Protection From Infection: Teenagers And Lip Piercing Aftercare

In the blink of an eye, your little one has blossomed into a full-fledged teenager. This time period is full of changes for your child, and he or she will likely experiment with his or her looks. Piercings are particularly popular among the younger crowd. Your teen may be begging you for permission to get a lip piercing.

If you feel like giving the green light on this, make sure that your child knows about lip piercing aftercare. Oral infections are a common issue for people who get lip, tongue, and other mouth piercings. These piercings can cause gum, cheek, and tooth infections if they are not properly cared for.

However, you do not have to say "no" just because of this. There are several preventative measures that your teen can take to avoid infection. Use the information below to give your teenager piercing aftercare guidelines to adhere to.

Tips For Avoiding Oral Infections

  • Use an antiseptic mouthwash. Purchase a bottle of antiseptic mouthwash for your teen to use. Let them know it is crucial to use it after eating or drinking anything. It is important to note there are some significant differences between antibacterial mouthwashes and antiseptic mouthwashes. Antiseptic mouthwash kills bacteria, but it can also eliminate viruses and fungal infections.

  • Use a new toothbrush. Ask your teenager to toss out his or her old toothbrush. When toothbrushes sit in the bathroom, they can become riddled with bacteria and other substances. To avoid irritating the piercing, make sure your teen uses a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing gently and rinsing very thoroughly may also help prevent infections.

  • Avoid using non-disposable items. After your child washes his or her face, he or she may reach for a cloth towel to dry it. This is the norm, but it should be avoided for several weeks after piercings. Cloth items like these harbor bacteria; paper towels, cotton swabs, and other disposable items should be used instead.

  • Increase the frequency of hand washing. Your kiddo may want to fiddle with his or her new piercing. Some piercing artists encourage clients to rotate their piercings, too, so they don't stick. Make sure your teenager is washing his or her hands with antibacterial soap often. This will reduce the likelihood of germs being spread from the hands to the mouth.

Additional Aftercare Information For Lip Piercings

Lip piercings take at least six to eight weeks to heal, so sticking to the guidelines above is important. If your teenager experiences any signs of oral infection, call your pediatric dentist immediately for information and assistance. Signs of oral infection may show up in the mouth, gums, or around the piercing. These signs include:

  • redness

  • irritation

  • pus or bleeding

  • swelling

  • numbness

Fortunately, proper care should help reduce the chances of these issues. Even if no infection occurs, schedule a follow-up appointment with your teenager's pediatric dentist. They can make sure that this trendy new piercing is not causing any sort of infection or other issues. For more info, contact a company like Kids First Pediatric Dentistry.


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