Can You Drink Coffee With A New Tongue Piercing?
Having a tongue piercing can be an exciting experience and it can also be the start of a great fashion or body modification statement. However, while there are obvious benefits to a piercing, it can also come with a few downsides. One of which being the fact that you may have to give up your morning coffee for a few weeks. That’s right, hot beverages such as coffee are not recommended for at least a month after getting your tongue pierced, so you’ll need to find another way to boost your energy in the mornings!
Tongue piercings, if done correctly, don’t typicallu pose a risk to your health. But it’s important to make sure that the piercing is done by a professional to avoid any potential infections or complications. It’s also important to observe the aftercare guidelines that your piercer will advise to keep your piercing healthy. That includes avoiding hot liquids such as tea and coffee, as they can increase your risk of infection.
The reason for this is that hot liquids can cause the piercing to swell, which can promote bacteria and slow down healing. The same goes for alcohol, acidic and sugary drinks, which are also best avoided during the healing process.
In an interview with Cosmopolitan UK, professional piercer, Leanne Huth from London-based piercing parlor Studio 13 gave further insight into this matter. She explained that it’s best to wait for a minimum of four weeks before having any hot drinks as it gives your new piercing enough time to heal. She also expressed that it’s important to keep the area clean, as a proper cleaning routine will help protect against infection and will lead to faster healing. This means not only avoidance of hot liquids, but also thorough cleaning of the piercing with footsodium chloride solution three times a day.
Signs of Infection
Of course, as with any piercing, there is always a risk of infection. Signs of infection can include swelling, redness, pain, tenderness and discoloration. If left untreated, it can cause further complications or even putrefaction of surrounding tissue, which can be serious. Therefore, it’s key to keep an eye on your piercing, especially during the healing process, and visit a doctor or a piercer if you notice any potential signs of infection.
Alternatives to Coffee
If you’re finding it hard to function without your daily coffee, there are plenty of options for alternative energy-boosting drinks. First on the list is herbal tea. It not only contains far less caffeine – which is already a plus – but it also has tons of beneficial properties that can help with digestion and constipation. You can also try cold-pressed juices, as they’re filled with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
These days, healthier energy-boosting drinks such as matcha tea have become increasingly popular. Made from specially ground tea leaves, this Japanese green tea is a great source of caffeine and will help you get an energy boost without all the added sugar. Another alternative is protein-rich smoothies. Not only will they provide you with energy, but their high levels of protein will also help you stay full for longer periods of time.
If you’re looking for an energy boost on the go, energy drinks and coffee alternatives milks are an option too. These usually contain lower amounts of caffeine than coffee and some brands also offer coffee-free versions of their drinks. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try turmeric latte or ashwagandha latte? Both have energizing and restorative properties.
The Takeaway
All in all, it’s important to realize that having a tongue piercing requires a responsible aftercare routine. Avoiding hot drinks such as coffee and tea will not only help keep your piercing infection-free but also allow optimal healing time. There are many alternative drinks available should you find yourself needing an energy boost, so don’t let your new piercing stand in the way of your morning routine.
Picking a Qualified Piercer
It’s important to make sure that you pick a qualified piercer to complete the piercing for the best results and reduce your risk of infection. To ensure you’re picking a certified piercer, you can ask for their qualifications and ensure that their shop has a portfolio of client photos for you to view. You can also ask how long they have been doing piercings and how many piercings they do a month. In addition, you should check to see if the piercer’s needles are already pre-sterilized and if the shop has other sanitary measures in place to minimize infection.
A good piercing parlor should also offer aftercare instructions. Before you make your decision, make sure to read these instructions carefully so you know what to do to keep your piercing healthy. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the best practices for healing, as an experienced piercer should be up to date on the best aftercare methods.
Infection Prevention
The golden rule for any type of piercing is to keep it clean. Cleaning your tongue piercing is easy: simply rinse your mouth with a gentle, alcohol-free mouthwash three times a day after brushing your teeth. Then use a cotton swab to gently clean the area with a saline solution. Make sure never to touch your piercing with your hands and avoid letting others touch it as well.
While there’s always a risk of infection, you can eliminate it by avoiding habits that can introduce bacteria to your piercing. This includes not using the same cup or glass as others, avoiding sharing utensils and not kissing anyone at the time of piercing or during the healing process.
Caring for Your Tongue Piercing
In addition to avoiding infection, it’s also important to care for your tongue piercing as much as possible. To keep the area healthy and help with the healing process, you can use an anti-inflammatory mouthwash like Biotène. Furthermore, make sure to never skip meals and take your vitamins and supplements for proper nutrition. This can help the area heal more quickly and with fewer chances of infection.
When it comes to cleaning and healing, you should also avoid products such as alcohol, peroxide, and Betadine, as they can irritate or even damage the tissue around the piercing. Additionally, avoid using tongue rings with claws (the ends of the tongue ring) as these can cause damage to the surrounding tissue.
Final Thoughts on Drinking Coffee with a Tongue Piercing
While getting a tongue piercing can be a fun and exciting experience, it’s important to be aware of the risks. Hot liquids must be avoided, especially during the healing process, as they can cause swelling and promote bacteria. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to miss out on your morning energy boost. There are plenty of alternative energy-boosting drinks, from herbal tea and cold-pressed juices to matcha tea and protein-rich smoothies.
Furthermore, for the best healing results, it’s important to pick a qualified piercer, take all required safety measures, and follow an aftercare routine. As long as you do, you can rest assured that this experience will be enjoyable and safe.
