Oral Piercing Care

Oral Piercing Care
	These aftercare instructions are the result of much research and many people's personal experiences. Following them is the easiest way to a healthy, happy piercing experience.
The First Day
	1. Gather and label your aftercare supplies. Some cleaning supplies will be provided to you, others you may have to purchase. Write the date that you opened the bottles on a label and affix it to the bottle. Do not use any done bottle for more than 65 days, as the supplies may lose their effectiveness.
	2. Take a nap. It is very possible that you will feel tired or "worn out" after a piercing. This is due to the adrenalin / endorphin rush associated with the piercing. If this feeling occurs, the best thing to do is to take a nap.
	3. Begin your cleaning regimen. We recommend that you clean your piercing approximately 2-4 hours after the piercing, and again on the night of your piercing. After this, clean your piercing twice per day for two weeks, minimum.
	3.1 Your cleaning regimen: First wash your hands. Then mix your antibacterial mouthwash with warm water. We suggest mixing 60% mouthwash to 40% water, so as not to chemically irritate the piercing, or to kill all of the bacteria in your mouth (some of it is useful and necessary). Use this solution every time you put something in your mouth other than water.
	3.2 Prohibited cleaning solutions: Do not, under any circumstances use Hydrogen Peroxide, Rubbing Alcohol, Hibiclens, Bactine, or Iodine solution (Betadine) to clean your piercing. All of these solutions are clearly labeled "Not For Use In Puncture Wounds", which is what your piercing is. We also discourage the use of sea-salt as a cleaning agent, as there are so far no medical reports detailing it's supposed healing properties. Never use an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin to heal your piercing. Ointments such as this keep Oxygen, the main ingredient in a successful healing, from reaching your piercing.
The First Two Days
	1. Avoid Alcohol, Aspirin, Caffeine and other blood thinners, as these can add significant time to the healing process. They can also cause the piercing to bleed.
The First Two Weeks
	1. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your new piercing. Your hands come in contact with all manner of bacteria and possibly infectious material during a normal day. Ignoring this instruction is the quickest way to culture a nasty infection.
	2. Avoid scratching, tugging picking, or otherwise irritating your new piercing. Your piercing is, at this point, a would, and should be given the same consideration as a wound would. It is not a toy, yet....
	3. Threaded balls (on barbells, circular barbells, etc.) need to be tightened twice per day to help the balls seat. It is easiest to do this while cleaning your piercing.
The First Month
	1. Do not allow your piercing to come in contact with any of the following: The bodily fluids of any person other than yourself, Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, Creeks, Lakes, Oceans, Rivers, Swimming Holes, Pets, etc... All of these things are quick routes to infection and healing problems.
	2. Pay attention to your piercing. If anything occurs that you do not understand, or would just like to ask us about, please feel free to call us. We want you to have the best possible piercing and are happy to answer any and all questions you may have concerning your piercing.
	3. Come back in after 3-4 weeks for a checkup. We like to know how you are doing.