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What Are Oral Piercings?
Oral piercings are any piercings of the tongue, lips or cheek. In recent years, oral piercings have become a form of self-expression. As with pierced ears, the metal jewelry used in oral piercings comes in different styles, including studs, barbells and rings. However, piercing your tongue, lips or cheek involves greater health risks than piercing your ears. Before having any part of your mouth pierced, you should seek advice from your dentist.
What Are the Different Risks Involved with Oral Piercings?
You may not be aware of the potential side effects of oral piercings. These include:
- Infection — our mouths contain millions of bacteria, which can lead to infection after an oral piercing. Handling jewelry once it has been placed in the mouth also increases your chances of getting an infection.
- Prolonged bleeding — if a blood vessel is punctured by the needle during piercing, the result can be difficult-to-control bleeding and serious blood loss.
- Pain and swelling — pain and swelling are common symptoms of oral piercings. In extreme cases, a severely swollen tongue can actually close off the airway and restrict breathing.
- Chipped or cracked teeth — contact with oral jewelry can fracture teeth. Teeth that have restorations, such as crowns or caps, can also be damaged if the jewelry strikes them.
- Injury to the gums — not only can metal jewelry injure soft gum tissue, it can cause the gums to recede. In addition to looking unattractive, recessed gums leave your tooth root more vulnerable to decay and periodontal disease.
- Interference with normal oral function — jewelry in the mouth can cause excessive saliva flow, impede your ability to pronounce words correctly, and cause problems with chewing and swallowing.
- Blood-borne diseases — oral piercings have been identified by the National Institutes of Health as a possible factor in transmitting hepatitis B, C, D and G.
- Endocarditis — oral piercing carries a risk of endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart valves or tissues. The wound created during oral piercing provides an opportunity for oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream, where they can travel to the heart.
How Long Do Oral Piercings Last?
As long as your mouth stays free of infection and your oral piercings do not interfere with normal function, they can stay in your mouth indefinitely. Just be sure to see your dentist at the first sign of pain or problems, in addition to your regular checkups. Because of the risks involved even after the initial wound has healed, such as damage to the teeth or jewelry that becomes loose and gets ingested, your safest bet is to avoid oral piercings altogether.
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The different piercings of body tissue have been a common form of self-expression for centuries. National dental lecturer and oral biologist Betsy Reynolds recently presented a lecture about it, from which I had the pleasure of gaining valuable information about the clinical considerations that must be taken when a patient chooses to decorate their body with an orofacial piercing. Here’s what you should know about piercings near your mouth:
Different Orofacial Piercings
Different piercings can be considered orofacial, and one of the most common areas is the tongue. Other facial landmarks that are potential sites for piercing include the lip, cheek, around your chin and the uvula. Each location can have a single-hole piercing or multiple piercings placed, depending on the individual’s desired end-appearance. Because the average piercing takes six to eight weeks to form an initial healing layer, though, it’s important that you choose a reputable parlor. The Association of Professional Piercers is a great reference when choosing one.
Various types of metals are used in different piercings. Surgical-grade stainless steel is said to be the most compatible with body tissue when used as a piercing. Nonetheless, plastic, acrylic resin, solid gold or palladium can also be chosen to fabricate the barbells, studs and rings that fill the holes created by the piercer’s (sterile) needle. Similarly, the jewelry you choose should be chosen with just as much care; avoid pieces that are scratched, worn, rough or dull in appearance.
Effects of Piercings on Teeth, Tissue and Restorations
Orofacial piercings can have a profound effect on existing teeth, oral tissues and restorations. The metal or hard plastics used in piercing jewelry can unnecessarily wear on the teeth and restorations, causing fractures, chips or abrasion. Oral tissues can also be affected when piercings come near or go through the glands, nerves and blood vessels that support the head and neck. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), piercings and jewelry in your mouth can lead to nerve damage, allergic reactions, infections and damage to teeth, gums and fillings if done incorrectly. Keep in mind nerve damage often affects your sense of taste or how you move your mouth.
