How to Take Care of a Tongue Piercing

So you finally took a step on the wild side. Once you pierce your tongue and go a little wild, you have to know how to take care of it. Here are some simple daily steps to help keep the wound clean and heal properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sea Salt
• Antiseptic Mouthwash
• Over-the-counter pain medicine
• Plain old water

1. 

   Use sea salt to reduce the risk of infection as well as to reduce the pain. 1/4 teaspoon in 1/2 cup of warm water does the trick. Just swish for 30 to 45 seconds 5 times a day. This will help reduce the presence of bacteria and numb the soreness in you mouth.

2. 
   This is the brand I use.

   Use an antiseptic mouthwash five times a days. Just swish it across and under your tongue for 45 seconds or more and you are good to go. This will reduce the chance of bacteria entering the wound.

3. 

   Use ice water whenever you can. This will rinse your mouth out and numb some of the pain. Make sure to rinse at least 5 times a day with water regardless; after meals, drinks, and other rinses. Plus the ice cools your mouth and reduces the pain.

4. Do not, under any circumstance, participate in oral activity for at least 6 weeks. Deep kissing, french kissing, and oral sex should be striclty prohibited. This prevents the transfer of foreign bacteria into the piercing.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid spicy foods for the first 48 hours after the piercing.
• Rinse with fresh water as often as you can.
• Eat slowly. You may think the bead of your piercing is part of your dinner. Pace yourself.
• Over-the-counter medicines like Advil help reduce the pain.
• Take your time talking for the first couple of days. Relaxing your tongue eases the pain.
• Don't consume alcoholic (hard liqour) drinks for the first 2 weeks after the piercing.
• DO NOT USE LISTERINE. It is the highest alcohol content that exists in mouthwash.
• Consult your piercer and your physician if pain, discomfort, or infection occur.

[NuttyMomma]

on 3/14/2009 keeping it clean is most important. good article. 5*

[Meri]

on 2/5/2009 Good advice for taking care of a wound...

[Miragi]

on 11/20/2008 ""You may think the bead of your piercing is part of your dinner. ""

Thanks....nearly spit coffee all over me monitor!! :D
Excellent article! Thanks!

[amylaine]

on 11/5/2008 This looks like it could hurt. 5 stars.

[Thims]

on 10/13/2008 This isn't a "How To" aricle this is a "Why To" article. ;-) Good information.