BodyJ4You Blog
Piercing Guns vs Needles: Which is Better?
When you’re getting your next piercing, you may end up having to choose between a professional that uses either a piercing gun, or one that prefers a needle. Depending on which one they use, you may end up with different results at the end of the process. But what’s the difference between the two? Before making a decision about which way you want to go, it’s a good idea to find out what you’re in for with either option. Today, we’ll be touching on the pros and cons of each, before making an assessment of which is generally better to go for based on the latest industry trends. Piercing Guns and Needles: The Basics To understand the core difference between the piercing guns and needles, it's helpful to understand each on their own. A piercing gun is an ear piercing instrument that drives a pointed starter earring through the lobe. These are reusable and commonly found in jewelry shops in shopping malls. As a result, they aren’t always used by people who have had sufficient training. Needles are commonly used as an alternative, and in the piercing space they are the same as those used by medical professionals. These needles are not designed to remove tissue, rather just opening up space in the skin for the jewelry to nestle gently into. Piercing Gun Pros & Cons One of the first positives about piercing guns is that they are relatively easy to use, and are widely accessible. You won’t struggle to find somewhere on short notice, although it can be risky to take a gamble on a new space you haven’t been referred to. Piercings from guns are cheaper if they come from a person that isn’t professionally trained to conduct them, and are very quick (a single pull of the trigger). The associated risks are however pretty high. Piercing guns are less versatile than needles: they are designed to be used exclusively for earlobes. Tissue trauma is more likely than with a needle, which can cause additional swelling and increase the risk of trauma. Needles for Piercings: Pros and Cons Needles are single-use objects, meaning they won’t be used from one person to the next. This offers a clean, sanitized solution that reduces the risk of infection. Done correctly, needle piercings should not be overly painful, as they are very sharp. They are versatile instruments that can be used in many different parts of the body, leaving room for you to explore from piercing to piercing. There is an important downside to keep in mind. Needle piercings require trained professionals, meaning that they will likely be more expensive than when you use someone with a piercing gun in a mall. The added cost for professional care may end up being well worth it, especially once the piercing has healed without any problems. The Better Fit Based on Your Needs Side-by-side, it looks like although piercing guns and needles both have a list of pros to keep in mind, the latter does seem to have less downsides to consider. Both involve relatively simple techniques, each of which poses its own risks. At the end of the day, the decision is yours to make based on your own needs. The BodyJ4You team is here to make the process of getting a piercing as simple as possible for you. Once you’ve decided the route you’re going to, check out our piercing kits and jewelry options for added inspiration.
Learn more
Everything to Know Before Getting a Nipple Piercing
Nipple piercings are gaining popularity all over the world. Traditionally, these rather simple body piercings at the base of the nipple have struggled to gain klout due to stigma and a host of misconceptions around getting them in the first place. If you’re thinking about getting a nipple piercing in the coming weeks, it’s good to quash any myths and to set yourself up for the best possible experience. This guide touches on everything you need to know before you start the process, including pain expectations, the possible complications you should be aware of, as well as the healing time you’ll need for it to be 100% sorted. Expected Pain Levels If you’re getting one or both of your nipples pierced, you should expect some pain during the process. Both during and for the week after it is done. Because of the high amount of nerve endings in the area, it is considered to be one of the more sensitive spots for piercings or tattoos. Although the immediate pain will go away during the course of the first seven to ten days, the spot may feel slightly tender and a bit irritated as it goes through the longer healing process. At the end of the day, the result will be well worth the effort. Go into the experience prepared to experience some discomfort, all the while staying mindful about why it is you’re doing it to begin with. Average Healing Time Any piercing requires going straight through the skin, your primary defense against infections every day. A foreign “disturbance” is going to put your skin under some duress, resulting in an immune system response. Nipple piercings can take a long time to heal based on where they are located and because you have to wear clothing as you go about your day. Expect an average total healing time of nine to twelve months, factoring in that additional complications might cause trouble along the way. Let’s detail what some of these might be so you know what you may be dealing with. Potential Complications Down the Line While the area is still inflamed, there is a greater likelihood that it can get infected, mostly due to the accumulation of fluid in the tissue around the wound. A clear sign of this is unusual redness, swelling and drainage that is clear in color. Other responses from the body may include a hot or sensitive nipple, fever, aches, rashes and general fatigue. If the redness spreads beyond just the area that was pierced, it’s important to see a medical professional to make sure everything is alright. A Boost for the Recovery Process At BodyJ4You, our aftercare products are specifically designed to give the healing process after getting any type of piercing a much needed boost. We’ve even added piercing kits to our catalog to ensure that the highest quality, safest products are out on the market. Nipple piercings are slightly more complicated than others, requiring more maintenance than the average piercing. That’s not to say that they aren’t worth the effort. Before you know it, you’ll be showing off the latest addition to your body on the beach in summer, or simply privately in the comfort of your own home.