Piercings pose a great risk for infection and scarring as well, when proper care techniques aren’t followed. It’s therefore not encouraged for individuals until their late-teen years because of the cellular healing cycle that takes place when the body is still growing. The scars that can result from a piercing vary in type, but it’s important to note that scarring of any kind is not a natural side effect of a healthy piercing.
How to Care for Your Oral and Facial Piercing
After getting pierced, you’re responsible for the cleaning and care of the area. This is another reason why piercing is not recommended for individuals younger than 15. The safety and effectiveness of a piercing is dependent upon diligent aftercare, and regular handwashing is the first step. Warm, soapy water must be used to remove germs and residue from fingers prior to the removal of piercing jewelry. During the first two weeks, the jewelry must be cleaned at least twice every day.
If the piercing is indeed within or around the mouth, use a germ-reducing toothpaste and bactericidal rinse to cleanse the area after each meal – or at least twice daily. Mayo Clinic suggests using a new, soft-bristled toothbrush and an antiseptic mouthwash like Colgate Total® Advanced Pro-Shield™ after every meal to avoid infection and bacteria. Soft bristles, coupled with antibacterial toothpaste, allow for a gentle but effective removal of the germs and food debris that can cause infection in a fresh piercing.
Orofacial options present a new oral health challenge to those who choose to pursue piercing, but with the proper education and guidance from your dental professional, you can decrease the potential for problems. Through the use of quality products and diligent homecare, the healing time can be reduced so you can remain in good health while expressing yourself.
Healing for an oral (mouth) piercing usually takes 3 to 4 weeks. During that time, you should:
- Rinse your tongue or lip piercing after every meal or snack and before bed. Use warm salt water or an antibacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash.
- Not kiss anyone (avoid contact with someone else’s saliva)
- Not share cups, plates, forks, knives, or spoons
- Eat small bites of healthy food
- Not eat spicy, salty, or acidic foods and drinks
- Not have hot drinks, like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
Reviewed by Hansa D. Bhargava on August 27, 2020
American Academy of General Dentistry: “What Is an Oral Piercing?”
American Dental Association: “Oral Piercing.”
Center for Young Women’s Health (Boston Children’s Hospital): “Body Piercing.”
Cleveland Clinic: “Mouth Jewelry, Oral Piercings, and Your Health.”
Mouth Healthy (American Dental Association): “Oral Piercings.”
NHS Choices: “Body piercings — Risks.”
TeensHealth.org: “Body Piercing & What to Expect.”
American Academy of General Dentistry: “What Is an Oral Piercing?”
American Dental Association: “Oral Piercing.”
Center for Young Women’s Health (Boston Children’s Hospital): “Body Piercing.”
Cleveland Clinic: “Mouth Jewelry, Oral Piercings, and Your Health.”
Mouth Healthy (American Dental Association): “Oral Piercings.”
In this Article
In this Article
In this Article
- How does ear piercing work?
- Which is safer, a piercing gun or a needle?
- Will I feel pain?
- Will I bleed?
- Can I take aspirin beforehand?
- What medical conditions would prevent me from piercing my ears?
- What are the risks?
- How young is too young for ear piercing?
- Who should do the piercing?
- What kind of jewelry should I choose?
- What are the different types of ear piercings?
- What’s the healing time?
- How do I care for my piercing while it heals?
- What if my piercing gets infected?
Ear piercing can be safe and simple, but there are some important guidelines to follow when you get it done. If you know what to expect during the piercing and how to take care of your ear afterward, you’ll cut your chances of infection.
How does ear piercing work?
Depending on where you go for your piercing, and the part of your ear that you choose, a professional with a needle or piercing gun marks a spot and creates a hole. The piercer then places an earring in the hole.
Which is safer, a piercing gun or a needle?
Depending on where you go for your piercing, and the part of your ear that you choose, a professional with a needle or piercing gun marks a spot and creates a hole. The piercer then places an earring in the hole.
Will I feel pain?
