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Tongue Piercing Aftercare: Healing and Risks

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So, you’ve taken the leap and decided to get your tongue pierced! Or maybe you’re on the cusp and are doing your research before committing. Either way, thanks for being here! Informing yourself is a wonderful thing, and since tongue piercings do carry some risk, it’s important to know the right steps to take to care for your new piercing and help keep your smile and teeth healthy. The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes that oral piercings are a form of self-expression and body art. However, they do advise against it because of the risks of complications.

Rinsing Solutions After a Tongue Piercing

To help prevent the risk of infection in the days and weeks following a tongue piercing, use a mouth rinse to clean the piercing site. The ADA suggests rinsing with an alcohol-free mouth rinse regularly during and after the healing period.

Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Using a new toothbrush after a piercing avoids introducing new bacteria into the mouth. A soft-bristled toothbrush designed to reach into small places without being rough on the area is the best kind of toothbrush to use after getting a tongue piercing. Although a soft-bristled brush is less harsh, be sure to brush around the piercing gently and carefully during your regular oral care routine.

Eating

To keep food from hitting the piercing during the healing period, use your fingers to place the food directly on your molars for chewing. Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before putting them in your mouth.

What Does Normal Healing Look Like?

Usually, a tongue piercing heals within four to six weeks. Pain, as well as a range of other healing symptoms, are perfectly normal after getting a tongue piercing. You can expect the pain to last up to one month, decreasing with time. Tongue swelling usually lasts three to five days but can reduce that by drinking cold liquids. Remember that your metal piercing is a conductor and will amplify the chilling effects of cold substances or the warming effects of high-temperature foods and beverages. So be careful not to overdo it.

Signs of Complications and Infection

Proper care and attention should lower the risk of infection from tongue piercings. Nonetheless, the ADA lists some potentially severe complications. In some cases, the tongue may swell to the point that it impedes breathing, in which case you should seek care right away. Look out for signs of infection after a tongue piercing, including fever, chills, shaking, or a red-streaked appearance around the piercing site. Contact a dentist or physician immediately if you suffer any symptoms.

Avoiding Dental Problems

A few temporary lifestyle changes can help prevent dental problems as a result of a tongue piercing. You should avoid chewing on non-food items such as gum, pencils, fingernails, tobacco and sunglasses. Substances like aspirin, caffeine and alcohol can increase swelling, bleeding and pain; you should avoid them during the healing process. For adventurous eaters, hot, spicy, salty and acidic foods are also on the list of no-go items while your tongue recovers.

Keep in mind playing with the jewelry and clicking or pushing it against the teeth can delay healing and cause dental problems like cracked or chipped teeth or receding gums. Some dentists say that a tongue piercing may fracture some types of restorations, such as crowns made of porcelain or porcelain and metal. In these cases, some dentists recommend acrylic balls or barbells, rather than metal ones.

Whether you’re looking to take care of an existing tongue piercing or you’re preparing yourself to get one in the future, we commend you for your commitment to taking care of your new bling. Although most dentists aren’t crazy about the idea of a foreign object being in your mouth, with proper care and careful attention, you can wear your tongue piercing proudly and still take care of your oral health.

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This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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