![A Step-by-Step Guide To Cleaning Lip Piercings [7 Things Not To Do]](http://drnumb.com/cdn/shop/articles/How_To_Clean_Lip_Piercing__9_Steps_7_Things_To_Avoid.jpg?v=1713180841&width=1100)
Lip piercings must be cleaned correctly to ensure that they do not cause problems. Infections are a common risk associated with piercing, especially in the mouth, where bacteria can quickly accumulate.
Infection symptoms include swelling, pain, redness, and pus. Some people may develop keloids, cysts, or scars around the piercing site, which can be unsightly, painful, or interfere with the jewelry.
Wash the outside of your lip piercing twice a day with a saline solution. Use a sprayer to spray on the lip, let it soak in and soften any crusties, then wipe them on a nonwoven cloth. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash every time you eat and before bedtime.
This blog post will explain how to keep your lip piercing clean and healthy. Infection prevention and healing tips are also included.
How To Clean Lip Piercing: Step-by-Step Guide
Lip piercings are a unique and stylish form of self-expression. Taking care of them is essential to prevent infections and ensure optimal healing. This comprehensive guide explains how to clean your lip piercing correctly.
Right Cleaning Supplies
The first step in cleaning your lip piercing is to gather the supplies. You will need:
- An antimicrobial or antibacterial mouth rinse that is free from alcohol. Alcohol dries out and irritates the piercing, so it's best avoided.
- A sterile saline solution with no additives (read the label) or a homemade non-iodized sea salt mixture. Mix one cup (8 oz) of warm distilled water with 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoons of sea salt to make this at home. Be careful, a more potent mixture is not better. You don't want a saline solution that's too strong. If you have high blood pressure or a heart condition, talk to your doctor before you use saline.
Cleaning Inside the Mouth
To clean the inside of your mouth:
- Rinse your mouth with the cleaning solution for 30 seconds after meals and at bedtime. You should do this 4-5 times daily during the healing period. Cleaning too often or vigorously could cause discoloration and irritation in your mouth and the piercing.
Cleaning the Exterior of the Labret Piercings
To wash your lip piercing:
- Soak the area in saline solution and wash it with a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap, preferably antimicrobial or germicidal.
- Clean and touch your piercings with clean hands.
- At least two to three times per day, soak in saline water. Soak in a warm saline solution for 5 to 10 minutes. For specific placements, applying the solution using clean gauze saturated with saline solution might be more accessible.
- If you're using soap, use it at most once or twice a day. While showering, lather up a pearl-sized bit of soap. Leave the cleanser on the piercing for thirty seconds.
- Wash the piercing thoroughly to remove soap. It's unnecessary to rotate the jewelry through the piercing.
- Dry the area by gently patting it with clean, disposable paper products. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snags on jewelry, causing injury.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is crucial when you have a lip piercing. Keep up your routine of brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using mouthwash as needed. This will help keep bacteria at bay and promote faster healing of your piercing.
Eat Slowly and Carefully
In the first few days after getting your piercing, eat slowly and stick to soft foods like ice cream, yogurt, and pudding. Cold foods and drinks can soothe the area and reduce swelling. When you eat solid food again, cut it into small pieces and try to chew as far away from the piercing as possible. Avoid biting your lip and keep contact with the piercing to a minimum. And remember - don’t use chewing gum until your piercing has fully healed.
Avoid 7 Things After Getting Your Lip Pierced
A new lip piercing can be exciting but must stay clean and infection-free. Here are some straightforward steps to ensure your lip piercing heals perfectly:
Avoid Smoking
We understand the challenges of quitting smoking, especially for regular smokers. However, smoking can aggravate your fresh piercing, introduce harmful bacteria, and delay the healing process. If you find it hard to quit, consider using an e-cigarette that generates water vapor instead of smoke.
Limit Consumption of Aspirin and Caffeine
Avoiding aspirin and limiting caffeine intake is best for the initial healing week. Both substances thin your blood, potentially causing increased bleeding. Enjoying coffee occasionally is fine, but stay within two cups daily.
Don't Fiddle with Your Jewelry
Resist the urge to play with your new jewelry. Twisting, turning, or sliding your jewelry could introduce bacteria to the healing area or cause minor bleeding. Touch your piercing only when necessary, always with clean hands or gloves.
Use Saltwater-Based Mouthwash
Opt for a saltwater-based mouthwash over an alcohol-based one. Alcohol can dry out and irritate your piercing, which would slow down the healing process.
Maintain Strict Hygiene
Act as if you're a germaphobe for the first few weeks after getting your lip pierced. Avoid actions that could introduce pathogens, such as French kissing, sharing food or drinks, chewing on foreign objects, or engaging in oral sex.
Avoid Applying Creams or Oils
Never apply creams, oils, ointments, or balms to your lip piercing. These products could clog the piercing, trap bacteria, and cause infection. Mix tea tree oil with saline soaks to moisturize the skin around the piercing. It has moisturizing and antiseptic properties but should never be applied undiluted to the piercing.
Don't Rush to Change Your Jewelry
Avoid changing your labret jewelry prematurely. It's advised to wait 6-8 weeks until the piercing is entirely healed. If you're unsure about the healing process, consult with your piercer. The only exception would be if you're experiencing an allergic reaction, piercing rejection, or extreme swelling. In such cases, immediately seek help from your piercer.
Conclusion
From gathering the right supplies to the step-by-step cleaning process, maintaining good oral hygiene, and even how to eat post-piercing. Pay attention to these dos and don'ts so your lip piercing heals properly and isn't prone to infections.
Plus, by avoiding certain behaviors and items, like smoking, aspirin, and creams, you stand a better chance of healing seamlessly with no hiccups.
Remember, a lip piercing requires both proper care and maintenance. So, keep these tips in mind, and your piercing will remain a healthy and vibrant form of self-expression. Happy healing, and enjoy your new sparkle.
