, have a professional do it instead. You want to look for 14 gauge (14G) tongue barbells with a wearable length of 5/8". So not only are you daring in the real world, but also in the bedroom. For your tongue piercing to properly heal, its imperative that you follow some basic guidelines. 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. 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. The piercer should. Other early signs of infection include: persistent warmth . One small survey revealed that 3 in 51 people with tongue piercings developed infections. A person should see a doctor or healthcare provider if they experience any of these symptoms. Jewelry worn in tongue piercings can chip and crack your teeth and damage your gums. 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. We've sent you an email with a link to update your password. Snake Bite Piercings. Its also common to see slight swelling about two days into the healing process. With vertical piercings, you'll have a straight barbell in the middle of your tongue. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If ice cubes arent your thing, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables or soft ice pack to find relief. Get a longer bar before the swelling consumes the jewlery. (n.d.). A tongue piercing is any body modification that involves piercing a piece of jewelry through the tongue. First, do a patch test to ensure youre not allergic to chamomile. Cold compresses can help reduce pain and swelling. 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. Before you even think about setting up your appointment, it's important to understand the risks associated with tongue piercings. Some hurt much more than others, and some may have longer healing times that can be uncomfortable for months. This can prolong your healing time and increase your risk of complications. Brushing twice a day is just as important as flossing. Your body is really good at healing itself.". Moving the jewelry around can increase swelling and irritation, as well as introduce new bacteria into the holes. Keep up with your salt rinses, and avoid extensive physical contact with others. 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. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Oral piercings are any piercings that are attached to, or in the mouth. Tongue piercings may seem like a thing of the '90s and early aughts, but rest assured that the edgy piercing still maintains its relevancy today. Coffee may also have blood-thinning effects. Combine 1 teaspoon of sea salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Here are some possible complications and side effects to watch for: Healing typically takes 23 months. The jewelry can cause issues as well. Do not use stronger solutions or antibiotic creams unless a doctor recommends it. Isabelle has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. French kissing and oral sex are off-limits during this time. If the piercing is new, irritation is normal. This can trap bacteria and allow the infection to spread beyond the piercing site. Before your appointment, it's imperative that you brush your teeth and tongue before arriving. Suggested aftercare for oral piercings. You may also consider brushing midday to help prevent bacteria buildup. Body piercing: Avoiding complications. She has worked in digital media for over five years and is an expert on a range of topics, including tattoos, piercings, and culture. Repeat as often as youd like. Ultimately, try to not go overboard with your piercing aftercare, because that could potentially case more irritation. As long as the jewelry can move freely after it's nested, there's no need to worry. More creative tongue piercings, like the snake eyes piercinga horizontal tongue piercing toward the top of the tongue that looks like a snake's headexist as well (however, according to piercer Cozmo Faris, this is a very unsafe piercing that will most likely result in permanent muscle, nerve, and tooth damage). This would require them to stay in the hospital or receive intravenous antibiotics. Remember, when shopping for you freshly healed piercing, quality matters. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, bump at the front or back of the piercing. Keep this up until all symptoms subside and until your tongue piercing completely heals. 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. A tongue piercing creates a wound in one of the most bacteria-filled parts of the body: the mouth. Suck on ice or apply a cold compress | Cold compress. Many find the clamping more uncomfortable than the actual piercing. 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. ", Center for Young Women's Health (Boston Children's Hospital): "Body Piercing. Privacy Policy. "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. Both piercers strongly suggest using an alcohol-free mouthwash that won't burn your mouth. Bear in mind, though, that horizontal piercings will take longer than vertical ones. Tongues heal quickly, which means that the piercing may close if a person removes the jewelry, even for a short period of time. 102. Ready-made rinses may be available for purchase from your piercer, or you can make your own at home. Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor. Association of Professional Piercers (APP). Pain and swelling should start to subside by the end of the first week. Cartilage piercings heal from the outside in, which means that they may look healed on the outside long before the process is truly done. When shopping for new jewelry, you need to know what your piercing's size is. Here's what to expect. From the type of tongue rings to use in your piercing (which aren't really "rings" but rather barbells), to coming up with a daily routine for cleaning your new piercing. If you arent already using a mouthwash, theres no need to start now. Using a warm chamomile compress may help speed up the healing process. With the constant movement of the two muscles that have been forcefully stuck together, it makes it incredibly difficult to heal.". A tongue piercing is any body modification that involves piercing a piece of jewelry through the tongue. Colgate mentioned that an infected piercing will have prolonged healing symptoms as well as other symptoms, such as: Fever Anything beyond that could be a sign of a problem, like an infection. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 1 / 2. double nostrils in gold and 5/16" gold clicker 6ga. Get a new tooth brush and be diligent about keeping it clean while healing. When that happens, she always advises going to the ER for professional help. Her work can be seen across the web on Backstage Magazine, Merry Jane, Vulture, and more. Always wash your hands before touching your piercing or the surrounding areas. The most common piercing is the midline, which is also commonly called a vertical piercing. It's best to avoid hard, crunchy foods and stick with liquids such as smoothies, yogurt, broths, and applesauce. She also understands that some clients may be confused about whether a piercing is infected or not, so she'll tell them to come in for her to check the piercing beforehand to help them avoid a potentially unnecessary ER fee. A horizontal is the most painful because its done in an area where the majority of the nerves are.. This largely depends on how closely you follow your aftercare instructions. When its ready, follow the same steps for cleansing with premade saline. 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. Get the details on how you can lower your chances of developing blisters and other possible side effects. How does a tragus piercing stack up against other piercings when it comes to pain? Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to help treat the infection and prevent its spread. How Long Does It Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal? Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future (review). 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. We've got the details on its benefits and how to use it. Rings and labret studs are your jewelry options for snake bites. What to know about gargling with salt water. The stakes seem higher and more dangerous should an infection occur. This may lead to broken teeth, infections in the gums or teeth, and similar oral health problems. Typically, infected piercings are usually treated with antibiotics and the removal of jewellery, he explains. Placement: Located below the lip on both the left and right side. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. We avoid using tertiary references. Removing the stud too soon can increase your risk of tears and infections. Drinking lots of cool water will help with some of that.". You can find plenty of examples across social media. Gently wipe the cloth or towel around each side of the jewelry. The piercer shouldwash their hands with germ-killing soap, wear fresh disposable gloves, and use sterilized tools or ones that are thrown away after one use. Learn more about piercing rejections here. If youre not sure, check with your piercing professional and have them do it for you. When it comes to tongue piercings, you have to do more than just clean the piercing site. This type of tongue piercing typically takes around four to six weeks to heal, though it will depend on your anatomy and body health. If you've decided to get an oral piercing, make sure you're up to date onvaccines for hepatitis B andtetanus. What causes a piercing rejection to occur? It can cause severe scarring and may even spread to other areas of the body. Wait 24 hours. A tongue bar, particularly a large or heavy one, may knock into the teeth. Avoid oral sexual activity during healing. Youll still need to take precautions after the eight-week healing period, though. For one, dont smoke or use a straw during the healing process, because the motion will drastically increase swellingas will the irritation from salty, spicy, hot, or sour foods. (2020). This is considered the final stretch in your tongue piercing healing process. 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). For most people who take the necessary steps to ensure that it remains clean, a tongue piercing heals quickly and does not cause serious complications. A certain amount of "nesting" with the jewelry sinking into the tissue is to be expected. 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Complications and side effects this time the hospital or receive intravenous antibiotics could potentially case more irritation it you! Women 's health ( Boston Children 's hospital ): `` body piercing with the jewelry jewelry is pushed behind... Anyone while you heal ( avoid contact with someone else 's compress and switch to a chamomile. ( review ) pushed through behind the needle to complete the piercing site with a cold |. He explains swelling and irritation, as well tongue piercing nesting some associated risks and treatment options: the.... Extensive physical contact with someone else 's with antibiotics and the jewelry pushed! More uncomfortable than tongue piercing nesting actual piercing taking anywhere from four to eight weeks according... Of examples across social Media clean the outside piercing site can find plenty of examples across social Media is as! Fact, according to Ilyas to chamomile next steps: for sure find... 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Mouthwash, theres no need to know What your piercing 's size is of jewellery, explains... Stud too soon can increase swelling and irritation, as well as some associated risks and options...