Proper care of your new piercing is important to avoid infection and ensure proper healing.Lip Piercing or in other areas of the mouth require special attention, because the bacteria present in and around the oral cavity can increase the risk of infections; these piercings also facilitate the transmission of certain diseases and can create problems for the teeth and gums. If you want your lip piercing to heal properly, you need to take care of it, keep it clean and dry, don’t touch it, and avoid certain foods and activities.
Preparing for the Lip Piercing
Know what to expect:
Lip piercing can be painful and bleed. The area may hurt, swell, and be bruised for a few days after the operation. [1] It may take six to ten weeks for it to fully heal, so be prepared for the idea of having to clean it several times a day during this time, in addition to the normal care that will be needed later.
Purchase cleaning accessories in advance
. This piercing is pretty easy to clean, but you need to get some non-iodized salt, an alcohol-free mouthwash, and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Also buy a new toothbrush with soft bristles and replace the old one once the piercing is in place.
Recognize the signs of infection
. Before undergoing a lip puncture, you need to know the symptoms and signs of infections. You may notice pus, green or yellow discharge, tingling or numbness around the piercing area, you may have fever, excessive bleeding, pain, redness and swelling.
Do not remove the jewelry if you are concerned that you have an infection, but seek immediate medical attention.
Learn to recognize an allergic reaction:
. Body jewelry often contains nickel, which is a common allergen for many people. Symptoms typically appear within 12 to 48 hours and include itching and swelling, scaly or crusted blistering, redness, rash, or dry skin. [4]
The piercing will not heal properly if you are allergic to the material; so go back to the piercer as soon as possible if you fear an allergy.
Cleaning and Caring for Your Lip Piercing:
Clean the inside of your mouth:
. Rinse it off for 30 seconds using an alcohol-free mouthwash or saline solution every time you’ve eaten, drank, or smoked. Also rinse before bed.
To make a saline solution, add a pinch of non-iodized salt to 240ml of boiling water. Stir to dissolve the salt and wait for it to cool.[5]
Do not increase the dose of salt as it may irritate your mouth.
Clean the outside of the hole and the jewelry:
. Once a day, preferably during the shower when the scabs and residues around the piercing are softer, lather with your fingers using a mild soap and gently wash the entire area of the hole and the jewel. Carefully rotate the jewel in order to clean it completely and eliminate all traces of secretions. Finally rinse carefully, turning the jewel again.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning or when touching the piercing.
Do not clean the hole with soap more than once a day.
Soak the piercing:
Fill a small bowl with saline solution and soak the piercing for 5 to 10 minutes, once or twice a day. [6] When finished, rinse the area with warm water.
Brush your teeth and floss at least twice a day. If possible, do this cleansing after every meal. Also rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash after brushing your teeth to remove any food residue from your mouth.
Eat slowly and carefully:
. During the first few days it is best to eat soft foods. When you resume eating solid foods, cut them into small pieces and make sure to place the morsels directly on the molars. [7] Be especially careful not to bite your lips and avoid contact with the piercing as much as possible. Chew your food away from the jewel if you can. In particular, during the first few days you should eat mainly: [8]
Ice creams;
Yogurt;
Puddings;
Cold foods and drinks such as smoothies that soothe and help decrease bloating.
Reduce swelling. Suck on a piece of ice to relieve pain and edema. You can also take anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen to soothe the discomfort. [9]
