Oral Rinse
Remember: A piercing is a wound. Consequently, you should expect tenderness, swelling, discoloration, and possibly bruising, bleeding, and itching. Also, a natural part of the process for healing any wound includes the secretion of a white-yellow fluid (containing dead cells and blood plasma). The optimal way to care for your piercing is to rinse your mouth for 30-60 seconds after every meal during the initial healing period (1-3 weeks) with a medical grade oral rinse (such as Tech 2000 or Biotene). Tech 2000 can be purchased at our studio. If a medical grade oral rinse is not available, the next best thing is to dilute 4 ounces of an oral antiseptic with 4 ounces of water. This will de-intensify the antiseptic and prevent it from irritating your piercing (Note: Do not use plain mouth wash because it will do nothing for your piercing - only mask your halitosis). Be careful not to over-clean your piercing, as this will prevent proper healing. Signs of over-cleaning include a very white or yellow looking tongue.

Ice
Ice and other cold liquids can help reduce swelling. Ice pops, ice cream, and frozen yogurt are also good ways to reduce swelling, but be sure to perform either a sea salt or oral rinse following your snack (this is not necessary if you just use plain ice). Swelling tends to last 3-5 days. Do NOT suck on the ice, let it melt. Sucking will induce bloodflow, which in turn will induce swelling.

Ibuprofen
For those that are extremely sensitive, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, etc.) can help reduce swelling and pain.

Brushing Your Teeth
It is important to brush your teeth three times daily while your piercing is healing. Brushing your teeth will cut down on the amount of bacteria and food particles in your mouth. It is suggested that you purchase a new soft-bristle toothbruch to use during the initial healing period. Also, plaque (a white crusty shell) will begin to build up on your tongue jewelry if you do not gently brush the balls and post. You should brush your jewelry daily if you want to prevent plaque build-up.

Additional Tips

• Never touch your piercing without first washing your hands with an anti-bacterial soap. This is a great way to avoid infections even after your piercing is healed.
• Try to eat very slowly. Only place small portions of food in your mouth at one time. At first, eating may seem awkward, but this is mainly due to swelling.
• Try to refrain from using tobacco products, chewing gum, biting your nails, or giving in to any other oral fixation you may have. Any of these activities can increase the chances for infection and may prolong the healing process.
• Try to refrain from playing with your jewelry during the initial healing period. This can irritate the piercing and prolong the healing process. Even after your piercing is healed, be weary of excessively causing friction between your jewelry and gums or teeth. If you have a tongue piercing, you may consider replacing the accessories (i.e. balls) with something made out of acrylic. This will reduce the intensity that hard metals place on your mouth.
• Following the initial healing period, changing your post to a shorter length will make the jewelry more comfortable in your mouth. This will also reduce the chances of biting down on the jewelry having the jewelry irritate the roof of your mouth or your bottom front teeth. The reason the initial post must be so ong is to compensate for the swelling.

THE PIERCING IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AFTER YOU LEAVE THE STUDIO
PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE