Healing 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.
Consequently, how do you know if your tongue piercing is healed?
If there are no complications, complete healing usually takes around 4–6 weeks. 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.
Considering this, can a healed tongue piercing get infected?
It is difficult to keep a tongue piercing clean, which further increases the risk of infection, especially during the healing process. 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.
What not to do after getting your tongue pierced?
On the flip side, don’t:
- use tongue scrapers.
- play with your jewelry.
- engage in french kissing or oral sex until the piercing has completely healed.
- play contact sports with your jewelry in your tongue.
- smoke or drink alcohol during the healing process.
Can I put my tongue ring back in?
Tongue piercings can close up very quickly, even after they heal. If you take out your jewelry, put a new one in its place right away. Choose a piercing that fits your tongue. Your tongue swells when you get it pierced, so the bar you were pierced with is extra long.
Why does your tongue turn white after you get it pierced?
If you (or your teenager) have just had a tongue piercing, you might see a white coating on your tongue. It’s normal bacterial growth that you can reduce with antifungal mouthwash, like Nystatin (like Nystop®).
When can I give oral after tongue piercing?
You’ll also have to be careful to prevent bacteria getting into the mouth which means no smoking, kissing, putting your hands in your mouth OR engage in oral sex. You should avoid this for as long as possible, with many websites advising against oral sex for at least 4-6 weeks.
What does a infected tongue piercing look like?
Other symptoms of infection include fever, chills, shaking or red streaks around the piercing wound. The IJAHSP also mentions swollen lymph nodes and unusual discharge as signs of infection. An untreated infected tongue piercing leads to severe consequences, including death.
What is a tongue ring retainer?
Tongue Retainers are made of acrylic. They replace your existing Tongue Stud and are used for hiding Tongue Piercings, or can be used if you need to remove your jewellery for an x-ray, operation or dental treatment. It is held in place with a rubber ‘O’ ring.
Can a tongue piercing paralyze you?
Nerve Injury
The tongue is supplied by the hypoglossal nerve and the lingual branch of the trigeminal nerve. These nerves can be damaged during piercing and permanent paralysis of the tongue can occur.
Is it normal for pus to come out of a tongue piercing?
A new piercing can be tender, itchy and slightly red and can remain so for a few weeks. A pale, odourless fluid may sometimes discharge from the piercing and form a crust. This should not be confused with pus, which would indicate infection.
How do I clean the bottom of my tongue ring?
Some people avoid taking the jewelry out, but it is vital to clean the piercing with rubbing alcohol at least once a day. After a few days, remove the balls gently, soak it in alcohol for about ten minutes, and rinse them with water.
