How to Take Care of a Tongue Piercing

Tongue piercings require diligent aftercare and good oral hygiene.

Getting a tongue piercing is a big commitment. You have to want the piercing enough that you are willing to talk like your mouth is full of cotton, refrain from smoking and give up spicy foods for several days. Fortunately, tongue piercings are one of the quickest piercings to heal. With a procedure performed by a trained body piercer, proper oral hygiene and diligent piercing aftercare, your tongue piercing will heal in about a month.

Things You'll Need

• Alcohol-free mouthwash
• Bottled water
• Ice chips

Instructions

1. Take a dose of ibuprofen on the way to your piercing appointment and every four to six hours afterward until the swelling goes down. Tongues begin to swell immediately after being pierced.

2. Buy a new toothbrush as soon as you leave the piercing shop. Your old toothbrush holds lots of bacteria, which can lead to infection of a fresh piercing. Brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking anything other than water for the next four weeks.

3. Carry a cup of ice chips everywhere you go for the first three to four days. Allow the ice chips to melt in your mouth to help soothe any pain and reduce swelling.

4. Rinse your mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash after every time you eat or drink and before brushing your teeth. If the mouthwash stings your piercing, dilute it 50/50 with bottled water.

5. Eat only soft foods for the first 48 to 72 hours after having your tongue pierced. Cold foods like pudding and ice cream may be more soothing than hot foods.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not smoke while your tongue is healing, as it can significantly prolong healing time.

References

• Pacific Body Jewellery and Piercing: Tongue Piercing Aftercare
• Piercology: Tongue Piercing FAQ
• Captain Jack's Tattoo Studio: Oral Piercing After Care

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Association of Professional Piercers: Oral Aftercare