Oral Piercing Aftercare:

If you still decide on oral piercing despite all the risks involved, we suggest obtaining as much information as possible before you proceed. Information is key!

The Piercer must thoroughly explain aftercare protocol, including providing written and verbal guidelines detailing the use of anti microbial alcohol-free mouth rinses and sea salt rinses.

Don’t share plates, eating utensils, cups, and such.

Replace your toothbrush and make sure to keep it extra clean during healing.

Keep dirty fingers, pencils, sunglasses, and other foreign objects away from the mouth and face.

Avoid excessive talking, playing with the jewelry, and all oral sexual contact during healing.

Reduce Swelling. Gently sucking on chipped or shaved ice can diminish swelling during initial healing.

Elevation of the head above the heart while sleeping (use several pillows) may minimize initial overnight swelling

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What Do I Need To Know About Oral Piercing?

The Facts

The people that perform the piercing are not a regulated group. What this means is that they have no formal education on sterilization or infection control guidelines. For the most part they are self-trained, which means there is a wide range of skills and knowledge about what they are doing. The risk is totally taken by the person by the person receiving the piercing, as the individual performing the act is not accountable to anyone.

The Risks Involved Are:

  • Blood borne disease may be transmitted i.e. HIV, hepatitis B and C, herpes simplex virus, tetanus, candida, Epstein-Barr, syphilis, and T.B.
  • A stroke is possible due to toxic shock
  • Swelling that may occur could result in blockage of the airway.
  • Recurrent infections
  • Aspiration of the jewellery (swallowing or airway obstruction)
  • Pain and bleeding from the procedure with a resulting infection
  • Nerve damage (numbness)
  • Foreign body incorporation into site of piercing
  • Interference with chewing and swallowing
  • Interference with speech
  • Chipping or fracture of teeth due to the wrecking ball action of the barbell
  • Allergic reaction to jewellery or hypersensitivity
  • Increased salivation
  • Tissue trauma to the gums
  • Ludwigs angina (life threatening)

There are any number of reasons to have oral piercing (tongue, lip, chin) which we are not questioning. Our concern is for the well being and oral health of the individual. We feel you need to know the possible risks involved. Please ask us should you need fur© Dr. Garry Lunn


© Dr. Garry Lunn


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