How to Care for a Labret Piercing

How to Care for a Labret Piercing<br /><br />Use a new, soft bristled toothbrush after you get your lip pierced. According to the Association of Professional Piercers, you can expect swelling, bleeding, bruising and pain for up to five days after you get a labret piercing. While you go through the healing process, exercising proper care is important to avoid infection and other medical complications.<br /><br />Step 1<br /><br />Rinse your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds with an alcohol free, antibacterial mouthwash or packaged saline solution after you eat and before you to to sleep. However, rinsing too often or using a strong, alcohol based mouthwash while your labret piercing heals can irritate your mouth and the piercing site. Baton Rouge based Deja Vu Tattoo Body Piercing studio suggests rinsing with a solution no more than four or five times per day.<br /><br />Step 2<br /><br />Brush your teeth gently with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Have a new toothbrush on hand after you get your labret piecing so bacteria from your old brush wont enter your mouth. After your piercing heals, you can brush your teeth, as well as the jewelry inside your mouth, more vigorously to prevent plaque build up.<br /><br />Step 4<br /><br />Cleanse the exterior of the piercing site no more than two times per day. Use a small amount of fragrance free, antimicrobial cleanser in the shower or bath, allowing it to remain on the exterior piercing site for no more than 30 seconds. Rinse well with water to make sure no soapy residue remains.<br /><br />Step 5<br /><br />Pat the skin dry gently with paper towels. Cloth towels not only snag the jewelry, but they may also be a source of bacteria.<br /><br />Step 6<br /><br />Do not touch or remove jewelry during the healing period. The only time your fingers should touch it is during the cleaning process. Be careful when donning and doffing clothing, so it doesnt become entangled with the jewelry.<br /><br />Step 7<br /><br />Watch for infection. Its common to notice a thin, light yellow liquid to ooze from a new labret piercing, says the APP.<br /><br />To reduce swelling and pain right after you get a labret piercing, the APP advises sucking on small ice chips and taking over the counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.