Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Choosing piercing-friendly foods
• Method 2 of 3: Eat carefully
• Method 3 of 3: Dealing with complications

The healing process of a tongue piercing normally takes about three to four weeks. During that time, it's important to consider what you eat and how you eat it. You should stick to milder and softer foods and chew slowly. However, even with the right precautions, complications can arise. Contact the piercer immediately if you notice any signs of an infection.

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Method 1 of 3: Choosing piercing-friendly foods

1. Stick to liquids in the beginning. Your tongue can be very painful after the first piercing. It would be good to stick to an exclusively liquid diet at this point. Focus on foods such as broth and applesauce. You can also try things like smoothies and yogurt if you can't tolerate solid foods yet.
2. Enter soft and mild foods. Once some of the initial pain has passed, you can go back to eating soft and mild foods. Stick to things like gelatin and ice or even baby food. Warmer soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, can be safe if they don't bother you. Some people have limited tolerance for hot food while their tongue piercing is healing. EXPERT TIP

   Keep the drinks chilled. Hot coffee and tea can aggravate a tongue piercing, so stick with cool drinks during the healing process. If you're a coffee drinker, try swapping the hot coffee for iced coffee as long as the pain lasts.

3. Avoid spicy or acidic foods. Very spicy or sour foods should generally be avoided. It can cause pain if it gets into an open wound. Stay away from spicy foods and avoid acidic foods such as citrus fruits.
   • When the pain starts to subside, put these types of foods back into your diet very slowly.
   EXPERT TIP

   Stay away from foods that are difficult to chew. Anything that is difficult to chew is best avoided while healing from a tongue piercing, as such foods can get stuck in your wound and damage the piercing. Hard and chewy foods, such as nuts or things like caramel, should be strictly avoided while healing from a piercing.

4. After three to four weeks, go back to your normal eating habits. Tongue piercings usually heal within three to four weeks with proper care. Within this time frame, the pain should subside. At this point, you can begin to return to your normal eating habits.

Method 2 of 3: Eat carefully

1. Only eat when you are not in a rush. If you are in a hurry to eat, you are more likely to aggravate the piercing. While the piercing is healing, only eat small meals if you have time to sit down and eat slowly.
2. First tighten the beads. Wash your hands with soap and water. Then go into your mouth and tighten the beads on your piercing. Beads can come loose when you chew, so tightening is necessary to keep the piercing from coming off.
3. Chew slowly. Chewing too quickly increases the risk of complications. Make slow and conscious chewing movements while eating with the piercing. Make sure you feel where the food is in your mouth and try to keep it away from the piercing.
4. Use disposable cutlery. Disposable cutlery, when removed straight from the packaging, is less likely to harbor bacteria than regular cutlery. If you are using cutlery, opt for a variety of disposable cutlery to reduce the risk of infection. Use new disposable cutlery every time you eat.

Method 3 of 3: Dealing with complications

1. If you swallow any part of the piercing, see a doctor. People sometimes accidentally swallow a bead or other part of their piercing while eating. Usually the beads are small enough to pass without complications. However, it is always a good idea to check with a doctor just in case.
2. Recognize the sign of an infection. Even with the right precautions, infections can develop. The following common signs of an infection:
   • White, yellow, or brown discharge.
   • Swelling.
   • Redness.
   • Severe pain.
3. Consult the piercer if you develop an infection. A piercer may be able to help you by recommending an ointment. Call the piercer right away as soon as you notice signs of an infection so he or she can help you treat it. If the infection is severe, the piercer may recommend that you see a doctor for treatment.