Yes, at least a little. But it’s rare to need anesthesia.
Will I bleed?
Possibly. A little bleeding is normal.
Can I take aspirin beforehand?
No. Don’t take aspirin or anything with aspirin in it. This can cause you to bleed more than normal.
What medical conditions would prevent me from piercing my ears?
Piercing may not be a good idea while you’re pregnant because of the risk of getting an infection. Check with your doctor first if you have:
- Diabetes
- Hemophilia
- An autoimmune disorder
- A heart condition
- A condition that slows or prevents healing
- Skin issues in the area you want pierced, including a lesion, rash, lump, cut, or mole
What are the risks?
Piercing breaks your skin and opens the door to problems like:
- Allergic reaction. Jewelry made of nickel or brass can trigger it.
- Infection. People sometimes have redness, swelling, pain, and a discharge after a piercing.
- Skin trouble. You may get problems such as scars and keloids (overgrown scar tissue).
- Blood diseases. You can pick up hepatitis B and C, tetanus, and HIV from equipment contaminated with infected blood.
Continued
How young is too young for ear piercing?
This is up to you. In some cultures, parents have their baby’s ears pierced hours or days after birth.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says there’s no health risk at any age, as long the setting and procedure are safe and sterile. But they also suggest that you wait until your child is old enough to handle the care involved afterward.
If you choose to have your child’s ears pierced, start small. Round, flat earrings are best. Avoid anything big or dangly that can catch on clothing and tear your child’s earlobe.
Who should do the piercing?
Only a professional. Some pediatricians do piercings on young children.
Make sure you do research on ear piercing professionals beforehand. Ask people you trust for recommendations, and visit a few piercers to get a feel for the place and person.
Some “positives” to look for:
- A clean studio with good lighting
- A selection of hypoallergenic jewelry
Ask these questions:
- Are you licensed?
- Do you wear disposable gloves?
- What equipment do you use?
- How do you sterilize it?
Avoid any place where they sterilize equipment in the studio’s public bathroom.
What kind of jewelry should I choose?
Look for titanium, 14-karat gold, or surgical-grade steel.
What are the different types of ear piercings?
You can make holes in about 15 places on your ear:
- Lobe
- Upward along the outer cartilage
- Inward along the part of the ear attached to your head
- Several places in the center
What’s the healing time?
There are different types of tissue in different parts of your ear, so how long it takes to heal depends on your body and the place you’ve pierced.
Earlobes usually take 6-8 weeks. If you pierce the cartilage on the side of your ear, it can take 4 months to a year. Ask your piercing professional for an estimate.
Continued
How do I care for my piercing while it heals?
Clean the area around your piercing twice a day with soap and warm water or rubbing alcohol. Your piercing professional may recommend a specific cleanser. Put an antibiotic ointment around the area to prevent a skin infection.
Though it’s tempting, try not to touch your ear piercing. Germs from your hands can cause an infection.
Avoid places where germs flow freely, like pools and hot tubs.
It’s also important to leave your piercing in place, even at night, unless you have an infection or other issue.
What if my piercing gets infected?
Right after an earlobe piercing, your ear may be red or swollen. That should go away after a day or two.
If it continues, feels itchy, or has a discharge, try this three times a day:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Put 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and stir.
- Don’t remove the earring. Soak a cotton ball in the salt water and place it on the infected area.
- Pat it dry with a tissue or clean cotton ball.
- Put a little bit of over-the-counter antibiotic cream on the area.
- Rotate your piercing a few times.
If it’s still not better, or if a different part of your ear is infected, see your doctor.
Sources
American Family Physician: “Body Piercing: What You Should Know.”
National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health: “Body Piercing: Medical Concerns with Cutting-Edge Fashion,” “Trends and complications of ear piercing among selected Nigerian population.”
American Academy of Family Physicians, FamilyDoctor.org: “Body Piercing.”
Mayo Clinic: “Piercings: How to prevent complications,” “How to treat a piercing site infection.”
Center for Young Women’s Health, Boston Children’s Hospital: “Body Piercing.”
