Oral Piercing Aftercare Information

Initail healing time 3-4 weeks

Swelling of the area is perfectly normal during the first stage of healing an oral piercing. It can be greatly reduced by sucking on clean ice. The majority of the swelling usually last for only 3 - 5 days. Any new piercing can bleed off and on for the first few days. There can also be some bleeding under the surface resulting in temporary brusing and or discolouration. This is perfectly normal and is not indication of any complications. Some tenderness/discomfort in the area of a new piercing is expected.

Don't be alarmed if you see a fairly liquid, yellowish secretion coming from the piercing. This is blood plasma, lymph and dead cells which is perfectly normal. All healing piercing secrete, it is just looks different inside the mouth as it dosen't have a chance to dry and form a crust as it does on the ear or other body piercings.

It is recommended that you purchase a new soft tooth brush. Plaque will form on tongue jewellery, most commonly on the bottom ball and post. Twice daily brushing of the tongue & jewellery is good hygiene. The jewellery does not need to be removed, it can also remain in for routine visits to the dentist. Also using some non-alcohol mouthwah (if possible), is required for cleaning. Some mouthwash can be fairly strong, watering it down with equal parts of clean water is suffiencient for cleaning. Using the mouth wash 4 - 6 times a day for the first 10 days is all you need. Generally using after eating, drinking, kissing or smoking.

Some piercings may have a series of ups & downs during healing by seeming healed then regressing. Try to be patient and keep cleaning during the entire intial healing time, even if  the piercing seems healed sooner. Jewellery which fits more closely is less likely to irritate your mouth or get between your teeth and be bitten. If you like your piercing, then leave it in at all times. Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having them for years!

Other people's bodily fluids will & can infect a new piercing. If you had a large cut, you wouldn't allow any one to spit in it! This is essentially the same thing. Avoid chewwing gum, tobacco, fingernails, pencils, sunglasses etc. during healing. Reduce smoking or quitting is highly advisable. Smoking increases risks & can lengthen healing times.

Alcoholic beverages (including all beer, wine & hard liquor), can cause additional swelling, bleeding and discomfort for the first few days. Refrain from eating hot, spicy, acidic or salty foods & beverages for the first few days. Do not play with the piercing for the initial healing time beyond the nessasary movement for speaking and eating. Undue stress on the piercing can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration and other complications. Even after healing, excessive play with oral jewellery can result in permanent damage to teeth, gums and oral structure.

Metal is harder than the human body, so be gentle!