Oral piercings refer to piercings that are located within or around the mouth. There are some common types of oral piercings include, lip piercings, tongue piercings and cheek piercings.
Tongue piercings involve piercing the tongue with a needle and inserting a piece of jewellery, typically a barbell. Lip piercings can be located on either the upper or lower lip, and typically involve piercing the lip and inserting a stud or hoop. Cheek piercings are located on the inside of the cheek, and involve piercing the tissue and inserting a piece of jewellery.
Oral piercings can be a form of self-expression or fashion statement, but they also carry certain risks. These can include pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, damage to the teeth or gums, or interference with speech or oral function. It’s important to choose a reputable and experienced piercer, follow aftercare instructions closely, and be vigilant for any signs of complications if you are considering an oral piercing.
Nesting and embedding are two different terms used in relation to oral piercings.
Nesting
Nesting refers to the practice of placing a piercing within another piercing. For example, some people may select to have a lip piercing nested within a tongue piercing. This technique can create a unique and visually interesting look, but it can also increase the risk of complications, such as infection or damage to the oral tissues.
Nesting, which is the practice of placing one piercing inside another. However, like all forms of body modification, there are both possible benefits and risks associated with nesting. there are some of the pros and cons to consider:
Pros of nesting:
Unique and visually appealing look
- Can be a creative way to combine different types of piercings
- May be a way to express personal style or individuality
Cons of nesting:
- Increased risk of complications, such as infection or damage to oral tissues
- You can make oral cleanliness more difficult and increase the risk of gum disease.
- May be uncomfortable or cause irritation, especially if the piercings rub against each other
- It can be difficult to remove jewellery.
It’s important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of nesting before getting a piercing. If you do decide to get a nested piercing, it’s important to choose a reputable and experienced piercer, follow aftercare instructions closely, and be vigilant for any signs of complications.
Embedding
Embedding, on the other hand, refers to the placement of an object or material within a piercing. This technique is sometimes used with tongue piercings, where a small bead or gemstone is embedded within the piercing to create a decorative effect. However, embedding foreign materials within a piercing can increase the risk of infection, allergic reactions, or other complications.
It can be visually appealing, there are both potential benefits and risks associated with this technique. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:
Pros of embedding:
- Can be a creative way to customize a piercing and express personal style or individuality
- Allows for a wide variety of materials to be used, such as gemstones, beads, or even small objects
- Can add visual interest to a piercing and make it stand out
Cons of embedding:
- Increases the risk of complications, such as infection, irritation, or allergic reactions
- Can be more difficult to clean and maintain proper hygiene, which can increase the risk of infection
- Can make it more difficult to remove or change jewellery if needed
- May cause damage to the piercing, such as stretching or tearing, if the embedded material is too heavy or large
It’s important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of embedding before getting a piercing. If you do decide to get an embedded piercing, it’s important to choose a reputable and experienced piercer, follow aftercare instructions closely, and be vigilant for any signs of complications. It’s also important to be aware that some materials may not be suitable for embedding due to the risk of complications, and to only use materials that are safe and appropriate for use in piercings.
Oral Piercing: Tips on how to care
Oral piercing is a type of body piercing that involves the piercing of the tongue, lips, or cheeks. While it can be a form of self-expression and style, oral piercings can come with risks and require special care to prevent infections and complications. Here are some tips on how to care for your oral piercing:
- Clean the piercing site regularly: Use an antiseptic mouthwash to clean the piercing site after every meal, and brush your teeth gently to remove any food particles that may have become lodged around the piercing. You can also use a saltwater rinse to soothe any inflammation.
- Avoid certain foods and drinks: Avoid eating or drinking anything acidic, spicy, or salty, as this can irritate the piercing site and delay the healing process. Drinking alcohol and smoking should also be avoided as they can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
- Be careful when speaking and eating: Be mindful of your piercing when talking or eating to avoid accidentally biting or pulling it. Chew slowly and avoid biting down on hard foods, as this can damage the piercing.
- Avoid changing jewellery too soon: Wait until the piercing has fully healed before changing the jewellery. This can take several weeks to months, depending on the type of piercing. Changing the jewellery too soon can irritate the piercing site and delay the healing process.
- Watch for signs of infection: Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a healthcare professional immediately.
Overall, oral piercing requires special care and attention to prevent infections and complications. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your oral piercing heals properly and remains healthy.