Association of Professional Piercers: “Picking Your Piercer,” “Taking Care of Your New Piercing.”В
University of Utah: “Ear Piercing: How Young Is Too Young?”
American Academy of Pediatrics: “Ear Piercing.”
Riley Children’s Health, Indiana University Health: “Ear Piercing for Kids: Safety Tips from a Pediatrician.”
University of Michigan, University Health Service: “Body Art: What You Need to Know about Getting a Tattoo or Piercing.”
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 3, 2020.
- Overview
- Ambulatory Care
- En Español
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
What is an oral piercing?
An oral piercing is a hole made in the lip, tongue, or cheek so jewelry can be added. Jewelry includes a stud, ring, or barbell. More than one piercing can be made in a single area. The tongue is the most common location for an oral piercing. Oral piercings are considered a form of body art and personal expression.
How is oral piercing done?
- Tongue piercing can be done in 2 ways. The most common is to pierce the tongue from top to bottom. A less common type is from one side of the tongue to the other. This type can cause heavy bleeding and is not usually done. A barbell is commonly used for this type of piercing. The bar goes through the tongue and is secured with a metal ball at the top and the bottom.
- Lip piercing is most commonly done in the corners, but any part of the lip can be pierced. A stud, ring, or barbell can be used for this type of piercing.
- Cheek piercing is usually done where the dimples of the cheek form. A needle is pushed through the cheek to make the piercing. Studs are most commonly used for cheek piercings.
What are the risks of oral piercings?
- Chipped or broken teeth, especially from tongue piercings
- Torn or ripped skin or tissue from jewelry being pulled out by force
- Jewelry that gets embedded (stuck) in the skin and has to be removed by surgery
- Swallowed jewelry
- Drooling, or having more saliva than usual
- Problems speaking, chewing, breathing, or swallowing
- Scars called keloids that need to be removed
- An allergic reaction to the metal in the jewelry
- An infection that leads to a serious infection in your heart or brain
What do I need to know about oral piercing safety?
- Make sure the facility is clean before you get an oral piercing. Watch the person who will do your piercing. Make sure he or she uses an antibacterial soap to wash his or her hands before doing all piercings. A new pair of medical gloves need to be used for each new person who will get a piercing. The instruments need to be sterilized or thrown away after each use.
- Choose the right jewelry for you. Choose stainless steel or gold to help prevent an allergic reaction. Nickel tends to cause an allergic reaction and should be avoided. Only use new jewelry. Do not use jewelry someone else already wore. The jewelry also needs to be the right size for you. It may damage or stretch your skin if it is too small or too big. Ask if the jewelry will be easy to remove quickly if you have an injury. You may also need to remove it before an x-ray or MRI and then put it back in.
- Clean the area around your piercing as directed. Use a mouth rinse that does not contain alcohol. Brush your teeth 2 times each day. Floss after you brush to remove anything between your teeth that can get into your piercing and cause an infection.
- Clean the jewelry as directed. You may be directed to brush the jewelry with your toothbrush each time you brush your teeth. Your jewelry should come with care instructions. It is important to follow the instructions to prevent an infection.
- Check the area around your piercing for signs of infection. Pain and fever are signs of infection. Look for skin that is red, swollen, or has changed color. Also look for bleeding or foul-smelling discharge. Your skin also may be tender to the touch. Check the area every day for signs of infection.
- Remove the jewelry as directed. You may need to remove the jewelry before you eat and sleep. You may be given a plug to place in the hole until you can put the jewelry back in. Also remove the jewelry before you play sports. Some jewelry may be ripped out during sports. You are also at a higher risk for clicking the jewelry against your teeth. The biggest risk is contact sports, such as football.
- Get dental checkups as directed. Your dentist can check your teeth for problems caused by the jewelry. Examples include chips, cracks, or breaks in teeth, gum recession, tissue damage, and infections. Have your teeth examined and professionally cleaned 2 times each year, or as directed.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, and swelling.
