Piercing craters happen when the tissue around the piercing site is damaged and can't heal properly. This can occur because of improper piercing, poor aftercare, allergies to jewelry, or underlying health conditions. Neglecting them can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and infection, so prompt treatment is vital.
To remove a tongue-piercing crater, rinse your mouth with a saline solution several times daily and use aloe vera gel. These remedies can help promote tissue regeneration. If the crater persists or worsens, it’s advisable to consult a piercing or oral healthcare professional.
In this blog post, we will explore solutions for tongue piercing craters, tongue piercing crater removal, and reasons behind piercing craters.
How to Get Rid of Tongue Piercing Crater: 10 Remedies
Tongue piercings people often lead to an unsightly indent known as a tongue piercing crater. The situation can pose difficulties when speaking and eating and can be an anxiety-inducing situation for many. There are several ways to remove these craters, whether home remedies or professional medical procedures.
5 Home and Natural Remedies
While professional medical procedures provide a more efficient and effective way to remove tongue piercing craters, many patients prefer to opt for home remedies as a first step. These remedies include:
- Antibiotic Ointments: Antibiotic ointments are a good choice for people with mild tongue piercing craters. The ointment works by preventing infection and reducing inflammation, which can aid in healing the hole.
- Salt Water Rinses: Salt water rinses can work wonders in the initial tongue piercing crater formation stages. The saltwater helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing, allowing the body's natural healing processes to take over.
- Tea Tree Oil: A potent antimicrobial and reducing substance that can soothe and heal a tongue piercing crater. Apply a few drops to the affected area and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is another powerful natural healing agent for healing tongue piercing craters. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected area, while its moisturizing properties promote healing.
- Practicing Good Oral Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene, including brushing teeth and rinsing with salt water, can help keep the piercing clean and reduce the risk of infection.
5 Professional Medical Procedures
While home remedies may be an excellent first step, professional medical procedures are often necessary for more severe tongue piercing craters. These procedures include:
- Laser Scar Removal: Scar removal with laser technology is a procedure that involves the use of high intensity lasers to break down scar tissue and promote new tissue growth. The process can reduce the appearance of tongue piercing craters.
- Dermal Grafting: Dermal grafting involves the transfer of skin from one part of the body to the affected area. This can help to fill in the crater and promote healing.
- Cryotherapy: A process that freezes scar tissue to promote new tissue growth. This procedure can help to reduce craters caused by tongue piercings.
- Incision and Drainage: In severe cases of tongue piercing craters, incision, and drainage may be necessary. This involves cutting into the affected area and draining any fluid or pus present, allowing the site to heal correctly.
- Consult with a Piercer: If the piercing was improperly placed, consulting with a piercer can help identify the issue and provide solutions. They can also offer advice on aftercare and jewelry choices.
7 Reasons for Tongue Piercing Crater Formation
Tongue-piercing craters can be a common occurrence. Some people may have a tongue piercing crater caused by several factors.
- Jewelry Size: If the jewelry in your tongue piercing is too tiny for your tongue, it can form a crater. The jewelry can sink into the language, causing pressure on the surrounding tissue.
- Incorrect Piercing Technique: If your piercer does not follow proper piercing techniques, it can form a crater. For example, they could have pierced too deep into the tongue or at the wrong angle.
- Oral Hygiene: A lack of good oral hygiene can cause bacterial buildup around the piercing site, leading to infection and crater formation.
- Allergic Reactions: People may react allergically to the metal used in their tongue piercing jewelry, causing irritation and the formation of a crater.
- Smoking: Smoking can also lead to the formation of a crater. The chemicals in cigarettes delay healing and increase the risk of infection.
- Gum Recession: If you have a tongue piercing for a long time, it can cause gum recession. This is when the gums around the piercing site pull away from the teeth, creating a crater.
- Scar Tissue: These tissues can form around the piercing site, causing the formation of a crater. Scar tissue can be caused by trauma to the area or improper healing.
Conclusion
Tongue piercing craters should be removed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the language and ensure good oral health. While surgical procedures are the most common way to remove a tongue piercing crater, there are alternative options that can help reduce the swelling and irritation caused by the crater.
Proper procedures must be followed during removal to avoid infections and other complications. If you are experiencing any problems with your tongue piercing, seek advice from a dental professional immediately.