Oral piercing aftercare


Oral Piercing Aftercare 🖤

Essential tips to reduce swelling, prevent irritation, and promote healthy healing.

1. Oral Hygiene

During the first two weeks, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after eating, drinking anything other than water, smoking, or vaping.

You may also use an alcohol-free, hydrogen peroxide-free mouthwash, limiting use to two or three times daily, according to the product instructions.

Maintain good oral hygiene using a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. Replacing your old toothbrush is also a good precaution.

2. Reducing Swelling

Swelling is normal during the first few days following an oral piercing and should gradually decrease.

To help minimize discomfort:

  • Allow small pieces of ice to melt gently in your mouth without chewing them.

  • Choose cold, soft, easy-to-eat foods.

  • Sleep with your head slightly elevated.

  • Avoid very hot, spicy, or acidic foods during the first few days.

If needed, consult a healthcare professional about appropriate medication for pain and swelling. Do not take anti-inflammatory medications routinely without confirming they're safe for you.

3. Jewelry Downsizing

Initial piercing jewelry is usually longer to accommodate swelling.

Once the swelling subsides, it's important to have your jewelry assessed and downsized by a professional piercer.

Excessively long jewelry can cause irritation, catch against your teeth, and potentially damage your gums.

Downsizing is often recommended approximately 1–2 weeks after piercing, depending on the location and your individual healing process.

4. What to Avoid During Healing

  • Oral sexual contact, including oral sex and kissing involving saliva exchange, to reduce the risk of infection and sexually transmitted infections.

  • Chewing gum, fingernails, pencils, or other foreign objects.

  • Sharing drinking glasses, utensils, or items that come into contact with your mouth.

  • Playing with your jewelry or clicking it against your teeth.

  • Using straws if suction causes discomfort or bleeding.

  • Smoking or vaping, including cannabis, as these can irritate tissues and delay healing.

  • Alcohol and excessive caffeine, particularly while experiencing swelling or bleeding.

5. Products to Avoid

Never apply the following products to your piercing unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional:

  • Rubbing alcohol.

  • Hydrogen peroxide.

  • Tea tree oil.

  • Aspirin or Advil paste.

  • Antibiotic ointments or creams containing bacitracin.

These products can irritate delicate tissues and interfere with healing.

6. When to Seek Medical Attention

Mild tenderness, some discharge, and swelling can be normal during early healing.

However, seek medical attention if you experience increasing pain, pus-like discharge, fever, or worsening swelling.

Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or significant swelling of the tongue or throat, requires emergency medical attention.

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Keep the Art in Body Art. ♡

ARAKNA Body Jewelry
Piercing & Body Jewelry
Montréal, Québec, Canada
Private Studio • By Appointment Only
www.ARAKNA.ca