Oral Piercing. Part II
The healing period for oral piercings usually lasts anywhere from four to six weeks. During that period, the person who has been pierced should not talk overly much for the first few days after he or she has been pierced, because refraining from too much speech can significantly decrease any swelling and discomfort. The person who has been pierced should also regularly gargle with antiseptic mouthwash or a warm salt water solution, especially after any instances of eating or drinking. On that note, it is better to refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating spicy or excessively salty foods – soft foods and vitamin supplements may actually aid in the healing process. Furthermore, people who have just received oral piercings should avoid French kissing and any oral sex for at least two weeks, as this substantially lowers the risk of infection.
When it comes to cleaning, the site and/or jewelry should be cleaned after every meal, with either a toothbrush, mouth rinse, or both. In some cases, cleaning the site with either a Q-tip or a cotton ball is also recommended – stay away from towels and wash cloths. After the site has healed somewhat, it is all right to remove the jewelry for short periods of time, in order to clean it. People who have just received oral piercings should also do all they can to keep from biting on the jewelry. If they cannot, then a shorter piece of jewelry may be used, and there are also guards and splits available.
As mentioned, oral piercings carry the potential for many risks and infections. Standard symptoms, which must be accepted no matter the site or the care one takes, include pain and swelling. With tongue, labret, and lip piercings, popsicles and ice can help with swelling immensely. An increased flow of saliva – or even drooling – and heightened redness can also be expected.
When it comes to risks, people with oral piercings should be on the lookout for any prolonged bleeding, which may indicate the puncturing of blood vessels. Other possible risks include aspiration and respiratory problems, especially with tongue piercings, because the tongue may swell. Anyone allergic to metal or galvanic currents should be particularly vigilant. Loss of taste and mobility and numbness of the tongue are also possible, in addition to difficulties when it comes to chewing, swallowing and speaking – for example, people with tongue piercings may find themselves suddenly suffering from the onset of a lisp. With labret, lip, and tongue piercings, there are great risks to the teeth and gum, which can include the abrasion and fracture of teeth, damage to the pulp, and the wearing down and disappearance of tooth enamel.
This is not to say that you should stay away from or not get an oral piercing. There is simply the potential for substantial risks involved with any oral piercing. It is important to make sure that the piercer knows what he or she is doing, and it would not hurt to consult with a dentist, in order to take every precaution possible.
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