- You have trouble breathing from swelling in your mouth or throat.
- You swallowed or inhaled any part of your jewelry.
- Your jewelry is pulled out by accident and the area around the piercing is damaged.
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
- You have any signs of an infection.
- You see a scar or thickening of skin start to form near the piercing site.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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You’ll never guess what mistake you’re probably making.
As Rihanna, FKATwigs, and ELLE.com’s very own style director Nikki Ogunnaike (pictured) can illustrate, adorning oneself with piercings remains cooler than ever, no matter your aesthetic. While they’re gorgeous and a fun way to add edge, a great collection of piercings requires certain responsibility. To debunk any myths, we asked J. Colby Smith—the preferred piercer of models, celebs, and editors alike—to give us his expert guide for pain-free aftercare, and to tell us what we might be doing wrong. (Spoiler: A lot.)
As a preventative measure, ask your piercer to use a needle, not a “gun.
“The ‘gun’ forces the earring through with pressure, so it causes a lot of unnecessary damage to the tissue. It’s also hard to manage the sterilization of a tool with plastic parts,” Smith says, “With a needle, we have more control of accuracy, and it’s totally sterile. It works like a scalpel, making a small incision into the tissue, leaving minimal damage to the area. It’s also a myth that the gun hurts less—if a needle piercing is done properly, the pain is very minor.”
Be healthy.
Smith advises keeping your body hydrated. A healthy diet is always important but especially after a piercing. Also make sure to avoid additional trauma to the piercing area. As Smith says, “Most irritations occur from bumping, snagging or sleeping on new piercings.”
To care for a fresh piercing, wash with soap and water or saline solution—not rubbing alcohol—twice a day.
“I find alcohol dries the piercing out,” Smith explains, “If it gets too dry, it cracks and bleeds, causing the wound to remain open. I prefer oil-based soaps for this reason. They clean the wound, but also provide oils to soften up the healing tissue.”
Create a routine for yourself.
Before you touch your new piercing it’s best to wash your hands with soap and water. You can moisten the piercing with clean fingers and throughly clean the pierced area. After, rinse off the area with warm water.
Yes, you can “turn” the earring—but ONLY when it’s wet.
“Turn it if it’s wet and you are cleaning it. If it’s dry, do not move it,” Smith warns.
Know that a cartilage piercing will require a bit more TLC than a lobe piercing.
“Anything in the cartilage area is more temperamental during the healing process,” Smith says, “They feel about the same to receive, but can be more difficult to heal.”
Keep an eye out for signs of healing—and know how long you might have to wait.
“Ear lobes usually take about two to three months to heal, and cartilage takes about three to 10 months. Once it stops hurting, swelling, and secreting fluid, and any redness disappears, it’s healed,” Smith explains.
And help things along as best you can.
“It takes a patient mentality to help piercings heal 100 percent. Your body’s job is to get rid of foreign objects, so it’s a little bit of a dance you have to do,” Smith says, “You must be patient and nurse it to health. Sometimes the simple things are the best: Soap and water to clean, and ice for the swelling. If you take your aftercare seriously, you’ll avoid any problems.”
If your piercing is bothering you, don’t panic.
“If you notice excessive swelling, redness, or radiating heat, or if the piercing is secreting fluid, don’t stress—nine out of 10 times, your piercing is only irritated and not infected,” Smith assures. “Any reputable piercer will take a look at your piercing and set your mind at ease. Never panic—worst case we just remove the jewelry. Don’t ask your friends, search online, or go to the doctor. Your piercer should be your first stop if you are the slightest bit worried, no one else.”
How long does it take to heal?
A tongue piercing officially takes between six and eight weeks to completely heal. However, your individual healing process depends entirely on how you care for your new piercing.
Read on to find out what symptoms are typical during this time, how your aftercare may vary from week to week, when you can safely change your jewelry, and more.
Proper aftercare techniques are crucial to the outcome of your tongue piercing. Much of this depends on where your tongue piercing is placed, as well as how many new piercings you have.
