Inside: How Long Does a Tongue Piercing Take to Heal?
So you have a new tongue piercing or maybe you’re looking at getting it done? Check out a little information on that healing process!
Your tongue is a muscle, so its healing process can be slightly different from a skin piercing. Tongue piercings heal quite quickly compared to other body piercings.
However, the healing time can vary from person to person and depends heavily on how well the tongue piercing is being cared for at the start of its life.
How Long Does a Tongue Piercing Take to Heal?
Tongue piercings usually take 6 to 8 weeks to heal. During this time it’s important to rinse the piercing at least twice a day with a saltwater rinse, including after every meal or snack.
Factors that can affect healing times include:
The Do’s and Don’ts of Tongue Piercing Aftercare
Tongue piercing aftercare isn’t complicated and is critical in letting the area heal. It’ll also keep your dentist happy!
Do:
- Brush regularly: Brush your teeth and tongue gently twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Non-alcoholic mouthwash: Use a non-alcoholic mouthwash to rinse out your mouth
- Clean: Clean your piercing daily using a pre-mixed or store-bought saline solution
The best aftercare product I’ve personally used is the After Inked Piercing Aftercare Spray. Not only is it vegan, but it’s also completely alcohol and additive-free. The solution works well on all skin types including sensitive skin, and it comes in a generously-sized mist-spraying bottle for easy application. When using it from the very start of the healing process, the spray helps to decrease healing times and aims to eliminate any lingering pain or soreness.
Don’t:
- Fiddle: Avoid playing with your tongue piercing, i.e., rolling your tongue or rubbing it against your teeth, as this can irritate it and may cause infection
- Smoke: Avoid smoking for the duration of your tongue piercing’s healing process, as it can weaken the immune system and slow down healing
- Drink: Minimize your intake of alcohol and carbonated beverages while your tongue piercing is healing. Alcohol, especially, can thin the blood and, therefore, prolong the healing
- Talk too much: Avoid talking, particularly for the first week or so, and allow your tongue to rest for your piercing to heal properly
- Eat certain foods: Steer clear of spicy, sticky or acidic foods
- Kiss: Avoid oral contact with other people’s saliva for at least four weeks while your piercing is healing, as this may cause infection
- Straws: Don’t drink through straws
Long-Term Tongue Piercing Care
Once your tongue pierced has healed, it’s not over when it comes to maintaining good oral and dental hygiene and cleanliness. Make sure you keep on top of brushing your teeth and tongue, twice daily. You can stop cleaning your tongue piercing with salt water once it’s healed.
High-Quality Jewelry
Carefully consider any jewelry you decide to jazz up your piercing with. Ensure it’s made of titanium, steel or gold, as other metals can sometimes cause an allergic reaction or infection.
Regular Dentist Visits
Visit your dentist regularly while you have your tongue piercing. Tongue piercings can increase your risk of developing receding gums, cuts, and tooth trauma. Your dentist can keep an eye on your oral and dental health to make sure your tongue piercing isn’t doing your mouth any harm.
How Long Does a Tongue Piercing Take to Heal
Tongue piercings heal relatively quickly compared to other piercings. They generally take around six to eight weeks to fully heal, but this can vary from person to person and can be reduced through excellent aftercare.