How to Take Care of Your New Mouth Piercing

Oral Rinse

The optimal way to care for your piercing is to rinse your mouth for 30-60 seconds with a medical-grade oral rinse (such as Tech 2000 or Biotene) after every meal during the initial healing period (3-6 weeks).

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.)

Sea Salt Rinse

In addition to the oral rinse after every meal, sea salt soaks will also help heal your piercing.

First, fill a fresh disposable cup with approximately 8 ounces of water and add ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, stirring until it is dissolved.

Then, rinse your mouth for approximately 15 seconds. Sea salt rinses should be performed after smoking or drinking anything other than bottled water. Note: Some piercers and pierced people have had much success by substituting sea salt rinses for medical-grade oral rinses.Take Care of Your New Mouth Piercing Step 6Bullet1.jpg

Brushing Your Teeth

- For the first week of your new piercing you are advised to only brush the front teeth and then on the second week you may proceed to brush back and gently the tongue.

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 toothbrush 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.