HOW TO CLEAN YOUR PIERCING

1. Rinse mouth with an alcohol-free, antimicrobial or antibacterial mouthwash 4-5 times daily after meals. Biotene and Tom’s of Maine are alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwashes that can be found in most grocery stores or pharmacies. Do not contaminate your bottle by placing your mouth on it. Use a fresh clean glass whenever possible. When you are out, use a small disposable bottle to carry around your mouthwash. And discard after-wards.

2. Start your healing period out with a Brand New Soft bristled Toothbrush! Toothbrushes harbor bacteria and should be changed every three months, or more. A happy tongue piercing begins with good Oral Health!

3. You should GENTLY brush your tongue to remove dead skin cells. Carefully avoid the actual piercing site! Your toothbrush is also a good tool for removing the plaque that will begin to accumulate on your barbell, especially around the bottom ball. This build-up can harbor bacteria and irritate even a healed piercing. A plaque fighting mouthwash, such as Plax, may also be used.

SALT WATER GARGLES

Mild salt-water gargles are strongly suggested to accelerate healing and minimize discomfort and irritation during the healing process of your piercing. Salt-water gargles help to irrigate the piercing while minimizing exposure to harsh chemicals. Use a self-made mixture of non-iodized Sea Salt and distilled or bottled water. Note: Neither Epsom salt nor table salt are acceptable substitutes for Sea Salt.

1. Dissolve 5 teaspoons of salt into 1 gallon of distilled water. Now you have the solution pre-mixed to use for each soak. Make sure you shake the gallon up before each use! (A stronger solution is not better as you can burn your piercing) The solution should be relative to the salt content of your tears.

2. Pour a small amount into a clean glass to use for the gargle (Limit use of sea salt if you have high blood pressure or heart problems.)