CLEANING SOLUTIONS
Use any of the following solutions for inside the mouth:
⦁ Antimicrobial or antibacterial alcohol-free mouth rinse
⦁ Packages sterile saline (with no additives - read the label) is a gentle choice for piercing aftercare.
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSIDE THE MOUTH
Rinse mouth as needed (4-5 times) daily with a cleaning solution for 30-60 seconds. When you over clean, it may cause discoloration or irritation of your mouth and piercing and elongate heal time.
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXTERIOR OF LABRET PIERCINGS
⦁ WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason.
⦁ SALINE rinse as needed during healing. For certain placements it may be easier to apply using clean gauze or Q-Tip saturated with saline solution. A brief rinse with plain water afterward will remove any residue.
⦁ DRY by gently patting with cleaning, disposable paper products because cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry, causing injury
WHAT TO DO TO HELP REDUCE SWELLING
⦁ Allow small pieces of ice to dissolve in mouth.
⦁ Take an over the counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium according to package instructions.
WHAT IS NORMAL?
⦁ For the first 3-5 days: Significant swelling, light bleeding, bruising, and/or tenderness
⦁ After that: Some swelling, light secretion of a whitish yellow 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, the tissue remains fragile on the inside. Be patient, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.
⦁ Even healing piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, keep jewelry in. Do not leave the hole empty.
WHAT TO AVOID
⦁ Do not play with your jewelry. Long term effects include permanent damage to teeth, gums, or other oral structures.
⦁ Avoid undue trauma; excessive talking or playing with the jewelry during healing can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, and other complications.
⦁ Avoid using mouthwash containing alcohol. It can irritate the piercing and delay healing.
⦁ Avoid oral sexual including French (wet) kissing or oral sex during healing (even with a long-term partner.)
⦁ Avoid chewing gum, tobacco, fingernails, pencils, sunglasses, etc.
⦁ Avoid smoking! It increases risks and lengthens healing time.
⦁ Avoid stress.
If you have any questions please contact your piercer.