Learn more
Piercing Pain Guide: The Most Painful Areas for Piercings and Tattoos
Body piercings and tattoos have long stopped being taboo, with millennials and Gen Z’s actively using them as a form of creative expression these days. Although Baby Boomer’s may still take some warming up to the ideas, times are changing (and have already changed) very fast. No matter how old you are, if you’re considering getting one or the other in the near future, you’re going to want to know about the areas that are most painful to do so. This guide will help with deciding exactly where you want the tattoo or piercing should go, before starting to get excited about what lays ahead. Why Do Piercings and Tattoos Hurt So Much? Although the pain does tend to subside quickly, it’s no secret that it hurts to get a tattoo or a piercing. This is simply a natural response to undergoing the needle-based injection of ink into the skin, or a hole being made somewhere on the body. Tattoos “damage” the skin to an extent to achieve the desired result, which is why painful swelling occurs too. In a more technical sense, tattoos and piercings hurt so much because they bring nerves into contact with a needle or piercing gun. A general rule to keep in mind when you’re choosing an area: the fewer nerves in the area, the less pain you are likely to experience. Consider Variable Pain Thresholds That said, we’re all wired differently at the end of the day. This makes it impossible to generalize and assume that one person will experience the same level of pain than another. There are a couple of indicators, many of which are based on scientific research, to suggest that a few factors might affect people’s pain threshold. These range from sex (women tend to experience pain more intensely than men), to age, weight and even experience. You won’t have a true idea about your pain threshold relative to tattoos and piercings if you haven’t done it at least once. Expectation Setting: Different Types of Pain When getting any tattoo or piercing, you’re likely to experience different types of pain based on how these are done. There are general sensations that people have experienced and shared, including background (or dull), burning, scratching, vibrating and stinging pain. An experienced tattoo or piercing artist will be able to tell you which one to expect based on where you’re getting your new creative addition. By setting a few expectations, you’ll be able to tell when things aren’t going according to plan, especially if it is your first time. Work with a professional that communicates openly about this, offering peace of mind that you are in good hands along the way. The Most Painful Areas for Piercings There are a couple of areas on the body that are known for being more painful than others. Knowing about these will help you to make a more informed decision about where you should be getting yours. Genital and nipple piercings are typically very painful, mostly because of the amount of nerve endings in these areas. Nose and dermal piercings come in a close second, although the latter can be relatively painless if it is done in an area that isn’t very nerve heavy. Think carefully about trying one of these four types of piercings, especially if you’re a first timer or have a low pain threshold to begin with. Higher Pain Spots for Tattoos Just like with piercings, tattoos also have a few places on the body that tend to cause more pain than others. Areas that are close to bones, where the skin is very thin or where the space is devoid of too much fat may lead to high to severe pain levels. Tattoos are generally highly painful when they are in the armpit, rib cage, ankles, shins, groins, lips or behind the knees. These spots can be tricky to tattoo to begin with, so make sure you are working with an experienced artist who can answer your questions and get you the exact outcome you’re looking for. If you’re wanting to gauge things first, with an intention to come back and get another tattoo later, stick to a more common area like the forearm, shoulder or one of your calves to keep things simple. Quick Tips to Reduce Pain During Either To make sure you have as little pain as possible during the piercing or tattooing process, there are a couple of precautions you can take on the day. It’s important to go in sober, as