Anti-bacterial Soap

The optimal way to care for your piercing is to clean it twice daily DO NOT REMOVE YOUR JEWELRY
(If you are physically active, try to schedule your cleanings after you exercise). The easiest and most comfortable way to clean your piercing is either during or immediately following a hot shower. The hot water and steam will he1p soften your skin and loosen the crust at the base of your jewelry making it easier to clean. While in the shower, wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap such as Dial. (Beware: anti-bacterial soaps containing fragrances can irritate your piercing or cause allergic reactions.)

Next, gently remove the crust from your jewelry with a disposable, one-use product such as a tissue, cotton-ball, swab, or square. (Do not use a hand towel because bacteria can lie dormant in the cloth.) Then, place some anti-bacterial soap in your hands and rub them together as to create a nice lather. Gently wipe the jewelry and your pierclng with the tips of your fingers, being careful not to scratch or irritate the area. Once the jewelry and piercing are lathered with soap, move the bar back and forth a few times, This process will help run some soap into the wound, helping to ward off bacteria. After moving the jewelry back and forth several times, rinse the area and jewelry thoroughly while continuing to move the jewelry back and forth. (Tip: Do not place your piercing directly into the shower's streaming water. Instead, try to redirect the water with your hands in order to reduce the intensity of rinsing.) Try your best to perform the above process gently, without overworking and irritating the area.

Sea Salt Soaks

After completing the above process, you can perform your sea salt soaks either in or out of the shower. First fill a fresh disposable cup with approximately 8 ounces of water and add 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt stirring until it is dissolved. When ready, either place the cup over the piercing--forming a vacuum-type seal--or dip the piercing into the cup. If either of these techniques are not possible, pre-soak a fresh tissue, cotton-ball, swab, or square in the sea salt solution and firmly press it on your piercing. In order to promote effectiveness, the first sea salt soak should last at least 10 minutes. All additional soaks should last at least 5-10 minutes. Following the sea salt soak, pat your piercing and jewelry dry with a fresh disposable paper or cotton product.

Ibuprofen

For those who are extremely sensitive, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, etc.) can help reduce swelling and pain.

 

Oral Rinse

The optimal way to care for your piercing is to rinse your mouth for 30-60 seconds with an oral rinse (such as Listerine at 50% strength) after every meal during the initial healing period (3-6 weeks). Listerine half-and-half with water will de-intensify the antiseptic and prevent it from irritating your piercing. (Note: Do not use plain mouthwash because it will do nothing for your piercing-only mask your halitosis.) Be careful not to over-clean your piercing, as this will prevent proper healing. (Signs of over-cleaning include a very white or yellow looking tongue.)

Sea Salt. Rinse

In addition to the oral rinse after every meal, sea salt soaks will also help heal your piercing. First, fill a fresh disposable cup with approximately 8 ounces of water and add 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, stirring until it is dissolved. Then, rinse your mouth for approximately 15 -30 seconds. Sea salt rinses should be performed after smoking or drinking anything other than bottled water. Note: Some piercers and piercees have had much success by substituting sea salt rinses for medical-grade oral rinses.

Ice

Ice and other cold liquids can help reduce swelling. Ice pops, ice cream, and frozen yogurt are also good ways to reduce swelling, but be sure to perform either a sea-salt or ora1 rinse following your snack (this is not necessary if you just use plain ice). Swelling tends to last 3-5 days. DO NOT USE A STRAW TO DRINK, FOR AT LEAST 2 WEEKS.

Ibuprofen

Over-the-counter pain aids such as Tylenol can help reduce swelling and pain,

Brushing Your Teeth

It is important to brush your teeth three times daily while your piercing is healing. Brushing your teeth will cut down on the amount of bacteria and food particles in your mouth. It is suggested that you purchase a new soft-bristle toothbrush to use during the initial healing period. Also, plaque (a white crusty shell) will begin to build up on your tongue jewelry if you do not gently brush the balls and post. You should brush your jewlery (BUT DO NOT REMOVE IT) daily if YOU want to prevent plaque build-up.