Oral Piercing Aftercare
Cleaning Solution.
Antimicrobial or antibacterial alcohol-free mouth rinse*
Or Packaged sterile saline (with no additives, read the label) is a gentle choice for piercing aftercare. Saline for contact lenses should not be used as piercing aftercare. Wound wash saline is available as a spray at pharmacies throughout North America.
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSIDE THE MOUTH.
Rinse mouth as needed (4-5 times) daily with a cleaning solution for 30-60 seconds, after meals and at bedtime during the entire healing period. When you over clean, it may cause discoloration or irritation of your mouth and piercing.
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXTERIOR OF LABRET (CHEEK & LIP) PIERCINGS.
WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason.
SALINE rinse as needed during healing. For certain placements it may be easier to apply using clean gauze saturated with saline solution. A brief rinse afterward will remove any residue.
DRY by gently patting with clean, disposable paper products because cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry, causing injury.
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 naproxen sodium according to package instructions.
Don’t speak or move your jewelry more than necessary.
Sleep with your head elevated above your heart during the first few nights.
What To Avoid.
Do not play with your jewelry. Long term effects include permanent damage to teeth, gums, 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 using mouthwash containing alcohol. It can irritate the piercing and delay healing.
Avoid oral sexual contact including French (wet) kissing or oral sex during healing (even with a long-term partner).
Avoid chewing 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 aspirin, alcohol, and large amounts of caffeine as long as you are experiencing bleeding or swelling.
Avoid submerging healing piercings in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, etc. Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact your piercer.
For more information please visit the APP website for more information. If you are having any troubles with your piercing feel free to contact us or come in and let us take a look at it.