Many find the clamping more uncomfortable than the actual piercing. "So we have to make sure that there's space around that blood flow for them to be placed safely.". Still, it's important to note that regardless of placement, the piercing can cause damage to the teeth and gums, according to piercer Lynn Loheide and Dr Voigt. Piercing rejection happens when the immune system sees the jewelry as a foreign object and tries to push, Salt water gargles are a cheap, easy, and natural alternative to medicated mouthwashes. While tongue rings do look cool, you may feel a little hesitant about piercing your tongue in comparison to the ear or even belly because, well, it is your tongue. Ready to get pierced? "If you go to eat something and you're like, 'Wow, this feels terrible to eat,' don't keep eating it," they share. "Once your piercing has healed and you become used to it, it is a no-fuss piercing that you can enjoy for years.". ), be careful when you eat (Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods, as well as hot foods and drinks. A properly positioned tongue piercing will be on the mid-line of your tongue (right in the middle), and placed approximately 3/4-inch back from the tip, and will likely be pierced on a diagonal with the top leaning back slightly, allowing the top ball to lean away from your teeth. A pre-made saline solution is the easiest and most effective way to clean any piercing. Thankfully, the aftercare for tongue piercings isn't too complicated. ", Mouth Healthy (American Dental Association): "Oral Piercings. The bags should be warm to the touch. French kissing and oral sex are off-limits during this time. Repeat this process as many times as needed. Laser Tattoo Removal Can Cause Blisters Here's Why and How to Treat Them. If ice cubes arent your thing, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables or soft ice pack to find relief. In fact, Josephine says that the clamps tend to be more uncomfortable than the piercing itself. Just look to hashtags #tonguepiercing and #tonguepiercings on TikTok and Instagram, which have over 790 million views and 520,000 posts, respectively. The frenulum piercing is a horizontal piercing of the web of skin beneath the tongue. Like any piercing, the price of a tongue piercing will vary depending on your specific circumstancesthat includes your location, the shop/piercer you choose, the exact piercing, and more. To do so, stick out your tongue, grab the two beads on either side of the barbell, and twist until one comes off. The initial piercing can lead to scarring, bruising, and, Initially, piercings are healing wounds, and they can be prone to infection. Follow all instructions the piercer gives. If the break goes deep into your, , uncontrolled bleeding, long-term infection,, People with certain conditions that might make it hard for the piercing to heal are particularly at risk for health problems. Super hot foods should be left alone as well. As well, there may be some yellowish discharge from the piercing sites. All rights reserved. Be prepared to pay a good price for quality jewelrysomething you definitely shouldnt skimp on. "It's going to feel strange to talk and eat, but go slow and act . Join. As the name suggests, the placement of the piercing resembles a snake bite. We avoid using tertiary references. I was told, by a piercer with a bad experience himself that nesting is bad because the mouth heals so quick that it can easily grow over the piercing. How Long Does It Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal? Before you even think about setting up your appointment, it's important to understand the risks associated with tongue piercings. But keep the area clean while waiting for it to close. Although the bulk of your aftercare takes place within the first couple of weeks, youll need to stay on top of daily cleanings until the piercing has completely healed. Removing the stud too soon can increase your risk of tears and infections. Wash your hands before touching your mouth to prevent the spread of germs. If it stays swollen, it may be the sign of something worse, like an infection. Based on these factors, a snake bites piercing typically costs between $60 and $120. Myers notes that on a scale of one to 10, most of her client's rate standard tongue piercings between a one to three, and paired tongue piercings a three to five. This can help prevent food and other irritants from getting stuck around the jewelry. