How To Properly Care For Your Smiley Piercing
Daniel Davis
Your mouth is decked out with your new smiley piercing — now comes the aftercare. This is crucial for all types of body piercings because infection is likely if proper cleaning is not done. To help the healing process, Healthline recommends daily rinses with a salt-water solution and water rinses after every meal so food particles won't get trapped in the healing fold.
Another way to care for your smiley piercing is by brushing your teeth. If you don't already brush twice a day, now is a good time to start. Healthline recommends mild toothpaste flavors and alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid irritation.
We covered the dos — now for the don'ts. According to Authority Tattoo, avoid touching your smiley piercing. It is best to avoid moving it around with your finger or tongue. This manipulation increases the chances of infection and extends the time of the healing process.
Spicy treats are also off the table. Acidic and spicy foods can cause painful stinging in your piercing site. Speaking of spicy, you'll have to skip the steamy makeout sessions. Kissing can disrupt the smiley's healing process and make the piercing susceptible to bacteria. Along with kissing, it's best to forgo smoking and drinking alcohol, too. These indulgences will lengthen the time your smiley takes to heal.
The longer it takes to heal, the longer you'll have to refrain from these activities.