Although the bulk of your aftercare takes place within the first couple of weeks, you’ll need to stay on top of daily cleanings until the piercing has completely healed. You should still clean your piercing once it’s healed, but you’ll have more flexibility in how often you do so.
Days 1 through 4
A little bit of swelling is normal — after all, your tongue now has a hole in it. Still, the amount of swelling shouldn’t keep you from drinking water or talking.
You’ll need to be careful with the types of foods that you eat, as these can get stuck around the jewelry and make you uncomfortable. Soft, bland foods — like applesauce and yogurt — are preferred.
French kissing and oral sex are off-limits during this time.
You can do a salt rinse to help minimize any pain and swelling. Ready-made rinses may be available for purchase from your piercer, or you can make your own at home. Use it several times per day at first to encourage the healing process.
Days 5 and 6
Pain and swelling should start to subside by the end of the first week. You may find it easier to eat, but you should still stick with soft foods at this point.
Keep up with your salt rinses, and avoid extensive physical contact with others.
Days 7 through 9
Overall pain and swelling should be done by this point. You may start eating harder, crunchier foods, but do so with care. If any discomfort develops, stick with soft foods for a bit longer.
Avoid hot beverages, as these can encourage further swelling.
If possible, rinse your mouth out with salt water after eating and drinking. This can help prevent food and other irritants from getting stuck around the jewelry.
Days 10 through 41
By day 10, your piercing may look like it’s good to go — but appearances aren’t everything. The hole won’t be completely healed for several more weeks.
You can eat almost anything you’d like at this point. But take care with spices, as these can irritate the wound.
You can cut down to twice-daily salt rinses — preferably morning and night — after you brush your teeth.
Days 42 through 56
This is considered the final stretch in your tongue piercing healing process. Continue with your salt rinses, and make sure you’re brushing and flossing.
You shouldn’t have any pain or swelling at this stage, but you might find that certain foods irritate your tongue. Any symptoms beyond this may be a sign of infection or a poor piercing job.
Once your piercer give you the OK, you can resume your normal habits. This includes eating what you want, getting intimate, and switching out your jewelry.
You’ll still need to take precautions after the eight-week healing period, though. This ensures the health of your piercing over the long term.
While the initial piece of jewelry used for your piercing may not be your favorite, it’s important to make sure it stays put over the next eight weeks.
Removing the stud too soon can increase your risk of tears and infections. The hole may also close up if you remove the jewelry too soon.
Once the time comes to remove the jewelry used for the piercing, it’s best to see your piercer. They can ensure a safe removal process and show you how to correctly put new jewelry in.
Oral piercings include piercings that pass through the tongue, lips, cheeks, and sometimes, the uvula – the teardrop-shaped tissue at the back of your throat. While they give piercing enthusiasts a unique way to express their style, oral piercings have to be handled very carefully.
Oral piercing aftercare is crucial to prevent infection, reduce swelling, and speed up the process of healing.
Here’s a quick guide to proper oral piercing aftercare:
Tips for Oral Piercing Aftercare
- To clean the pierced area, you can either use a solution of non-iodized salt or an alcohol-free mouthwash. Swish the mouthwash or salt solution around your mouth for a few minutes. Repeat this many times a day to maintain proper hygiene and limit bacterial growth inside the mouth. For uvula piercings, you will also have to gargle with the solution.
- Mouth rinses should be done after every meal, before going to bed, and the first thing in the morning.
- To clean the outside area around your pierced lip or cheek, you can use a saltwater soak or a solution of liquid antibacterial soap with water. Always dry the area afterward using a clean paper towel.
- Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a new, soft-bristled toothbrush and be very careful when brushing near the pierced area. Rinse your mouth with the salt solution or an alcohol-free mouthwash after brushing your teeth.
- Eat soft foods and drink more fluids during the first few days. Some options include soup (not too hot), smoothies, ice cream, yogurt, pudding, etc. It may not be easy to chew food like you normally do and you don’t want to run the risk of biting on your piercing.
