Infection at the piercing site is a frequent complication, while infective endocarditis, swelling, and tooth fracture are common oral complications. Damage to the teeth and periodontium is an additional concern, and acute glossitis is a severe complication of tongue piercing.
Symptoms of infection include fever, intense pain, swelling, or swollen glands in the neck. Another sign is if treated piercings do not show improvement after a few days. Consistent bleeding from the piercing, green or yellow pus, or a foul odor are also concerning signs.
In this blog post, we'll discuss the general signs of tongue piercing infection, specific symptoms, and what steps to take if you suspect an infection.
How To Tell If My Tongue Piercing Is Infected: 3 Signs of Infection
Recognizing signs of infection in your tongue piercing is crucial for timely intervention and preventing complications. Three key indicators are persistent pain and discomfort, swelling and tenderness, and temperature changes. By being aware of these signs, you can effectively protect your tongue-piercing well-being.
Pain and Discomfort
Symptoms of an infected tongue piercing include pain and discomfort. After getting a piercing, some discomfort is normal for a few days. Persistent or worsening pain afterward may show infection. You may also experience throbbing or burning in the area or shooting pains that travel up your tongue.
- Mild Ache: Look out for a persistent, low-level ache beyond the initial discomfort of a new piercing.
- Increasing Soreness: If the pain escalates rather than subsides during the healing period, it's worth paying attention to.
Swelling and Tenderness
An infected tongue piercing may also cause swelling and tenderness. A small amount of swelling is average after a piercing, but an infection might occur if it persists or worsens.
Infection can be detected by changes in the physical appearance or feel of the pierced area. You should keep an eye out for swelling and tenderness so you can get a more complete assessment.
- Unusual Swelling: Note any swelling that seems excessive or doesn't align with the expected healing process.
- Heightened Tenderness: If the pierced area becomes more sensitive to touch than usual, it may show an underlying problem.
Changes in Temperature
Infected tongue piercings can also cause temperature changes. Your piercing area may feel warmer than usual, or you may have chills if you have an infection. Infections can cause inflammation, which raises body temperature.
A subtle but crucial aspect of infection detection is monitoring the temperature of the pierced area. If you can recognize temperature changes, it will be easier to find out the health of your tongue piercing.
- Unexpected Warmth: If the pierced site seems unusually warm, it might indicate a developing infection.
- Localized Heat: Check specific areas around the piercing for localized warmth, which could mean infection is being targeted.
Identify The Infected Tongue Piercing: 5 Symptoms
Infected tongue piercings can cause symptoms related to infection. Tongue piercings can be an exciting experience, but there are potential complications.
Infections can cause discomfort, difficulty breathing, bleeding, and other symptoms. You can take steps to address and treat any issues that may arise by recognizing the signs early on. Symptoms to watch out for include:
Move the Piercing
You can expect slight discomfort around the piercing site after getting a tongue piercing. It's a symptom of infection if the pain persists or worsens.
Difficulty Breathing
When a tongue piercing is infected, inflammation and swelling can occur around the piercing site. Infections can make breathing difficult or speaking difficult, so monitor your breathing if you suspect an infection.
The Bleeding
You may experience bleeding around the piercing site in your mouth if you have an infected piercing. Bacteria may be present around the site, causing this problem.
Fever and Fatigue
The infection of a tongue piercing can cause fatigue and fever. You may feel tired and weak during this time and experience body aches. This is a sign that your body is fighting off an infection.
Sensation of Throbbing
A throbbing sensation that becomes more intense shows that something is wrong. An excruciating pain can accompany this symptom within a few hours, usually accompanied by painful swelling. You should take any increase in the pain's intensity as a sign that an infection is developing.
Aside from persistent throbbing and increased intensity, you may also notice other symptoms if your tongue piercing gets infected. These symptoms can include:
- Inflammation and redness around the piercing.
- Around the site, there is pus or discharge.
- Having a metallic taste in your mouth.
- Your tongue's color changes, such as white or yellow patches.
Deal With A Tongue Piercing Infection: 3 Steps
You have a tongue piercing but are experiencing symptoms that might indicate an infection. Which course of action should you take? You can manage the situation immediately by taking the following steps:
With Saline Solution
A saline solution can help clean your piercing and reduce swelling and pain. It is possible to buy a saline solution at a pharmacy or make your own by mixing 1/4 teaspoon salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Spit out the solution after 30-60 seconds of rinsing your mouth.
Oral Contact
Until your piercing clears up, avoid kissing, oral sex, sharing drinks, or using utensils with others. These activities can increase the risk of spreading bacteria or other germs that might worsen the condition. Antibacterial mouthwash or salt water after every meal, using a new toothbrush, and avoiding smoking are some postoperative instructions.
When to Recognize the Need for Medical Attention
Most tongue-piercing infections can be treated at home, but sometimes, you may need medical attention. Among them are:
- Infection that spreads beyond the piercing.
- You may have a systemic infection if you develop a fever or chills.
- The swelling or pain of your piercing will make it impossible to swallow or speak normally.
- The discharge from the piercing should be green, yellow, or foul-smelling.
Prompt medical attention is essential if you experience these symptoms. If antibiotics or other prescription medications are necessary to treat your condition, they can assess your condition and recommend treatment options.
Conclusion
Monitoring the healing process after a tongue piercing is essential to prevent infection. Identifying the signs and symptoms of infections can help you avoid further complications.
You can keep your tongue piercing looking and feeling great by taking immediate action and seeking medical attention when necessary. When changing your body, it is always important to prioritize your health and safety above anything else.
![The Recovery Time and Stages of Nipple Piercings [Best Practices]](http://drnumb.com/cdn/shop/articles/How_Long_Do_Nipple_Piercings_Take_To_Heal__3_Stages_Explained.jpg?v=1714373243)