having thinner-than-usual blood can cause additional complications in the moment along with potential problems during the healing process. Eat a full breakfast and drink lots of water, preferably after a good night’s sleep to give your immune system a boost. Ask to take a few breaks in the process if the pain is starting to feel too much. Use mindfulness techniques like meditation to focus on other things while you’re sitting in the chair. Breath deeply through the process, and enjoy a casual conversation with a friend or the artist to help the process feel shorter than it actually is. Additional Support If you have any questions about the tattooing or piercing process, the BodyJ4You team can help. We’re happy to help wherever we can to offer you more peace of mind about the incredible process you’re about to embark on. If you’re looking for specific piercings, gauges, belly rings, glass jewelry and more, we’ve got you covered. Our high quality products have been tried and tested and are designed in a way to make the process as seamless as possible. All you have to worry about now is the creative side of the process, and in a couple of weeks you’ll be showing off your brand new ink or piercing with a broad smile on your face. Relax, and enjoy the ride.
Learn more
Tattoo Aftercare: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Ink Looking Fresh
So you’ve made the decision to get some new ink this year. Hell yes! This is an exciting decision that should be embraced with open arms. Doing so means planning everything from the design to who will be doing it, right through to how you’re going about preventing infection and keeping the tattoo looking its best over time. You’ll (hopefully) be living with it for the rest of your life after all. If you’re about to get a tattoo for the first time, or you’re a returning customer looking to get some fresh ink, the recovery process is exactly the same. Here are the basics for you to be mindful of. Why Tattoo Aftercare is Important Any time you open your skin, your body is vulnerable to scarring and infections. Aftercare is essential to minimize the risk of either, and to help your new work of art heal as quickly as possible. The tattoo artist has an important role to play here. If they can’t give you advice on the best way to go about aftercare, they might not be the best person to do the tattoo itself. Moisturizers and creams are a godsend when it comes to recovery. Check out our video on the benefits of using a tattoo aftercare cream to learn more about what they can do. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you) Early Stages: Preventing Infection The #1 goal during the early recovery process should be to prevent infection. Although only a small amount of people experience complications after getting a tattoo, with more people getting tattoos these days, the number is on an upward trajectory. Preventing infection requires thorough yet delicate cleaning twice a day along with some antibacterial ointment, cream or moisturizer. Our 100% vegan balm is a popular choice for many people, along with the full recovery soap kit. Fresh Looking Ink Part of the aftercare process when you’ve gotten a tattoo is committing to reducing fading and keeping the ink looking fresh. There are a couple of things you can prioritize to make this happen. Firstly, do what you can to keep it out of direct sunlight where possible. Try not to scratch the tattoo either. Never soak a tattoo until it is fully healed, and stay away from alcohol or recreational substances during the healing process. Do what you can to avoid situations that might wear on your tattoo and hinder the healing process, perhaps even ruining the design in the long run too. Expert Advice When You Need It The BodyJ4You team consists of experts that have been refining their craft in the body and fashion jewelry space for over 16 years. Aside from offering a range of options for creative expression, we are also committed to helping to make the recovery process after getting a tattoo or going through ear gauging as simple and painless as possible. Products are quality checked and created by following strict safety regulations. We’re happy to offer any advice on the process, the best options for your needs, as well as celebrating your new body ink or piercing with you.
