A pierced tongue is a kind of fashion statement. The process of piercing the tongue can however be painful and the resultant wound is at increased risk to infections. Hence, it is important to take all the precautions necessary to avoid any kind of problems.
It is important to get the tongue pierced only from a certified tongue piercing technician who has undergone the essential training. Additionally, you have to make sure that the work environment of the piercer is clean and hygienic. A dirty workplace is breeding ground for bacteria and other germs and hence should be avoided.
It is important to ensure that the piercing gun, needle, etc., used to pierce the tongue as well as other relevant tools are clean and sterilized. In case you are allergic to certain metals, then the technician has to be informed of such details. Stainless steel and titanium jewelry are the most popular kind and typically do not cause any allergic reactions.
Book an appointment with technician and learn everything that you can about tongue piercing, the procedure, and the side effects, etc. before undergoing the procedure. The technician will also offer aftercare instructions that need to be followed religiously. Ensure that you have all the contact details of the tongue piercer and call him/her whenever you require assistance with regards to your pierced tongue.
Immediately seek medical attention if there is infection of the tongue piercing. Infection of a pierced tongue is usually accompanied by symptoms like chills, fever, shaking, and occurrence of red streaks on the tongue around the punctured site, etc.
How long it takes for tongue piercing to heal?
Healing of a pierced tongue may occur in about 4 to 6 weeks. It may even take 2 months in some cases. Pain in the tongue may persist for around a month after the procedure. Following proper aftercare can help mitigate swelling, pain, and discomfort, reduce the chances of infection, and improve and quicken the healing process.
Tongue Piercing aftercare instructions
Presented below are some do’s and don’ts of tongue piercing aftercare:
- The tongue will remain swollen for about 5 days after the piercing. It should not be a cause of worry as it is normal. The tongue area will be sensitive and prone to infections till the healing is complete. Hence, avoid touching the tongue. In case you have to touch the tongue then ensure that your hands are clean. Thoroughly wash your hands with an antiseptic soap before touching the pierced tongue.
- Use a mouthwash and rinse two times a day. It may result in discoloration of the jewelry and even cause burning sensations for a short while. But it has to be done regularly without fail. You may rinse with lukewarm water, if you do not like mouthwash. Lukewarm water can be used to rinse the mouth as many times as you want.
- Clean the piercing with saline water, in the mornings and before sleeping. This will help remove any germs that may be present in the pierced hole and prevent infections. Make the saline solution by mixing sea salt in water, then dip a cotton swab in it, and later gently dab it on the tongue piercing site.
- Crush some ice cubes and place it on the pierced area. Do not suck on the ice but allow it to melt naturally. This will help ease the swelling and pain.
- It is very important to maintain oral hygiene else there will be increased risk to inflammation, swelling, bleeding, and infections, etc. Use toothpaste recommended by the technician or a dentist and a toothbrush with soft bristles to brush the teeth twice every day. Rinse the mouth to clear off any particles that may remain in the mouth. Do not use alcohol or any kind of alcohol-based product to clean and rinse the mouth.
- The body has to remain hydrated and the mouth has to stay moist for faster healing. Hence, drink lots of water. It is better to drink cold water, particularly just after waking up in the morning. Blood flows into the brain when asleep. This causes the pierced tongue to swell up in the morning. Sipping cold water will help reduce swelling and alleviate any pain.
- A tongue piercing is accompanied by a swollen tongue which can pose difficulties in chewing and eating food. It is best to go for a liquid diet for the initial few days after the procedure. The diet can include vegetable and fruit juices and “soft” foods like mashed cool bananas, boiled cooled-down veggies, ice cream, cold yogurt, and cold rice, etc. Eat small meals and small portions of food. Rinse the mouth to clean out any food particles that remain in the mouth.
- Do not eat foods that oily, acidic, spicy, or very hot. These can irritate and damage the tender tongue and result in discomfort, pain, and even minor bleeding. Do not eat hard foods like chips, chocolates, etc., as they can also inflict tongue damage.
- Take extra care when laughing or sneezing as these actions can cause vibrations of the tongue piercing, leading to increased pain, exacerbation of the pierced wound, and discomfort, etc. Avoid talking excessively as it can tire out the tongue, cause pain, and hamper the healing process.
- The tongue piercer will recommend over the counter pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs. The latter will help subside swelling, inflammation, and pain. Do not wait till the pain becomes severe; take the pain killers even when there is minor pain.
- Do not take aspirin to ease pain. It tends to exacerbate the wound on the tongue and may trigger excessive bleeding.
- Do not drink using a straw as the force required to suck through a straw can place excessive pressure on the tongue and irritate and damage the wound.
- Do not drink coffee, carbonated beverages, or alcohol. Do not smoke/quit smoking. Do not use tobacco-based products. Do not engage in oral sex till complete healing has occurred. Cigarettes and alcohol will not just directly aggravate the tongue piercing wound, but will also harm the overall health and the immune system which can result in delayed healing.
- Do not chew on chewing gums as it can stick to the tongue jewelry and aggravate the wound.
- Avoid swimming and vigorous or jarring physical activities like running, working out, jogging, etc., till the tongue piercing had completely healed. These activities can exert pressure on the tongue and cause pain, etc.
- Do not play with the jewelry. Do not rub the tongue or the jewelry against the gums, the roof of the mouth, etc. Playing with the tongue stud, barbell, etc., can increase the risk to development of scar tissues.
- Avoid moving the tongue as much as possible to promote healing. Keeping the mouth shut is a good way to avoid movement of the tongue.
- What be the reason, do not remove the tongue jewelry on your own. Visit the technician to have it removed.
