Oral Body Piercings

What about Swelling?

Avoiding and Treating Swelling

• Ice is the perfect way to avoid swelling.  Suck on ice chips or hold an ice pack to the pierced area for a few minutes, several times a day.
• Keeping your head elevated at night can reduce swelling of your body piercing.  Prop your head up with a few pillows while sleeping.
• Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil) can be purchase over the counter and can reduce and/or prevent swelling.

When properly performed and properly cared for, most body piercings will typically heal fast with minimal discomfort, swelling and bleeding. 

People are often concerned about infection, particularly with oral piercings because they believe the mouth to be dirty given that so many germs and bacteria can pass through the mouth through everyday activities like eating, drinking, talking and even breathing.  While this is true, our saliva actually contains naturally occurring antimicrobials that get rid of the potentially harmful toxins that may enter.