Learn more
Laser Tattoo Removal: How to Care for Your Skin During and After
Ever since tattooing started to become more mainstream, laser tattoo removal has been a prominent feature around the world too. Tattoos are technically considered “permanent”, but as a result of the latest technologies it is possible to remove them partially or fully with the right treatment. If you’re about to go through the process for the first time, you might have a lot of questions on your mind. Our quick guide over here should tell you everything you need to know about what to expect, how it works and most importantly of all, how to care for your skin as you go about each session. What is Laser Tattoo Removal? Laser tattoo removal is a non-invasive process that breaks up the tattoo pigment colors with a high-intensity light beam. Q-switched lasers are typically used, although there are other options available and simultaneously being developed as technologies change and improve. Black tattoo pigment can absorb all last wavelengths, meaning it is one of the easier colors to treat effectively. Specific lasers can be used to treat other colors and these are equally good at removing tattoos completely over time. Be mindful that it might take several sessions to achieve the desired result. Immediate Protection After Treatment Laser tattoo removal is not a pain-free process. You should expect mild levels of discomfort, but if you managed to get through the process of getting the tattoo without too much panic or stress, you should be fine. Laser removal sessions are a lot shorter than the tattooing process, although it will take about a week or two for the skin to heal after each session. For the first two to three days, cover the area with antibiotic healing ointment. Keep it bandaged and only remove the bandage after 72 hours. Do what you can to keep the area as dry and clean as possible too. Other Things to Avoid During the Healing Process Aside from keeping the area bandaged, clean and dry, it’s important for you to remember a few other important things. Don’t do any vigorous exercise during the first three days, and be careful not to do anything that will leave you sweating a lot during the full healing process. Don’t pick at any scabs or blisters that might form to avoid scarring. Exposure to the sun is a no-no, as is drinking too much alcohol. This might result in avoidable accidents, bumps or scrapes in the area, which will ultimately hinder the healing process and set your follow-up appointment back by some time. A Helpful Product for Positive Results Earlier, we mentioned applying an antibiotic healing ointment to the area after every laser session. The BodyJ4You team is very proud of its natural, paraben-free Laser Aftercare Box, which has been designed to promote healing and can be gently massaged into the affected area. The product can be used two to three times a day to moisturize and maintain the skin too. Our unique blend of oils and flower extract is tried and tested and one of the best offerings in the market today. We look forward to helping you with the healing process after every laser tattoo removal session.
Learn more
Piercing Healing Times: How Long Each Piercing Takes to Fully Heal on Average
If you’re keen to get a piercing soon, it’s good to know about more than just what to expect during the process of getting it. Understanding the healing process will give you a holistic view of what you’re about to do, as well as a realistic idea of how long it’s going to take for it to be 100% healed. Every type of body piercing has its own normal healing time, which can be influenced by the size of the piercing, how thick the tissue is in the specific area, or just how well your body tends to heal in general. Today, we’ll take a look at the piercings with the shortest healing times, as well as those with the longest recovery periods. Piercings with the Shortest Average Healing Times Keep in mind that there is no “one size fits all” rule for every single piercing, especially as people are wired differently and our bodies respond in different ways to piercings, tattoos and so forth. Generally, piercings inside the mouth, like the tongue, tend to heal within three to six weeks. The face (including lips, eyebrows and earlobes) have a healing time of around six to eight weeks. These are the piercings that have the shortest average recovery times, and are a good choice if you’re a first-timer. Those with the Longest Average Healing Times Piercings with a longer average healing time include the curve of the ear (two to four months), nostrils (four to six months), nipples (three to six months), belly button (up to six months) and the vagina or penis (anywhere from two to six months). These areas are slightly more complex for piercings as they offer different challenges relative to the ones mentioned earlier. Although it shouldn’t be a deterrent that they will take longer to heal, it’s good to set realistic expectations so you know what you’re in for right from the time you sit in the chair to get the piercing. Signs of a Fully Healed Piercing Although you should never use the discharge as the primary indicator that the piercing has healed fully (this is expected to happen during a specific period of the healing process), combined with other factors it is an eventual signal that everything's 100%. Look out for the jewelry being loose and moving freely wherever the piercing is, without any pain or discomfort. The edges of the piercing holes should also be smooth, pulling inward. Talk to the specialist who is piercing you about the specific indicators to keep an eye on during the process, based on where you’re getting it to begin with. Encouraging the Process At BodyJ4You, we’re at the forefront of encouraging the healing process with products that are designed to offer support and relief where possible. Our gentle numb cream helps with local pain after body modifications, laser treatments on tattoos or even after cosmetic procedures. The same goes for our popular aftercare soap cleaning solution and piercing saline spray, which specifically soothes any pierced area right from the start of the healing process and during the course of keeping the area clean. No matter which piercing you decide to go with, you’re in good hands when you choose one of our products to make the journey as safe and easy as possible.
