Tongue Care

Summary

Comfortable: 3 days to 2 weeks

Healing Time: 6 Months

Rinse frequently with warm salty water.

Ask for your piercer's mobile phone number.

Avoid putting anything dirty in your mouth and refrain from kissing and oral sex during the healing phase.

Never leave your jewelry out for more than a few hours during the first 6 months - the piercing may close.

To minimise swelling in the first few days, suck on ice-cubes and antibacterial/anti-inflammatory throat lozenges, and try not to talk too much

Take vitamin C and zinc to maximise your healing

Care Rountine

Day 1

1. Bleeding
   The inside of the mouth has an excellent blood supply so expect some blood in your mouth during and just after the procedure.


2. Pain
   You will experience some soreness for the first day or so. Paracetamol (e.g.Panadol,Tylenol) is an appropriate pain-reliever. Do not use aspirin as it promotes bleeding.


3. Advice
   Ask for the mobile phone number of your piercer. Misery is common during the first few days and you may worry about the swelling. I like to be available for re-assurance or advice.

Day 2 - 5

1. Food
   At this stage it will be difficult to talk and eat. It is important to maintain your food intake during the healing period. Cold foods are better tolerated than hot foods. High-calorie foods (e.g. milkshakes, ice-cream) will keep up your energy levels – if you do not eat enough, the healing process may be delayed. You should avoid anything spicy or hot.


2. Mouthwashing
   Rinse your mouth with salty water as often as you like. The correct proportion is 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt to 8 ounces (250mls) of bottled water.


3. Swelling
   Suck on ice or popsicles to help reduce the swelling which will inevitably occur over the next few days.
4. Pain
   You will experience some soreness for the first day or so. Paracetamol (e.g.Panadol,Tylenol) is an appropriate pain-reliever. Do not use aspirin as it promotes bleeding.


5. Swelling
   Suck on ice or popsicles to help reduce the swelling which will inevitably occur over the next few days.

Day 2 - 8

1. Changing Jewlery
   Your initial labret has a longer pole to cope with the initial swelling. After 2 weeks most people will see their piercer to fit a shorter pole. Do not try to do this yourself.


2. Healing
   Your piercing will usually take 2 months to heal fully and become "permanent". Don’t play with or chew on your piercing as this can lead to the formation of scar tissue.


3. Hygiene
   Both bacterial and viral infections can penetrate a healing piercing. While healing avoid putting anything dirty in your mouth, e.g. coins, pens, other people's tongues, and refrain from kissing and oral sex.
4. Safety Check
   You should check that the ball is firmly screwed on to the barbell about once a week. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching the piercing.


5. Warning
   Even a healed piercing can close overnight. Never leave your piercing without jewelry for more than a few hours!

Bacterial Infections

infections are uncommon. Even though your mouth harbours more bacteria than any other part of your body, the washing action of your saliva and the enzymes it contains improves healing.

Even though your mouth harbors more bacteria than any other part of your body, the washing action of your saliva and the enzymes it contains improves healing.

Refrain from kissing and oral sex during the healing period.

Symptoms of infection include increased pain, increased redness and an increase in the amount and thickness of the discharge. The infected discharge is usually thick and yellow, green or grey and may have an unusual odor. Consult with your physician or piercer and do not remove the jewelry until you seek advice.