- Avoid eating very spicy, salty, or acidic food and drinks. Also, do not drink hot beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
- Stay away from cigarettes, alcohol until the piercing is completely healed.
- You must keep the piercing away from harmful bacteria and any other foreign bodies. This also includes your partner. So, avoid kissing and any other activities involving the mouth. Do not share your plates, cups, fork, spoons, or knives with anyone.
- You will experience some swelling, which will continue for a few days. To help ease the swelling, you can put some ice in your mouth and let it dissolve.
- Do not lick your piercing or play with it. Cleaning time should be the only time you can touch it. Touching it unnecessarily can lead to infection, pain, swelling, and increased healing time.
- Do not try to change the jewelry before the piercing has healed.
- Sleep on your back with your head propped up for at least the first few days.
Oral piercings require extra care to help them heal properly. If you notice any signs of infection, such as prolonged swelling, redness, discharge, blistering, etc., make sure to consult your doctor immediately.
No Insurance?
Oral Piercing Care: What You Need to Know
Dec 12, 2018
Oral piercings are a cosmetic form of self-expression. If cared for correctly, your oral piercing will cause minimal to no problems for you, but if not, it could be dangerous to your health. Here’s how to properly care for your oral piercing throughout its lifetime.
Your mouth contains millions of bacteria. Swelling, infections, and further damage can occur if you do not clean and care for your oral piercings. Think of your oral piercing as an open wound that must form protective tissue and heal. To ensure a successful start and to avoid infection, diligence within the first four weeks after the piercing is of utmost importance.
- Wash your hands really well before you clean or touch your piercing.
- Use warm salt water or an antibacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash and rinse your piercing after every meal or snack for 30 seconds.
- Rinse your mouth immediately when you wake up and right before going to bed.
- Floss daily, and gently brush your teeth, tongue, and jewelry when possible.
- Eat small bites of healthy food.
- Occasionally remove your piercing for small amounts of time.
DO NOT:
- Use an alcohol-based mouth rinse.
- Come into contact with others’ saliva.
- Share cups, plates, forks, knives, or spoons with anyone.
- Kiss anyone during the healing period.
- Drink hot drinks.
- Eat spicy, salty, or acidic foods and drinks.
Wash your hands before touching your piercing for any reason.
Replace larger jewelry with smaller pieces that are less likely to bump into your teeth.
Take the jewelry out every night and brush it.
Take the jewelry out before doing anything active.
You may experience problems even if you take good care of your piercing. Your mouth is a hot, warm environment perfect for breeding bacteria. (In some people with heart disease, bacteria can cause further damage to your heart valves; ask your doctor before getting a piercing.) Beside infection and disease, you may experience tongue swelling, which may inhibit your breathing. Your tongue is also comprised of many blood vessels, so bleeding isn’t uncommon.
The jewelry itself could also cause a host of problems. Worst-case scenario: it may break off in your mouth and cause you to choke. More common issues include chipping teeth while you eat, drink, talk, or sleep. If you accidentally bite down on the piercing and break your tooth, you may need a root canal to fix it.
- Common problems with oral piercings:
- Difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing
- Tongue swelling
- Increased saliva production
- Damage to tongue, teeth, fillings, and gums
- Allergic reaction to the jewelry
- Difficulty in taking mouth X-rays
- Gum disease
- Bleeding
- Long-term infection and disease
If you experience any irritation or uncomfortable side effects from your oral piercing, please don’t hesitate to contact us at The Dental Care Center.
Ashtyn Evans
A reader asks: “Will piercings really help to enhance the sexual experience?”
I cannot tell you from first-hand experience if piercings will help to enhance your sex life, because I personally don’t have any body piercings. (While I have considered getting some, I have never gotten around to it, and it’s likely that I never will.) However, I have many friends who have various parts of their body pierced — and most of them have great things to say about their piercings.
