How to Get Rid of Tongue Piercing Crater
Tongue piercing is a popular form of body modification for those looking for something a little more on the artistic side. When done right, it can be expressive and different. Having a tongue piercing brings its own set of questions with it, and one common problem that comes with the territory of having one of these piercings is the development of what’s called a tongue piercing crater.
These painful nuisances are those dents or hollows you may start to see around where the tongue stud goes in your mouth, but there are ways to deal with this condition. This article will discuss not only what’s caused behind the crater in your tongue, but we’ll also be covering a few ways that you can heal the damage.
Understanding Tongue Piercing Craters
Tongue piercing craters, also often known as ‘nesting’, are depressions around the piercing that can form due to a variety of reasons, from improper aftercare to wearing the wrong kind of jewelry and even unlikely habits, such as grinding your teeth. The craters are more than just a cosmetic problem they are sometimes symptomatic of problems beneath the surface, and in extreme cases can even swallow the jewelry whole.
Causes of Tongue Piercing Craters
Tongue piercing craters often have several contributing factors. The size and material of the jewelry play a role, as well as the depth of the initial piercing. Poor aftercare practices such as excessive touching, the use of harsh cleaning solutions, and smoking can damage the delicate tissues of the tongue. Oral habits that may cause trauma to the piercing such as chewing on pens or oral jewelry can lead to crater formation.
Risks and Complications
On its own, a crater isn’t usually a big deal, other than the aesthetic factor. However, if they’re left, bacteria can build up in one, potentially leading to an infection. Meanwhile, larger or deeper craters increase the risk of a sliver of jewelry embedding, possibly requiring a trip to the hospital. And of course, any re-occurrence chronic issues with piercings like pain, unusual swelling, or bleeding around the jewelry should be checked out by a medical professional to prevent bigger problems from blooming.
10 Reasons for Tongue Piercing Crater Formation
We need to dive deeper into the ten potential causes that lead to tongue piercing craters, as understanding their origins is crucial to addressing the issue.
Prolonged Swelling
If your tongue swells significantly after a piercing, it can cause the jewelry to press against your tongue’s base, another common location for piercing craters.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Bacteria in your mouth can delay the healing process, and tongue piercing craters are more likely to develop in an unclean environment.
Jewelry Material
Certain materials, particularly those that aren’t biocompatible or suited for long-term wear in the mouth, can cause reactions and tissue damage.
Oral Habits
Eating or drinking anything acidic or particularly hot or cold can irritate the tongue and hinder the healing of a tongue piercing.
Neglected Aftercare
If you don’t heed the aftercare advice your piercer gives you, that’s simply more opportunity for complications like craters to come about.
Under-Sized Jewelry
Whether your jewelry is too short for initial swelling to accommodate or is too small for the length of your tongue or the thickness of the tissue, pieces that are not worn in the appropriate size can contribute to the formation of a crater.
Over-Moving Jewelry
From creating unnecessary trauma to the piercing site to prolonging the body’s healing by irritating the tissue, playing with or turning the jewelry through the first stages of healing is a bad idea.
Impact or Trauma
Accidental injuries can cause sudden changes in pressure or movement that can contribute to the development of a crater near your tongue piercing.
Allergic Reactions
The materials in the body jewelry might be causing inflammation around your piercing, and that irritation can become chronic, eventually contributing to a crater.
Smoking
The chemicals in tobacco smoke can irritate the already sensitive area, potentially delaying healing and promoting crater formation.
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Methods to Address – How to Get Rid of Tongue Piercing Crater
Addressing tongue piercing craters effectively involves a combination of proper aftercare practices, home remedies, and in some cases, seeking professional medical help. Here’s how you can approach the issue methodically.
Proper Aftercare Practices
The best way to handle tongue piercing craters is to not get them in the first place. Here are a few aftercare practices you’ll need to keep in mind:
Rinse with Saline Solution
Regular saline rinses can keep your piercing clean without being too hard on it.
Avoid Moving the Jewelry
Avoid moving the jewelry around too much so the site can heal.
Careful with Diet
Stick to soft, mild-to-the-touch foods. You also don’t want to be eating anything that will irritate your tongue like booze, or things that are too hot or spicy.
Home Remedies
As you maintain proper aftercare, certain home remedies can support the healing process:
Aloe Vera Gel
A natural anti-inflammatory, aloe is one of the oldest remedies for soothing irritated tissues.
Chamomile Tea Rinse
Using a warm chamomile tea rinse reduces inflammation and offers an added calming effect.
Appropriate Diet
Consuming a balanced diet rich in necessary vitamins and minerals fortifies your body’s intrinsic healing mechanisms.
Seeking Professional Help
In some cases, home remedies might not be enough. Seeking professional assistance is vital if you experience:
Severe Pain or Swelling
These are signs of potential infection or other complications.
Unexplained Bleeding
Any unexpected or excessive bleeding should be checked by a healthcare provider.
Jewelry-Related Issues
If the jewelry is starting to move or embed for no clear reason, seek immediate medical assistance.
