Infected tongue piercing treatment and prevention

An infected tongue piercing can be uncomfortable and lead to health complications. Preventing and treating an infected tongue piercing requires attention to hygiene, aftercare practices, and recognizing the signs of infection. The condition can potentially lead to more severe conditions like blood poisoning or heart disease in rare cases, affecting oral health and overall well-being.

These complications can be prevented by taking proper care. This guide will provide details on infected tongue piercing prevention and treatment.

Steps for Prevent Infected Tongue Piercing

Choose a Professional Piercer

Ensure that your tongue piercing is performed by a licensed and experienced professional in a clean and sterile environment. Ensure that the studio meets health and safety standards. This significantly reduces the risk of tongue piercing infection.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene:

In the case of infected tongue piercings, brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush twice a day to maintain good oral hygiene and stay away from the piercing area. Use an alcohol-free, gentle mouthwash or the prescribed saline rinse after brushing. Avoid toothpaste with whitening agents, as they can be too harsh. This helps us to prevent the buildup of bacteria in the mouth.

Be Mindful of Oral Activities

Avoid engaging in oral activities, including kissing and oral sex, during the initial healing period. These activities can introduce additional bacteria to the piercing.

Choose High-Quality Jewelry

Choose high-quality, non-allergenic jewelry made of materials like surgical stainless steel, titanium, or niobium. Avoid materials that can cause allergic reactions or irritations. Also, avoid cheap or low-quality jewelry that may cause irritation.

Avoid Touching the Piercing:

Refrain from touching the piercing with unwashed hands. This helps prevent the introduction of bacteria to the piercing site.

Follow Aftercare Instructions

Strictly adhere to the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer. This typically involves rinsing your mouth with a saline solution or a non-alcoholic, non-iodized sea salt solution after meals and before bed.

Watch Your Diet

Be mindful of your diet during the healing process. Avoid spicy and hot foods that can irritate the piercing. Opt for softer foods that are less likely to get caught on the jewelry.

Recognizing Signs of Infected Tongue Piercing

1. Increased Swelling and Redness: If your piercing becomes more swollen and red than usual, it may be a sign of infection.
2. Persistent pain or discomfort, especially after the initial healing period, could indicate an infection.
3. Abnormal Discharge: Look out for unusual discharge from the piercing site, such as green or yellow pus, which may indicate infection.
4. Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can be a sign that the body is fighting an infection.
5. Foul Odor: An unpleasant smell coming from the piercing site is a common sign of infection. Also, Read the Side Effects of Tongue Piercing.

Steps for Treatment of Infected Tongue Piercing

If you suspect a tongue-piercing infection, it’s crucial to take immediate action to the infected tongue piercing prevention from worsening. Here is a comprehensive guide on the treatment of infected tongue piercing.

Identify the Piercing Infection

Recognize signs of tongue piercing infection, which may include increased redness, swelling, pain, and discharge (yellow or greenish). Assuming you suspect a disease, act instantly.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Rinse with Saline Solution: Mix non-iodized sea salt with warm water to create a saline solution. Rinse your mouth with this solution after every meal and before bedtime. Do not use table salt or excessive salt, as it may irritate the piercing.

Saltwater Rinses

Perform salt water rinses several times a day. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with 8 ounces of warm fresh water. Rinse your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit out the solution.

Warm Compress

Apply a warm compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling and promote blood circulation. This can help your body fight with infected tongue piercing infections.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen suspension or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the recommended dosage.

Non-Alcoholic, Non-Antibacterial Mouthwash

Use a mild mouthwash: Rinse your mouth with a non-alcoholic, non-antibacterial mouthwash or a solution recommended by your piercer. Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol, as they can be too harsh.

Antibiotics (if prescribed)

Complete the Course: If your healthcare provider prescribes antibiotics, take the full course, even if symptoms improve before completion.

Monitor for Signs of Improvement or Worsening

Observe Changes: Keep a close eye on the piercing site for any changes. If there’s no improvement or if the infection worsens, seek medical attention promptly.

Conclusion

Remember, self-care is crucial, but seeking professional advice is equally important. A healthcare professional or an experienced piercer can provide personalized guidance based on the severity of the infection. Ignoring or improperly treating an infection can lead to complications, so it’s essential to address the issue promptly and thoroughly.

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