What you need to do:
1. Rinse with the Original Listerine (yellow) at full strength for 30 seconds every 2 hours (no more, no less) for the first 10 days.
2. Avoid using too much of the Listerine as you can chemically burn your mouth.
3. After 10 days, switch to a different type of mouthwash and begin slowly increasing the time in between rinses, re-introducing the natural ecology in your mouth, so that by the end of 3 weeks, you are done rinsing.
4. During the first 2-3 days, a white film may form at either end of your piercing. This is Sub-Lingual Epithelia. It is a normal part of the healing process, and should NOT be removed.
Nutrition:
1. Eating properly is extremely important when healing any piercing. The first sign of malnutrition is a swollen tongue.
2. On day 1, eat softer foods that do not require chewing, and keep your mouth as cold as you can, as long as you can (Freezies, Popsicles, etc).
3. The next day, you should be back on solid foods. Eat normally but take smaller bites and chew carefully. This will not be very comfortable, but it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. The soup diet does not cut it.
Key Points:
1. In any piercing, peak swelling occurs over day 2 and day 4, so expect it to be a little tender.
2. Keeping your mouth COLD on the first day can help with the initial swelling. Freezies, Slushies and Popsicles are perfect.
3. DO NOT PLAY WITH IT. You will increase the amount of swelling and potentially damage your teeth, gums, and tongue in the process.
4. Extra Strength Midol helps with the swelling over the first 4 days.
5. After 3-4 weeks, a fitted barbell is strongly recommended. It GREATLY reduces the risk of damage to theeth, gums, etc.
6. ABSTAIN FROM ALCOHOL for at least 5 days. Then, please drink responsibly.
