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Cleaning Solutions
Use either one or both of the following solutions for inside the mouth:
- Antimicrobial or antibacterial alcohol-free mouth rinse
- H2Ocean artic rinse mouthwash
- Non-iodized sea salt mixture: Dissolve 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized (iodine free) sea salt into one cup (8 oz) of warm distilled or bottled water. A stronger mixture is not better! Saline solution that is too strong can irritate the piercing. (If you have high blood pressure or a heart condition, please check with your doctor before using a saline product inside the mouth as your primary cleaning solution.)
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSIDE THE MOUTH
Rinse mouth 4-5 times daily with cleaning solution for 30-60 seconds after meals and at bedtime during the entire healing period. If you over clean, it may cause discoloration or irritation of tongue.
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXTERIOR OF LABRET (CHEEK AND LIP) PIERCINGS
Spray with H2Ocean aftercare solution: Lightly spray H2Ocean aftercare every 3-4 hours. If dried matter is present gently use an H2Ocean soaked cotton swab to remove the matter. This is best done after you shower and do all your bathroom “stuff” (washing your face, shaving, etc…)
WHAT IS 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 healing is complete. This is because piercings heal from the outside in, and although it feels healed 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, leave the jewelry in place.
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 Naproxyn Sodium according to package instructions.
- Sleep with your head elevated above your heart during the first few nights.
To maintain good oral hygiene
- Use a new soft-bristled toothbrush and keep it clean.
- Brush your teeth, and use your chosen rinse (saline or mouthwash) 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.
WHAT TO AVOID
- DO NOT PLAY WITH THE JEWELRY. Long-term effects of playing with, and clicking the jewelry against the teeth can result in permanent damage to teeth 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 any mouthwash containing alcohol. It can irritate the area 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 gum, tobacco, fingernails, pencils, sunglasses, etc.
- Avoid sharing plates, cups, and eating utensils.
- Avoid smoking! It increases risks and lengthens healing time.
- Avoid stress and all recreational drug use.
- Avoid any aspirin or alcohol, and large amounts of caffeine.
- Avoid submerging in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, etc.
ORAL PIERCING HINTS AND TIPS
Jewelry
- Once the swelling has subsided, it is vital to replace the original, longer jewelry with a shorter post.
- Consult your piercer for their downsize policy.
- Because this necessary jewelry change may occur during healing, it should be done by a qualified piercer.
- With clean hands or disposable paper products, such as tissues, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness (“Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey”).
- Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be temporarily removed (such as for a medical procedure). There are non-metallic jewelry alternatives.
- Should you decide you no longer want the piercing, seek professional help in the removal of the jewelry and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole has closed. In most cases only a small indentation will remain.
Eating
- Take small bites of your food and chew slowly
- Avoid eating spicy, salty, acidic, or hot temperature foods or beverages for a few days.
- Cold foods and beverage are soothing and help reduce swelling.
- For tongue piercings, try to keep your tongue level in your mouth as you chew and swallow.
- For labret (cheek and lip) piercings: Be cautious about opening your mouth too wide as this can result in the backing of the jewelry catching on the teeth.
- Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact your piercer.
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