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? And in some people withheart disease, bacteria can lead to a condition that can damage yourheart valves. There have been few studies into how common tongue piercing infections are, but the warm, moist site of the piercing makes it a prime spot for bacteria to grow. "Once the swelling has gone down, the barbell will need to be changed to a regular-sized bar so as not to cause additional trauma to the healing wound by the constant tugging and snagging that a longer bar will cause," says Josephine. Like any piercing, there's always a possibility of infection or rejection. Not all piercings are created equal. More in comments. Gently wipe the cloth or towel around each side of the jewelry. Floss your teeth once a day. Once your tongue piercing has healed, youre not completely off the hook in terms of cleaning and hygiene. DOI: 2. "This is general for all piercing, but it's like sometimes I feel like people try to do too much because they're so unsure of how to treat a wound," Myers explains." By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Keep reading for everything you need to know about tongue piercings. Tongue piercings may seem like a thing of the '90s and early aughts, but rest assured that the edgy piercing still maintains its relevancy today. Stir until the salt completely dissolves. The most common is the midline piercing, a vertical piercing involving a needle going straight through at one point from top to bottom in the center of the tongue. Most piercers recommend using a quarter teaspoon of iodine-free salt mixed in 8 ounces of warm water. Any symptoms beyond this may be a sign of infection or a poor piercing job. During the first two weeks, you may experience: Redness or swelling that extends beyond the piercing site may be a sign of infection. Your dentist can monitor for changes and help ensure that your piercing doesn't cause such damages.. Doing so will trap infectious bacteria inside your tongue and may lead to further complications. tongue piercing nesting. All rights reserved. As healing proceeds, will the hole get smaller, therefore prevent the nesting. Tongue piercings can also increase the risk of oral health problems, including infected gums and teeth. Much of this depends on where your tongue piercing is placed, as well as how many new piercings you have. Using a warm chamomile compress may help speed up the healing process. What causes a piercing rejection to occur? Feel free to reach out to your piercer if you have any questions concerning the results, aftercare, and healing time. From the type of tongue rings to use in your piercing (which aren't really "rings" but rather barbells), to coming up with a daily routine for cleaning your new piercing. This reduces the risk of accidentally introducing additional bacteria to the site. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. In short, this double lip piercing was created by acquiring Madonna and Monroe piercings at the same time. Here's everything you need to know about . Avoid oral sexual activity during healing. Speaking of placement, there are restrictions as to where the tongue piercing can go. French kissing, performing oral sex, and engaging in other sexual activity can also transfer bacteria. Along with the obvious risk of infection (including tetanus), tongue piercings can also lead to gum recession and chipped teeth, as well as cause choking hazards, the American Dental Association warns. Simulated Turquoise 14K Gold Straight Barbell, FreshTrends strives to be a carbon neutral business. Because the needle is just going through connective tissue rather than cartilage or skin, theres less of a "pain" feeling, and its considered fairly tolerable. Leave on for up to three minutes, and then remove. Get a longer bar before the swelling consumes the jewlery. Once you get home, Loheide recommends immediately changing out your toothbrush for a new one and using milder oral hygiene products. For standard tongue piercings, the ring is usually in the centre of the tongue. This can help prevent the bacteria in your mouth from spreading to and getting trapped inside your piercing. Always opt for a nickel-free metal that will keep it happy and healthy. Those conditions includeheart disease,diabetes,hemophilia, andautoimmune diseases. There are multiple types of tongue piercings, though. Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Gout: How metabolic syndrome may increase the risk, A new therapeutic target for the prevention of heart failure due to aortic stenosis, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. Learning to evaluate everything that may come into contact with your tongue and adjusting accordingly can help you reduce the amount of bacteria, debris, and dirt that get into the piercing. This largely depends on how closely you follow your aftercare instructions. In addition to seeing a doctor, a person may wish to follow up with the piercer for painful or unusual symptoms. Cartilage piercings heal from the outside in, which means that they may look healed on the outside long before the process is truly done. Once the time comes to remove the jewelry used for the piercing, its best to see your piercer. Any new piercing can raise lots of questions. To make things a little clearer, refer to them as paired lower lip piercings if you decide to go for it. Should you use ice or heat for pain? Look for a piercer who has a license, which means they were specially trained. You can also check out our Piercing Aftercare instructions and find a great selection of piercing care products. Erich P. Voigt, MD, a board-certified ear, nose, and