Oral Piercings
There are a couple of ways to look after oral piercings
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Antibacterial alcohol-free mouth wash
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Sterile saline solution. Saline for contact lenses should not be used as piercing aftercare.
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Sea salt mixture: 1/4 teaspoon) of non-iodized (iodine-free) sea salt into one cup 225ml of warm distilled or bottled water. **A stronger mixture is not better; a saline solution that is too strong can irritate the piercing.
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** for the exterior of lip/facial piercings follow the general aftercare
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How to
​Saline/Mouthwash rinse for 30-60 seconds in the morning and after eating, drinking and smoking.
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What to avoid
Dairy and spicy food
Playing with the jewellery - this can stretch the hole and prolong healing
Mouthwash containing alcohol - you'll only irritate your piercing
Oral sex, including kissing
Avoid chewing gum, tobacco, fingernails, pencils, sunglasses, etc.
Avoid sharing plates, cups, and eating utensils.
Avoid smoking if possible. If not, make sure you mouthwash straight after.]
Recreational drug use.
Pain killers that thin the blood
Alcohol, and large amounts of caffeine
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What can help
Using a new toothbrush and storing it in a clean area away from others
Using your chosen rinse (saline or mouthwash) after every meal.
Cold drinks and ice poles are ideal for discomfort and swelling
Eating soft /blended food
Ibuprofen - check your not allergic
Popping back in for a bar downsize after 2 weeks
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What to expect
Swelling, bruising, light bleeding and slight discomfort is normal for 1 to 4 weeks.
​Leaking white/yellow fluid - this is lymph fluid, not pus.
A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete. This is because they heal from the outside in, and although it feels fine, be patient, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.
Even healed piercings can shrink in minutes after having been there for years! - keep jewellery in. don't leave the hole empty.
Downsizing
For tongue, pop back for your downsize to a smaller bar after 2 weeks.
For all other oral piercings, pop back for your downsize after 4-6 weeks.
