The optimal way to care for your lip or tongue piercing is to rinse your mouth with a medical grade alcohol-free oral rinse like Tech 2000 or Biotene after every meal during initial healing (3-6 weeks). Tech 2000 should be diluted with distilled or bottled water according to package instructions as an oral irrigator (three capfuls in one cup of water).
Or you can use a:
In addition to the oral rinse after every meal, non-iodized sea salt rinses will assist the healing process. Dissolve 1/8 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse for approximately 20 - 30 seconds. Sea salt rinses should be performed after smoking or drinking anything with the exception of bottled water. Note: Individuals with blood or heart related conditions should avoid sea salt rinses. Please consult your personal physician if you have any questions.
Ice should be applied to the piercing for the first 48 hrs. in order to control any swelling (especially tongue piercing). Other cold liquids can help reduce swelling as well as ice pops, ice cream, and frozen yogurt, but be sure to rinse following your snack (this is not necessary with plain ice).
For those sensitive individuals an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, etc.) can help reduce swelling and pain.
It is important to brush your teeth three times daily while your piercing is healing. Brushing your teeth will cut down the amount of bacteria and food particles. It is suggested you purchase a new soft-bristled mechanical toothbrush to use during healing. Also, gently brush the balls and post of tongue jewelry to avoid plaque build-up. Do not use toothpaste, brush with bottled or distilled water.
Oral Hints
Try to eat very slowly. Only place small portions of food in your mouth one at a time. At first, eating may seem awkward, but this is mainly due to swelling.
Try to refrain from tobacco products, chewing gums, biting your nails or giving in to any other oral fixation you may have. Any and all of these activities can increase the chances for infection and will prolong the healing process especially in the first 3-5 days.
Following the initial healing period, changing your post to a shorter length will make the jewelry more comfortable in your mouth. This will reduce the chances of biting down on the jewelry and having the jewelry irritate the roof of your mouth or your bottom front teeth. The reason the initial post is so long is to accommodate for the swelling.
Do not play with your jewelry during the initial healing process. Even after your piercing is healed, be wary of excessively causing friction between your jewelry and gums or teeth.