The most common part pierced for sexual pleasures is the tongue. I am told it does not really hurt to have the tongue pierced, and the benefits are somewhat obvious. When used for oral sex, the small metal ball or tongue ring that is on the tip of the ring will add pressure, tease, and bring a new sensation to the experience for your lover. People that use them seem to get off on the fact that their partner enjoys oral sex so much.
Meanwhile, the one on the receiving end usually also loves the power of the tongue ring. For some extra fun, you can drink something warm or suck on some ice prior to performing oral. This will change the temperature of both your mouth and the tongue ring for added effect.
When it comes to other parts, I can tell you that a piercing will make that particular part of your body part more sensitive. For example, people who have their nipples pierced find it highly arousing to have their nipples toyed with during sex (or anytime, really). The same can be said for men brave enough to have a penis piercing and women that go with labia or clitoral hood piercings.
An interesting side story that just might answer your question comes courtesy of a friend of mine who once worked in a piercing parlor. When you are pierced, someone washes or cleans your body part prior to the piercing — and that was my friend’s job. One day he needed to clean up a girl who was getting a vaginal piercing (I don’t recall what specific area). The girl already had several piercings in that area and had decided to add one more.
My friend became increasingly frustrated with his job because he was having a tough time cleaning the area. However, the girl was so sensitive from the number of piercings she already had, that the motion of cleaning her brought her to orgasm repeatedly.
So, yes, it’s safe to say that piercings can help enhance your sexual pleasure in one specific manner. Just make sure if you are going to get a new hole in your body, you go with a person licensed in piercing. Request to see the piercing tools they use ahead of time, and ask how the overall process will occur.
Also, make sure that you are going to commit to keeping your piercing clean and well taken care of, in order to avoid any problems or possible infections. Things of that nature would, of course, seriously reduce pleasure.
Posted by Ann V. On 2016 Mar 7th
While oral piercings might be used as a style statement or a type of self-expression, they also represent a genuine risk of long haul harm to your oral health. Oral piercings include piercing the tongue, lips or cheeks with gems, frequently in such styles as barbells, studs and rings.
Risks related to piercing the mouth incorporate gagging, disease and harmed teeth. Before choosing to pierce your tongue or mouth, make certain to talk with a dental practitioner about the dangers included and the best possible consideration required to keep up a healthy mouth with an oral piercing.
Infection:
Doesn’t matter how you keep your mouth clean, it is regularly loaded with bacterias. Brushing, flossing and keeping up a healthy eating regimen can hold microbes under control and keep innocuous microscopic organisms from developing. Nonetheless, with an oral piercing, disease turns into a typical issue.
To oversee pain and swelling of the tongue and mouth brought on by infection, melt ice chips in your mouth or, contingent upon how swollen you get, a remedy for mitigating medicine might be required.
Harmed Gums and Teeth:
Metal gems inside the mouth can prompt genuine harm to the gums by harming delicate gum tissue and creating the gums to recede. Receding gums leave part of the tooth’s root uncovered, making you more powerless against gum disease and tooth rot. While brushing with a delicate toothbrush and staying aware of good oral cleanliness propensities can regularly keep retreating gums from deteriorating.
Sometimes it’s important to unite tissue over the presented root to facilitate anticipate harm. Steady contact with gems can likewise bring about the teeth to split or chip, particularly if they have been reestablished with crowns or tops.
Disabled Oral Function:
Having a new protest in your mouth can meddle with typical oral capacity, for example, biting, talking and gulping. Because of swelling or unreasonable spit stream brought on by the jewelry, you may think that its hard to proclaim words effectively.
Different entanglements associated with oral piercing incorporate blood-borne diseases, gagging perils and delayed dying. An oral piercing is a main decision to make, as you are creating an impression as well as putting your oral and dental health in danger.
Make sure to talk about your decision with your dental practitioner before proceeding with an oral piercing.
If you do choose to get an oral piercing, dependably visit the parlor before choosing where to get your piercing.
- Ensure that the office is spotless, and that the procedure happens using sterile gear.
- Therefore, it is a smart idea to look online for respectable, experienced suppliers. Never experience a piercing of your own.