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Professional Medical Procedures
Medical Solutions
For those with more pronounced piercing craters, there are advanced medical approaches that can be pursued.
Dermal Fillers
A more immediate but non-permanent solution is the use of dermal fillers. Medical professionals inject these fillers into the depression to level the skin’s surface.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Safe for use in the mouth, hyaluronic acid can be injected into the site to raise the tissue, decreasing the appearance of the crater.
Surgical Options
In extreme cases, surgical procedures can be considered, although these are only recommended after careful consideration and discussion with a healthcare professional.
Tongue Surgery
In severe cases, where the piercing has caused extensive damage, surgery to repair the area or remove damaged tissue may be necessary.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can also be effective in treating tongue piercing craters. This can be a good option when the area needs to be debulked or you want to promote a healthier outcome to healing. It is less invasive than some of the surgical options but should still be performed by a qualified practitioner.
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Home and Natural Remedies
In several cases, tongue piercing craters can be alleviated by natural or home remedies. Here are a few to consider:
At-Home Remedies
Several at-home remedies can be tried before seeking professional help, although it’s always advisable to consult a dentist or doctor to ensure these methods are suitable for your situation.
Oral Hygiene
Making sure your tongue piercing site is clean and free from any residual debris can significantly reduce the risk of infection, inflammation, and thus, a deepening crater.
Regular Brushing
Gently brushing the area where the piercing was located can help eliminate dead skin cells and encourage blood flow to the region.
Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Rinse your mouth daily with an alcohol-free mouthwash to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.
Saltwater Rinses
A saltwater rinse can be beneficial for oral wounds, promoting healing and reducing bacteria.
Stimulating Collagen Production
Promoting collagen production in the affected area can aid in smoothing out the indentation.
Vitamin C
Include fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C in your diet or consider taking a supplement. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis.
Hyaluronic Acid
Some individuals apply hyaluronic acid to the area, as it’s renowned for its role in tissue repair. Always ensure it is safe to use in the mouth and not ingested.
Prevention Is Key
Preventing piercing craters begins the moment a new piercing is made. Here’s a quick look at how you can work to prevent a crater forming when you get a new tongue piercing:
- Choose an Experienced Piercer: Research and select a highly recommended professional piercer who has expertise in oral piercings.
- Opt for Higher-Quality Jewelry: Ensure that the jewelry you choose is made from materials that your body will readily accept, such as titanium or high-grade surgical steel.
- Follow Aftercare Advice Religiously: Proper aftercare can make a significant difference in the healing process. Saltwater rinses are often recommended.
- Be Mindful of The Size and Placement of the Jewelry: Your piercer should place the jewelry in a position that minimizes contact with teeth and gums.
- Choose the Right Piercer: A professional piercer who uses the correct techniques and equipment can significantly reduce the risk of complications.
- Opt for High-Quality Jewelry: Implant-grade, high-quality jewelry is less likely to cause reactions, problems with fit, or contribute to crater formation.
- Follow Aftercare Instructions: Listen to your piercer’s aftercare advice and be diligent in following the instructions provided.
- Know When to Seek Help: If you experience any unusual symptoms or notice changes around your piercing, don’t hesitate to consult with your piercer or a healthcare provider.
- Maintain Good Oral Health: Regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist are essential to prevent bacteria build-up that can affect your tongue piercing’s health.
Healing Process Unveiled
Week One: The Acclimation Period
You’ll need to get comfortable with speaking and eating with a new metal object in your mouth. Expect increased saliva production and some difficulty with swallowing.
Weeks Two to Four: Reduced Swelling and Adaptation
The swelling subsides, but you may experience tenderness and an occasional temporary swelling flare-up. Be patient and continue with diligent aftercare.
Weeks Five to Eight: Almost There
The inside of your mouth will have mostly healed, but the outside may still be closing its wound. The top and bottom beads of your barbell may seem to sink into the tissue during these weeks, which is normal.
Beyond Eight Weeks: Fully Healed
By this point, you should be mostly healed, but everyone’s body is different. It can take up to six months for a tongue piercing to fully heal, especially the deeper tissues affected by the piercing.
Conclusion
how to get rid of tongue piercing crater? The appearance of tongue piercing craters can be alarming for many individuals who have chosen to undergo this form of body modification. However, by understanding what causes these craters and what can be done about them, you’ll be better equipped to manage and even heal them.
The name of the game is diligent aftercare, knowing when to use home or natural remedies, and when it’s time to get professional help. As with any other complications that can arise, both your piercer and healthcare provider are your best allies as you aim to achieve a healthy, healed tongue piercing.
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Is There A Risk of The Crater Reopening?
If you develop a piercing crater and get your tongue re-pierced, there’s a possibility it can reopen or deepen. Thus, it’s extremely important to address the potential cause of the original crater before getting re-pierced and follow professional advice regarding the placement and sizing of the new jewelry.
Can A Piercing Crater Heal on Its Own Over Time?
Mild piercing craters can smooth out over time. By following good oral care practices and potentially using some of the home remedies mentioned, you may see improvements in the area.