Learn more
Ear Stretching and Ear Gauges: Everything You Need to Know
So you’re keen to explore your creative self by stretching your ear lobes (ear gauge) this year. Welcome to the club! As with most first timers, you might have a lot of questions about it at the moment. Before you start thinking about the specific spacers to add to your collection, it’s good to get a bit more information about the process. Ear stretching has formed part of many cultural traditions over the centuries, including being used for spiritual and ritual purposes by the Ancient Egyptians. These days it is a form of expression for many people living in the modern world too. So let’s start with the basics, and work our way through some of the most common questions people ask during the journey. What is an Ear Gauge? Ear gauging, also called ear stretching, refers to the process of gradually stretching out pierced holes in the earlobes, in order to add specific jewelry into them. Fit for all genders, the holes could be sized anywhere from the diameter of a pen, right through to the surface of your favorite soft drink can. The jewelry you choose can be referred to as tunnels, spacers or plugs, depending on what you get. It’s a good idea to start dreaming a little bit about what you’re going to try first, adapting your options as your style and preferences change over time. You control how big to go, and not rushing the process means getting a good and comfortable result. Is Ear Stretching Painful? This is one of the first questions that most people want to have answered. In short, the answer is not really. The stretching process might tingle or sting slightly, but if it’s done correctly by a professional with good experience, it shouldn’t hurt all too much. If you’re feeling pain after inserting the taper / spacer, then it’s likely that its size is a little too big for the hole you’re working with. The idea is to work it down to a choice that fits comfortably and doesn’t leave you in any pain. You’ll get the hang of the way it feels in no time at all and shouldn’t be too afraid if you’ve had tattoos or piercings done before. Is Ear Gauing Permanent? Ear gauges are permanent or impermanent depending on a couple of factors. As a general rule, people who make holes between 6 and 10 millimeters can expect their ears to revert back to the size of a normal piercing. This will take several months of healing. Keep this in mind if you don’t want the process to permanently stretch your ears. It’s also a good idea to stretch it out slowly and to remember to go one size at a time. Pushing it or rushing the process may result in a result that can’t be reversed. We’re all wired differently, so results may vary. How to Safely Stretch Your Ears Knowing the process for safely stretching your ears can help make sure the professional doing it knows what they’re doing. Many people try to do it at home, which is fine and can be done through a few different stretching techniques - gauges taper kit, taping, dead stretching. But if you know that you are too eager and will stretch too fast then it is recommended that you seek help from a professional. Without patience to stretch your ears slowly then your stretching process will often result in failure or infection and is not recommended. A skilled ear stretcher will know how to go about creating the smaller hole and repeating the process without pushing your earlobes to a point where the process is excessively painful. Aftercare for Ear Gauges The most important factor to keep in mind during the process is not the actual stretching, but rather how you will look after the ear gauge once you’ve begun your journey. A newly stretched piercing should be met with patience and discipline at all times. Wash the spacer twice a day with chemical-free soap (that nobody else uses) to prevent crusties from forming. Apply an aftercare cream to help keep your earlobes moisturized and healthy. Massage your earlobes with jojoba oil to keep it moisturized and use when inserting new jewelry or when stretching up a size. The healing period can vary depending on the person. Once you’re in the process, patience is key. How to Spot and Prevent Infections in Ear Gauges When you’re doing your daily aftercare routine, take some time to inspect the area thoroughly. Don’t be too alarmed if there is a distinctive smell at first, but if this lasts it’s worth seeing professional advice. Preventing infection requires disciplined attention and sticking to a cleaning routine. Always wash your hands before touching the earlobes or cartilage. Keep the jewelry as clean as possible with a mild soap or cleanser. Rubbing alcohol or an antibiotic ointment could come in handy if you suspect that you have an infection. Get a second opinion first, and ask for extra advice to make sure that it can heal sooner rather than later. Can You Downsize an Ear Gauge? If you’re planning on going through the ear stretching process, you can bank on the fact