Inflamed tongue piercing: causes and tips for quick healing

Since there are many germs in the mouth, an inflamed tongue piercing can quickly become a problem. We'll show you what you can do if you have inflammation.

If a tongue piercing becomes infected, it is not only painful, but also dangerous. Mucous membranes quickly absorb bacteria and germs, and the inflammation can spread further. It is therefore important to identify the cause and support a quick healing.

Possible causes of an inflamed tongue piercing

To find out the cause of the inflammation, it is important to know whether it is a new or an older tongue piercing. Because if there is an inflammation in a fresh piercing, this can be due to an unclean work of the piercer. A stick that is too short can also be the trigger. Because after the sting, the tongue swells. If the stick is too short, it constricts the tongue, and inflammation can occur. It is also possible that the wearer did not follow the instructions for care. So it is important to follow the guidelines below after piercing:

●     no alcohol for seven days

●     no cigarettes for a week

●     Rinsing your mouth after eating

If it is an older tongue piercing, inflammation is also possible. Moving the plug too often, for example, by playing with your teeth, can irritate the sensitive skin and cause inflammation. If there is a wound near the piercing, this is also a portal for germs and bacteria to enter. In addition, intolerance to jewelry can lead to inflammation. In these cases, jewelry containing nickel is usually the trigger.

Detect inflammation

Inflammation can show up in different ways. Sometimes it causes little pain, but sometimes it causes severe irritation. Possible symptoms are:

●     the tongue swells up

●     there is pain in the tongue

●     Redness forms

●     a coating forms on the tongue

●     hardening occurs

●     Pus emerges from the puncture canal

●     Swelling of the lymph nodes occurs

Tips for a quick healing

Inflammation on the tongue piercing should be treated as quickly as possible. In addition, there are various aids that can aid healing.

Home Remedies Effect

Rinse with chamomile: Chamomile is calming and anti-inflammatory. Fresh chamomile is infused with boiling water. The mouth can then be rinsed out with the brew.

Rinse with salt water: Saltwater can also have a soothing effect. For a rinse, warm water is mixed with salt. There are 250 ml of warm water for every teaspoon of salt. The oral cavity should be rinsed with the solution several times a day.

Use of betaisodona: Betaisodona is an antiseptic that can be used in the mouth. It works against possible germs that can spread in the inflammation.

Use of Chlorhexamed: Chlorhexamed is similarly effective for disinfection. It counteracts inflammation. The oral cavity is rinsed with the agent.

When to the doctor

Usually, it is not necessary to see a doctor at first. However, if the inflammation does not subside, pus forms, or symptoms such as fever and nausea appear, a doctor's visit is necessary. It is important to ensure that the germs and pus do not get into the bloodstream. In this case, sepsis can occur.

To prevent inflammation in the first place, you should clean the tongue piercing regularly. With a fresh piercing, it is important to follow the piercer's instructions.