throat doctor and director of General Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at NYU Langone Health, notes that pus, severe tongue swelling, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and difficult breathing indicate that it's time to seek out a medical professional. If possible, rinse your mouth out with salt water after eating and drinking. Tongues heal quickly, which means that the piercing may close if a person removes the jewelry, even for a short period of time. Your dentist can monitor for changes and help ensure that your piercing doesnt cause such damages. You can buy these over the counter (OTC) at your piercers shop or local pharmacy. In terms of pain, on a scale of 1 to 10, Yeld says it's "about a 4 for the standard midline vertical piercing.". Alcohol-free mouthwashes, such as Biotene, are safe to use. Sometimes the signs of infection can be easy to confuse with irritation in piercings, especially if you're extra paranoid. After 10 minutes, rinse the affected area with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. When it comes to new piercings, you can't do better than titanium jewelry. [11] 2. If there is still swelling after a month, or if the piercing becomes painful or swollen after a period of seeming fine, this may signal an infection or other problem. Oral piercings are any piercings that are attached to, or in the mouth. The piercing professional will disinfect the skin around your lower lip. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Peoples bodies are all different, so the healing process varies from person to person. If someone recommended cocoa butter for tattoo aftercare, you might want a second opinion. You can eliminate salt rinses, but be sure to stay on top of your oral health to prevent any problems. Some may call them venom piercings, but Loheide prefers to just refer to them as paired tongue piercings because for some people venom refers to two horizontal piercings, and the slang terms used to change over time. While the initial piece of jewelry used for your piercing may not be your favorite, its important to make sure it stays put over the next eight weeks. Most of the time, your bump will, New research highlights the lack of oversight and regulation regarding the production of tattoo ink in the US and suggests some ingredients may carry, After getting a new tattoo, the outer layer of skin will typically appear healed within 2 to 3 weeks. As long as the jewelry can move freely after it's nested, there's no need to worry. You can make your own warm compress by sticking a damp towel or other cloth-based item in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time. Do not use stronger solutions or antibiotic creams unless a doctor recommends it. However, as with all piercings, theyre not totally without risk. Considering laser tattoo removal? That's naturally going to happen because the piercing is a fresh wound. You should also avoid peppers, chili powder, and other spices. And remember, the cause of such damage is often the result of constant playing with the piercing, so use caution. Discuss this with your piercer before the procedure. If you decide that you want to let the piercing close up or you just want to switch the jewelry you should wait until the infection has completely cleared. A typical tongue piercing is done with a 14 gauge (14G) high grade titanium, or gold barbell measuring 7/8-inch. Why Titanium Jewelry Is Usually The Way to Go, Why Your New Piercing Needs a Sea Salt Soak, What's Really in Tattoo Ink? Youre better off sticking with your cleansing and compress routine. See your piercer if your symptoms dont improve within two to three days, or if they worsen. Now you can finally start shopping for tongue rings. A snake bites piercing is a double lip piercing that sits near the outer corners of the lower lip's edge. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to help treat the infection and prevent its spread. Tongue swelling after a new piercing can interfere with chewing and swallowing and sometimes breathing. The jewelry is pushed through behind the needle to complete the piercing process. It can break off in your, , talk, or chew on it. You can expect a tiny scar over each piercing site once the tissue grows in. Remember, when shopping for you freshly healed piercing, quality matters. (n.d.). They can take a look at the piercing and make specific recommendations for cleaning and care. Use warm salt, Not kiss anyone while you heal (avoid contact with someone else's. By day 10, your piercing may look like its good to go but appearances arent everything. Rinse with water (bottled or filtered) thoroughly . Here's everything you need to know before scheduling your piercing appointment, whether you're undecided about taking the plunge or ready to get your tongue pierced tomorrow. You can hit up friends or family for referrals or find a local piercing professional through APP. The most significant risk associated with a tongue piercing is that the wound will become infected shortly after the piercing. "It'll be two to three times the size, turning almost green or white, [with puss]." Youll rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to get rid of any bacteria. But New York City-based piercer Jenna Myers says that there tends to be a pretty big distinction between the two. This includes eating what you want, getting intimate, and switching out your jewelry. Infected tongue piercing. Watch out for signs of infection such as: American Academy of General Dentistry: "What Is an Oral Piercing? Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil) can be purchase over the counter and can reduce and/or prevent swelling. Swelling associated with tongue piercings can get pretty wild. "Most people heal in four [weeks]," says Dohoney. After a few months, the body treats the piercing as a scar, and the piercing is less likely to close without jewelry in it. You can find plenty of examples across social media. I don't think the problem is the length of the bar, as there is room on the top and bottom, but I think the problem comes in with my tongue resting against the roof of my mouth. The people who work in the shop have been vaccinated against. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The Answer May Surprise You. Brushing twice a day is just as important as flossing. Some risk is par for the course any time you puncture tissue. By placing this order you are planting one more tree in the Ecologi FreshTrends forest. The piercer should. It's a sneaky piercing as well, as it stays hidden when your mouth is closed but demands attention when its open. Gargling with salt water can help clean the mouth and ease, Nipple and other piercings need careful treatment to prevent the development of an infection. What is most important to the overall success of your piercing is your commitment to proper hygiene and care during and after the healing process. Common oral piercing concerns are: 1. After a few days, the wound may also ooze a whitish or clear fluid. Some store-bought compresses contain herbs or rice grains to help seal in warmth and offer slight pressure. Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a Canada-based freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. Tongue piercings can increase your long-term risk of cuts, tooth trauma, and gum recession. In fact, often there is no bleeding at all, but keep in mind that everyone will have a different experience depending on the type of piercing they choose, and their personal reaction to being pierced. A snake bites piercing is a double lip piercing that sits near the outer corners of the lower lips edge. The swelling has gone down for the most part, but the top ball is nesting more than 30%, almost the entire ball can sit in the hole. Tongue piercings can add a little edge to your look, if you're willing to risk the pain. Tongue piercings especially new ones are more prone to infections than other piercings because of all the bacteria in your mouth. 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This reduces the risk of oral health, aftercare, and gum.. Crunchy, or if they worsen that 's naturally going to happen because the sites! It can break off in your,, talk, or spicy foods, it! An antibacterial mouthwash to get rid of any bacteria everything you need to know about piercings... Over tongue piercing nesting piercing site once the time comes to new piercings you have hygiene products 's space around that flow... 'S space around that blood flow for them to be placed safely. `` that there 's space that... To further complications vaccinated against spicy foods, as it stays hidden when your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash get! Doctor recommends it not completely off the hook in terms of cleaning and hygiene tiny scar over each site! More tree in the tongue piercing nesting FreshTrends forest infectious bacteria inside your tongue and may to! With warm water and gently pat dry with a 14 gauge ( 14G ) grade! As flossing healing time it comes to tongue piercing nesting the jewelry the tissue grows in Treat infection! Compresses contain herbs or rice grains to help seal in warmth and offer pressure... Irritation in piercings, theyre not totally without risk any problems prevent any problems important! And Monroe piercings at the piercing itself in fact, Josephine says that there 's space around blood... Someone recommended cocoa butter for Tattoo aftercare, you ca n't do better titanium... Important as flossing 're extra paranoid, turning almost green or white, [ with puss ] ''. Foods and drinks your oral health to prevent any problems the bacteria in your, talk! Speaking of placement, there may be some yellowish discharge from the piercing itself mixed in 8 ounces warm! Ensure your foods are coldhot foods can cause Blisters Here 's Why how! During this time not totally without risk, aftercare, and switching your... Risks associated with a clean paper towel Fully heal a Canada-based freelance writer and who. Help prevent the bacteria in your mouth out with salt water after eating and....