Frequent Asked Questions for ORAL piercings
"What do I use to clean my oral piercing on the INSIDE of my mouth.
ANY antimicrobial or antibacterial ALCOHOL-FREE mouth rinse. At Insight Studios, we carry Tech 2000 and H2Ocean Arctic Rinse.
How do I clean the inside of my mouth?
Rinse your mouth for thirty to sixty seconds with the mouth rinse you have selected after ALL meals during the ENTIRE healing period. Make sure you rinse out with the selected mouth rinse after you put anything in your mouth. If you smoke, rinse out after each cigarette.
How do I clean the outside of my lip/cheek piercing?
Before you clean you lip/cheek piercing make sure you clean your hands with germicidal/antimicrobial soap and warm water. NEVER touch your piercing with dirty hands. After washing your hands, clean off the crust that has built up on the outside of your piercing. This is best done with warm water and a cotton swab. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. Apply some antimicrobial or germicidal soap to the area and the jewelry and move the jewelry back and forth. This helps work some of the soap into the piercing. After rotating the jewelry, rinse off the excess soap off under running water, while rotating the jewelry back and forth. This is best done in the shower. Pat dry the area with disposable paper such as gauze.
What can I expect after i get my tongue/lip/cheek pierced?
Your tongue/lip/cheek piercing will swell for approximately three to five days. To reduce the swelling, let small pieces of ice dissolve in your mouth. Crushed ice is best for this. Make sure the pieces are small enough and fit into your mouth comfortably. You may experience some periodic tenderness or discomfort for several days, this is not uncommon.
What is the "yellow stuff" that is coming out of my piercing/tongue?
That "yellow stuff" is a secretion that contains lymph and dead cells. This is perfectly normal. This is NOT a problem but rather an indication of a healing piercing.
Why is my tongue/lip/cheek bruised/bleeding?
Any piercing can periodically bleed for a few days. Sometimes there is bleeding under the tissue surrounding the piercing which causes discoloration. This is nothing to worry about.
How long will my piercing take to heal?
Each and every person on this planet is unique. Some people heal faster than others. Please be patient. You are an individual unlike anyone else so don't compare yourself to others! Generally piercings take six to eight weeks or longer to heal.
Is there anything I can do to speed up the healing process?
Get a good amount of sleep and eat a nutritious diet. Avoid stress. This helps with your life as well as your piercing. The better you take care of your body the better your body will take care of you.
How long do I have to keep my piercing in before taking it out?
If you like your piercing you do not need to take it out, ever. Some people assume that they can take out their jewelry and reinsert it with no problem. This is not the case. I have seen piercings that have been in place for years close in a matter of minutes. Some experimentation is suggested.
Do I have to leave this jewelry that I got pierced with in? It seems large?
Once the swelling subsides, you may come in and purchase smaller jewelry. Smaller jewelry is less likely to irritate your mouth and there is less of a chance or biting down on it.
Do I have to worry about my jewelry coming loose?
If you check your jewelry once a day, you will be fine. To check your jewelry, wash your hands with germicidal/antimicrobial and warm water then make sure the ends on the jewelry are secure.
What can I eat?
You may eat anything as long as it does not hurt while you are eating it. Your body will tell you what is best to eat in terms of pain. When chewing food, take small slow bites. Drink plenty of water. This is good for you even after your piercing is healed. DO NOT eat anything that is temperature hot, spicy hot, overly salty, or acidic for several days.
What should I avoid doing with this piercing?
Avoid ALL oral contact during the healing period. That means no wet kissing (french) or oral sex. This applies to monogamous couples as well.
May I smoke with this piercing?
Reducing tobacco intake is highly advisable while healing an oral piercing.
May I drink with this piercing?
Avoid large amounts of caffeine and any alcoholic beverages for several days. Alcohol includes beer, wine, and all hard liquors. These can add to additional swelling and discomfort to your oral piercing.
When can I play with my piercing?
During the healing period be gentle with your oral piercing. Normal talking and eating are enough trauma.
What if I have any other questions about my piercing?
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact me as soon as possible.
DISCLAIMER:These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research, and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention. Keep in mind that the removal of jewelry can lead to further complications. Be aware that many doctors have not received specific training regarding piercing. If you are having problems with a piercing, please Contact Us and we may be able to refer you to a piercing friendly medical or dental professional.
Contact Us Should You Have Any Questions: 1026 N Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60622 ph 773.242.4444
Feel free to visit The Association of Professional Piercers website for more information regarding oral piercing aftercare.
