About this topic
People may choose to have their lip, tongue, or other part of their mouth pierced for many reasons. The piercing may be for decoration or as a means of self expression. It may also be a cultural or spiritual symbol. Whatever the reason, it is important to check out the person who will be doing the piercing as well as learn to take proper care of your piercing. ‚
General
Before you have your lip or tongue pierced, learn about the person who will be doing the piercing. Make sure they are trained, experienced, and professional. Check out the place where the piercing will be done. Here are some questions to help keep you safe. ‚
- How do you sterilize your equipment? Ask to see the sterilizer. It is also called an autoclave. It should use steam and pressure to make sure the jewelry and any tools needed are free from germs.
- How do you know the sterilizer is working the right way? The studio should keep a record of tests on the sterilizer to make sure it is working the right way.
- How do you set up for a piercing? Make sure the piercer washes their hands and wears gloves. All the tools should be sealed in sterile packages. Needles should be new and come in a single sterile package. There should be a small red box to throw away used needles as well.
- What can I expect after getting a piercing? Most often, they will tell you how to care for your piercing. They should also give you written instructions. Be sure you know how you will need to care for your piercing before you have it done.
- Who do I call if I have any problems? The professional that is going to pierce you should be available if you have any questions or concerns. With more serious issues you should contact your doctor.
- Does the studio have a license? Also ask how long the piercer has been piercing. It is OK to ask how they learned to pierce and what they are doing to stay up to date in their field.
What will the results be?
Your mouth piercing will heal and be infection free. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods for the first few days.
- Avoid sticky foods like mashed potatoes or oatmeal for a few days, as they are likely to stick to your jewelry.
- Cold foods and drinks will feel better in your mouth than hot drinks.
Will there be any other care needed?
- Learn to care for your mouth piercing.
- Wash your hands each time before you touch your piercing. Do not use your fingers, tongue, or other object to play with your piercing.
- Tongue piercings ¢ ˆ ’ Rinse your mouth for 30 seconds after eating and at bedtime while your mouth heals. Use an alcohol free mouth rinse or a sterile saline solution with no additives.
- Cheek or lip piercings ¢ ˆ ’ Soak a gauze in a sterile saline solution and place on the outside of your piercing 2 to 3 times a day. You can also use a mild, fragrance free soap 1 to 2 times a day. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly and dry with a clean gauze or paper towel.
- Limit swelling from your oral piercing.
- Suck on ice chips.
- Take drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for swelling and pain. These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
- Sleep with your head propped up on pillows.
- Protect yourself from infection and promote healing.
- Avoid sharing cups, plates, and eating utensils.
- Do not smoke.
- Avoid oral sexual contact.
- Do not chew gum, tobacco, fingernails, etc.
- Take care of your teeth and mouth.
- Get a new soft bristled toothbrush after you get your piercing. Use this to clean your teeth after each meal.
- Floss your teeth at least one time each day.
- Once you are healed, you can brush your tongue and jewelry more thoroughly to avoid plaque buildup.
- Choose the proper jewelry for your oral piercing.
- After the first swelling goes down you will need to replace your jewelry with a shorter post. This will help keep the jewelry from hitting your teeth.
- Only acrylic balls should be used on tongue piercings. The lower ball should be smaller than the upper one.
- Check your jewelry often to ensure the ball is tightened securely.
- See your dentist regularly. The dentist will make sure the stud or ball is not harming your teeth and gums.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Scar tissue
- Rash or metal allergy
- Damage to teeth and gums
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the piercing site; piercing site opens up.
- Constant pain
Where can I learn more?
Academy of General Dentistry ‚
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=O&iid=321&aid=3813 ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oral-piercings ‚
Kids Health ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/body_art/body_piercing_safe.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