703.268.6583
Click here to set up an appointment
Menu

SUGGESTED AFTERCARE FOR ORAL PIERCINGS

CLEANING SOLUTIONS

Use one or both of the following solutions for inside the mouth:

  • Antimicrobial or antibacterial alcohol-free mouth rinse.
  • Packaged sterile saline solution with no additives (read the label).

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSIDE THE MOUTH

Rinse mouth with cleaning solution for 30 seconds in the morning and at bedtime during the entire healing period. Rinse with water after eating or drinking. Cleaning too often or with too strong a rinse can cause discoloration and irritation of your mouth and piercing.

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXTERIOR OF LABRET (LIP) PIERCINGS

  • WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason.
  • SALINE solution twice daily when you are not showering. Either give a liberal spray or squeeze atop the site of the piercing. It is imperative to keep Q-Tips or Cotton Balls away from the site; allow the piercing to irrigate and air dry.
  • While showering, you may continue to use your normal shampoo/conditioner/face wash/body wash products; no direct lathering onto the piercing, simply let it run over the area.
  • RINSE thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing. It is not necessary to rotate the jewelry through the piercing.
  • DRY by gently patting or blotting with clean, disposable paper products. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry, causing injury.

WHAT’S NORMAL?

For the first three to five days: significant swelling, light bleeding, bruising, and/or tenderness. 

After that: Some swelling, light secretion of a whitish yellow fluid (not pus).

A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete. This is because they heal from the outside in, and although it feels fine, the tissue remains fragile on the inside. Be patient, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.

Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, keep jewelry in-do not leave the hole empty.

WHAT TO DO

TO STAY HEALTHY:

  • The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal.
  • Get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet.
  • Avoid emotional stress, which can increase healing times by up to 40%.
  • To help healing and bolster your ability to fight infection, take nutritional supplements daily, including iron, B vitamins, 1,000-5,000 mg of vitamin C (divided into a few equal doses throughout the day), and 30 mg of inc for women (50 mg for men).

WHAT TO DO

TO HELP REDUCE SWELLING:

  • Allow small pieces of ice to dissolve in the mouth.
  • Take an over the counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium according to package instructions.
  • Don’t speak or move your jewelry more than necessary.
  • Sleep with your head elevated above your heart during the first few nights.

WHAT TO DO

TO MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL HYGIENE:

  • Use a new soft-bristled toothbrush and store it in a clean area away from other toothbrushes.
  • Brush your teeth and rinse with water after every meal.
  • During healing floss daily, and gently brush your teeth, tongue and jewelry. Once healed, brush the jewelry more thoroughly to avoid plaque build up.

HINTS & TIPS

JEWELRY

  • Once the swelling has subsided, it is vital to replace the original, longer jewelry with a shorter post to avoid intra-oral damage.
  • Because this necessary jewelry change often occurs during healing, it should be done by us in the studio.
  • With clean hands or paper product, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness (“Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.”)
  • Carry a clean spare ball in case of loss or breakage.
  • Contact us for a non-metallic jewelry alternative if your metal jewelry must be temporarily removed (such as for a medical procedure).
  • Should you decide you no longer want the piercing, simply remove the jewelry (or have us remove it) and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole closes. In most cases only a small mark will remain.
  • In the event an infection is suspected, quality jewelry or an inert alternative should be left in place to allow for drainage or the infection. Should the jewelry be removed, the surface cells can close up sealing the infection inside the piercing channel, resulting in an abscess. Until an infection is cleared up, leave the jewelry in!

WHAT TO AVOID

  • Do not play with your jewelry. Long term effects include permanent damage to teeth, gums, and other oral structures.
  • Avoid undue trauma; excessive talking or playing with the jewelry during healing can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, and other complications.
  • Avoid using mouthwash containing alcohol. It can irritate the piercing and delay healing.
  • Avoid oral sexual contact including French (wet) kissing or oral sex during healing (even with a long-term partner).
  • Avoid chewing on tobacco, gum, fingernails, pencils, sunglasses, and other foreign objects that could harbor bacteria.
  • Avoid sharing plates, cups, and eating utensils.
  • Avoid smoking! It increases risks and lengthens healing time.
  • Avoid stress and all recreational drug use.
  • Avoid aspirin, alcohol, and large amounts of caffeine as long as you are experiencing bleeding or swelling.
  • Avoid submerging healing piercings in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, etc.

Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact us.

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. Be aware that many doctors have not received specific training regarding piercing.

Studio Hours

  • Monday: 10AM - 9PM
  • Tuesday: 10AM - 9PM
  • Wednesday: 10AM - 9PM
  • Thursday: 10AM - 9PM
  • Friday: 10AM - 9PM
  • Saturday: 10AM - 9PM
  • Sunday: 10AM - 9PM
We are cash only.
ATM available in studio.