that at some point during the process you may question whether you’ve gone further than you might have wanted to. If the earlobes were stretched properly, the hole will start to close up on its own and you can downsize to your heart's content. If it falls within the size range we mentioned earlier, it will be possible to go down to a smaller size over time. Remain calm and patient, as it could take some time before you hit the size you want. Trusted Support During The Process Aside from having a close friend or family member to offer moral support during the process, it’s good to know you can bank on expert advice that will offer peace of mind as it goes along. At BodyJ4You, we’re committed to helping people recover well from piercings, ear stretching, tattoos and more. From aftercare soap to choosing the best jewelry based on your preferences, our team has you covered. A decade and a half into operations, we offer quality-controlled products and ideas based on the latest trends, curating on the best options to help you feel and look your best at the end of the day. We’re here for you, and look forward to helping you get exactly what you’re looking for.
Learn more
The Main Types of Nose Piercings and What They Mean
Things You Need to Know About Nose Piercings There are many different body piercings to choose from: lips, belly button, dermal, nipple, ears, and much more. The nose is among the top places to get pierced. But did you know that there are more options than just a regular nostril stud? Start with a basic stud as these heal best, rather than hoops, oversized jewellery or piercings with pendants, as these are more prone to complications and can result in ugly scarring. It can take months for your body to get used to a new piercing. Avoid touching and sleeping on it, to be safe. Keep water exposure to a minimum. Your piercing should heal well if you keep it clean and allow it to heal. The Different Types of Nose Piercings Before committing to a piercing, consider the different types of nose piercings and decide which is the most ideal for you. You can use a clip-on hoop or an earring hoop to get a feel for a nostril or septum’s placement. Or grab a stick-on gem and position it where you want to get pierced. If you like the look and feel of any of these temporary fixes, you’ll be a lot more confident about your chosen nose piercing. Nostril Piercing The classic nostril piercing has always been the first choice for most, and for good reason. Not only is it beautiful, but most jewellery types can be worn with this piercing. This includes, studs, rings, barbells, screws, and captive ball rings. Septum The septum is the small part of the nose between the nostrils, and consists of a cartilage and a thin layer of skin. A septum piercing is a small hole in the centre of the nose. Although this piercing is one of the more painful parts of the nose to pierce as it penetrates cartilage, the septum will heal quickly owing to the thin tissue. Jewellery should be made from surgical-grade stainless steel, gold, or titanium. Bridge Piercing Bridge piercings do not puncture cartilage or bone and are not as painful as other nose piercings as a result. Surface piercings are more prone to migration, which occurs when your body moves a piercing closer to the skin's surface. This can be uncomfortable and even painful. If this occurs, the piercing will most likely need to be permanently removed in order for the hole to close and heal. It is best to ask your piercer to remove the jewellery for you. Curved barbells are the best type of jewellery for bridge piercings, whereas straight barbells may encourage migration. The Austin bar is visually similar to the bridge, but extends lower on the nose. A stud-studded bar connects the nostrils. Nasallang Piercing The nasallang piercing looks like the bridge, but goes horizontally through the septum and both nostrils with one straight barbell. It is one of the most challenging to get right. This is a piercing best left to experienced piercing professionals and not a novice. Rhino Piercing The rhino is a piercing located vertically at the tip of the nose. Named for its resemblance to a rhinoceros’s horn, the rhino piercing is a rare piercing for seasoned body art collectors. If you want a unique piercing that you aren’t likely to see often, this is it. The placement of this piercing requires precision to avoid damage to the nose, and only curved barbell jewellery must be used. Septril Piercing A septril piercing combines a rhino and septum piercing. This piercing runs vertically through the inside of the septum to the tip of the nose. Before you will be able to get this rare piercing, you will need to pierce your septum and gradually have it stretched by your piercer. In fact, your ear’s unique anatomy may not be suitable for this industrial piercing. A professional piercer will be able to tell you which ear piercing best suits your ear shape after a quick peek at your ears.
