What happens if you smoke cigarettes after you just get your tongue pierced?

Thanks, Andrew

Dear Andrew,

We recommend that you wait about six weeks to smoke after getting your tongue pierced. The reasoning behind this is the newly pierced site is highly susceptible to infection which can be caused from the toxins and tar found in cigarettes. The tongue usually takes about a month and a half to heal completely. So smoking right after increases your chance of infection as well as prolongs the healing time. If you notice an infection starting you should ask your doctor or dentist for an antibiotic. Signs of an infection are pain, redness around the piercing, sometimes bleeding occurs, and a greenish yellow pus that discharges from the site. Keeping your tongue very clean is vital after piercing to prevent bacteria from entering the blood stream. Make sure you use an extra soft toothbrush to gently clean around the piercing as well as rinse with a mouthwash after brushing. Purchase a mouthwash that contains no alcohol because alcohol will make the piercing site burn. Usually warm salt water solutions are necessary to rinse with after a tongue piercing to help the site heal faster and to decrease inflammation. Click on this body piercing site to guide you with the dos and don’ts following a tongue piercing.

Post courtesy of Dr. Perry, Baton Rouge Dentist.