Oral Piercings


The art of body piercing is a medium of expression, which dates back as far as human life. Oral piercings are one of the most popular types of body modification. With professional piercers finding new and innovative locations to get the jewelry punctured in the lips, cheeks, and tongue, people are lining up to get one for themselves. These piercings are grouped with one another to make an overall impact to personal appearance. This type of personal statement signifies risk-taking, self-expressionism, new fashion trend, and no particular religious or societal norms. Perhaps you or your child got interested in getting one of the piercings done. In that case, you need to understand what these piercings are, their aftercare, and potential piercings dangers, if proper care is not exercised.

Types of Piercings

The following piercings are done on the various parts of the mouth. Along with the specific locations, aftercare instructions are also included.

Tongue: This type of piercing is done from under the tongue, going vertically through it to exit from the surface on top. The tongue needs to be examined properly before getting it pierced. The tongue gets a lot of blood pumping in it and while the jewelry is being punctured in, the piercer needs to be sure he/she doesn't pierce in an arterial veins. Another type of tongue piercing is the tongue frenulum piercing, also known as "tongue webbing". The jewelry is pierced through the frenulum from underneath the tongue itself. The healing time for tongue piercings is approximately 3 to 12 weeks.

Cheeks or Dimples: As the name suggests, cheek piercings are pierced with matching jewelry on both sides. The piercing is placed where a person would get dimples if he/she laughed. People often choose shiny stones or barbells. The healing time for cheek or dimple piercings is approximately 4 to 12 weeks.

Lips: One of the most popular locations for these piercings are the lips. This type of piercing is done on either the upper or lower lips and on either sides of the lips. The jewelry used for the piercing is either barbells or small hoops (rings). Another enhancement for lip piercings is snakebite piercing, where two hoops are punctured on the bottom lip on either sides. The healing time for lip piercing takes approximately 4 to 12 weeks.

Marilyn Monroe: The piercing, also known as the Madonna and Angel Kiss piercing is done on the upper lip, to show a beauty mark. Labrets are the most used jewelry for this piercing, but many times people go with the standard 1.6mm gauge jewelry as well. The healing time for Monroe piercings is approximately 4 to 12 weeks.

Medusa: Medusa piercing is done in the center of the top tip. This is the area where many people have a dip underneath the nose. A labret is used as the jewelry, but sometimes copy the Monroe jewelry as well. The positioning of this piercing should be accurate as to not puncture the upper fraenum. The healing time for Medusa piercings take approximately 4 to 12 weeks.

Lower Fraenum (Frowny): Lower fraenum is a membrane which connects the lower lip with the lower gum. This piercing is most commonly known as a "frowny". A micro jewelry such as ball closer curved or straight rings and barbells are used for the piercing. The healing time for the frowny piercing takes approximately 4 to 12 weeks.

Superior Fraenum (Smiley): Superior fraenum is a membrane which connects the upper lip with the upper gum. This piercing is most commonly known as a "smiley". Similar to a frowny, ball closure curved or straight rings and barbells are used for the piercing. The healing time for the smiley piercing takes approximately 4 to 12 weeks.

Uvula: Uvula piercing is only for the most daring and adventurous people. The tissue which hangs down in the back of your mouth. It is a small tissue which doesn't take much time to heal. Captive bead rings are used for this type of piercing which are very small in diameter and weigh about 14 grams. The healing time for uvula piercings take approximately 3 to 8 weeks.

Proper Piercing Aftercare
  • Regularly rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial or antibacterial mouthwash.
  • "Friendly" bacteria which live in the mouth protect and benefit piercings from external infections. However, avoid touching the jewelry as much as you can.
  • Saline or antiseptic mouthwash rinsing helps reduce the risk of infection(s). But try not to overuse the mouthwash as it might kill the natural bacteria. (Hint: surface of your tongue will turn white if overuse of mouthwash occurs.)
  • Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap before you clean outside the piercings. Use warm water and a cotton swab and don't use alcohol or peroxide to clean the piercings.
  • Wash the jewelry and the area near it with an antimicrobial soap. Twist or move the jewelry back and forth to clean the entire area.
  • If you see some yellow stuff coming out of the piercing, don't freak out. It's only an indication that the piercing is healing properly; it's perfectly normal.
  • Say no to smoking cigarettes and alcohol for some time, at least till the piercing has healed completely. If you don't stop these two things, your healing time will increase and/or the piercing might get infected.
  • Also, refrain from any physical (kissing) and/or sexual activities. Your piercing might be aggravated and probably will take time to heal.
  • Change your jewelry in about 6 to 8 weeks of piercing, once the initial stage of healing is over. Switch to a small or shorter jewelry to keep it from getting bitten or chewed at.
Piercing Complications
  • Infections caused using unhygienic tools, unsterilized environment, and poor aftercare.
  • Damaging of any nerves in the mouth; mostly done by a inexperienced piercer.
  • Cracking of tooth because the piercing isn't in the correct spot and/or jewelry rubs against the teeth.
  • Erosion of gum because the jewelry rubs against the gums.
  • Gum recession at the spot where the jewelry touches the gums on a regular basis.
  • Tooth decay occurs after the enamel of the tooth is worn off.
  • Teeth become sensitive and get exposed because of gum recession.
  • HIV and/or hepatitis.
These piercings are great to look at and they will provide you with a sense of self-exploration. However, incomplete knowledge about any of the piercings will only land you in trouble and confusion. So, educate yourself before you take this big step.

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