Learn more
Tongue Piercing Dental Care - How to Take Care of Your Pearly Whites with a Tongue Piercing
Tongue piercings are a great way to express your identity and make a statement. If you're contemplating a tongue piercing, speak to your dentist about any potential risks beforehand. Infection is possible with every piercing, but the long-term implications on your dental health might affect your teeth, gums, and other regions of your mouth. This article explains what tongue piercings are, how to care for them, and the risks to be aware of. What Is a Tongue Piercing? This sort of body piercing is done straight through the tongue. Oral piercings and teeth decorations are an old form of body modification and self-expression. This popular piercing is classified as an intra-oral piercing. Intra-oral piercings have both ends inside the mouth. Tongue Piercing Styles There are a number of different alternatives to choose from for a tongue piercing. Metals used in tongue piercings include stainless steel, gold, and titanium. Studs are a popular type of jewellery consisting of a rod with metal spheres on both ends. Tongue rings are placed via the lingual frenulum, a small tissue strip connecting the tongue's underside to the mouth's floor. Potential Piercing Risks and Oral Health Issues Before getting pierced, make sure to do your research. You should know how long your piercing will take to heal, how to spot signs of infection, and how to properly care for your tongue piercing. Ask your dentist about possible risks and oral health issues to be aware of and how to prevent them. Make sure to go to a reputable piercing studio that prioritises high health and safety standards. HIV as well as hepatitis can be transmitted through dirty piercing equipment. You should expect some pain and swelling after getting your tongue pierced. However, the pain should not be severe, and should not be paired with excessive redness, swelling or pus. Oral Infections Because our mouths are naturally moist, they can easily become a breeding ground for germs to thrive and flourish. Piercings further increase your chances of infection. An infected piercing should never be ignored. Seek immediate medical care. You will need to complete a course of antibiotics to clear it up. Infections can be fatal if your tongue swells and blocks your airway. Chipped Teeth and Cavities After getting pierced, it may take some time to get used to your new jewellery. As a result, you may accidentally knock your teeth with your piercing, which can chip your teeth. To avoid dental damage, discuss with your dentist techniques to minimise the chances of banging your teeth, and consider investing in a dental guard to wear to bed at night. The jewellery may also collect plaque from food, causing tooth decay and cavities. Keeping Your Piercing Problem-Free While a tongue piercing carries some risk, you may prevent them by adopting healthy behaviours. Here are a few suggestions for taking care of your tongue piercing: Use an alcohol-free mouth rinse, especially while you are still healing. Resist the urge to fiddle with your jewellery, as this can cause irritation. Keep an eye out for any signs of an infected tongue piercing. Keep your piercing as clean as possible. Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride based toothpaste. Do not forget to floss every day. Most dentists advise against getting a tongue piercing, but ultimately it is a personal decision. With proper oral hygiene it may be possible to avoid all, or at least most, of the negative consequences that could occur with a tongue piercing. A healthy tongue piercing can be a great way to express yourself and many people experience a boost of confidence with their body jewellery.
Learn more