How to Clean Tongue Piercing Jewellery Safely

Getting a tongue piercing is very exciting, as you get a chance to try out different tongue piercing jewellery options and flaunt it in front of your friends. But it also comes with a bit of responsibility. To avoid bacterial growth and any kind of infection, it should be properly cleaned throughout all its stages of healing.

Proper piercing aftercare is very important, and one of the most common questions people have is how to clean their tongue piercing jewellery safely without irritating the wound.

How Does Tongue Piercing Work?

You should understand everything you need to know about tongue piercing before getting one. A professional piercer uses a sterilised needle (make sure to ask them) to create a small hole in the centre of your tongue and inserts a barbell (a straight bar with balls on each end). This piece of tongue jewellery keeps the piercing open while it heals. On average, the healing process takes around 4 to 6 weeks, but this depends on how well you look after it.

During this time, you might experience tongue piercing pain, swelling, or discomfort. In the beginning, this is normal as your body is adapting to the wound. If you notice extreme redness, pus, or sharp pain, you may be dealing with an infected tongue piercing. In that case, it’s best to see a professional piercer or a doctor. Never try to treat a serious tongue piercing infection on your own.

How to Take Care of And Clean A Tongue Piercing

• Alcohol and harsh chemicals like intense mouthwash are not recommended in the first few stages of healing.

• To clean your tongue ring or piercing jewellery, use a simple saline solution, which is a mix of non-iodised salt and clean water.

• Make it a routine process. Rinse your mouth with this solution a few times a day, especially after eating, to flush away food particles.

• There are alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwashes available in the market, but only use them if your piercer or a doctor recommends them.

• Do not twist your jewellery; you need to be gentle with it. We can understand the urge to play around with your tongue ring, but this can cause tiny tears, extending the healing time.

• For the first week, eat soft foods. Your tongue doesn't need the extra pressure of chewing while the wound is healing.

• Spicy, hot, or acidic foods can also increase irritation, so it’s best to avoid them in the beginning.

• If you want to keep your jewellery clean outside of your mouth, wash it with warm water and mild antibacterial soap before reinserting it.

• Always dry it with a clean tissue or paper towel instead of a cloth towel that may carry bacteria.

Tongue Piercing Healing Time

The good news is that a tongue piercing usually heals more quickly than many other body piercings, as long as you give it the right care. Most people can switch to shorter jewellery after a few weeks once the swelling goes down. This not only feels more comfortable but also reduces the chances of biting the barbell and damaging your teeth.

Healing a tongue piercing fast is really about consistency. Keep your mouth clean, stick to the recommended rinses, and pay attention to your body. If swelling is uncomfortable, you can suck on ice chips or drink cold water to reduce swelling naturally.

Remember, your tongue is one of the fastest-healing parts of your body, but it’s also sensitive. Be patient with the healing process, and don’t rush into changing your piercing jewellery too soon. With the right care, your piercing will settle nicely, and you’ll be able to enjoy your tongue piercing safely for years to come.