Tongue Swelling Causes: Sudden, One Side, Treatment

The whole or part of your tongue can become swollen all over a sudden. This can be a painful condition as it can be accompanied by other discomforts like a burning sensation or inflammations.
Even though tongue may not be a severe condition, it is advisable to make an appointment with your healthcare provider to determine the exact cause. Some of the causes can be life threatening if left untreated.

Why is my Tongue Swelling?

Here are possible causes:

  1. Eating a very hot food and drinks

Taking very hot foods and drinks can result to a swollen or inflamed tongue. It can also affect the taste buds that are located on the affected areas. This can also affect other parts of your mouth including inside the cheeks, lips and the roof of the mouth
Tongue inflammation and swelling depends on the degree of burning. This condition can also be accompanied with other problems like chewing, swallowing or speaking difficulties. The tongue may also change the color from normal to pale or red.

  1. Excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco smoking

Are you taking excessive alcohol and smoking tobacco? If yes, then you are likely to suffer from sudden tongue swelling on side and tip. Alcohol and tobacco causes irritation of the taste buds that causes the tongue to appear swollen.
It also causes infection of the taste receptors and hence leading to a swollen tongue and other symptom like bad breath. To reduce the inflammation, you should quit smoking and alcohol consumption and focus on reducing the pain and treating the infections.

  1. Spicy, salty and acidic foods

This is also another cause of a swollen, inflamed and irritated tongue. This kind of foods causes the taste receptors to become swollen and inflamed. They also triggers itchiness of the tongue. This creates an urge to run your tongue against your teeth. However try to resist the urge as it may worsen your condition.

  1. Tongue piercing

There are various types or tongue piercing like horizontal tongue piercing, vertical tongue piercing and venom or snake bite tongue piercing that can causes the tongue to swell during the initial healing process. It can also be accompanied with other normal symptoms like pain, inflammation, redness or a burning sensation.

  1. Tongue injuries or trauma

Biting your tongue accidentally when chewing food, using too rough tongue scrappers or brushes and oral surgeries can cause inflammation or irritation of the taste buds that can result to a part of the tongue or the whole surface to become swollen.

  1. Acid reflux condition

Regurgitation of gastric acid from the stomach to the mouth due to acid reflux condition can lead to a swollen tongue. The regurgitated acid may cause irritation to the taste receptors and hence, leading to swollen or inflamed tongue

Is Tongue Swelling an Allergic Reaction?

Allergic reactions are the common causes of sudden tongue swelling. Reaction of your body to various allergens can result to a swollen tongue, inflammations and skin rash among other problems. Allergies can result from various things including:
Allergens in medicines may result to swollen taste buds as a result of the reaction between your body immune system and the drugs. There are many drugs that have such adverse effects like penicillin. To be sure, check the label and read manufacturer’s instructions before taking the drugs.
Allergens in food can also causes an allergic reaction with your body. They may cause irritation of the taste receptors and hence resulting a swollen tongue. Some allergens can cause anaphylactic shock that requires an emergency treatment.
The common foods that causes most allergies includes cow’s milk, fish, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts and shellfish. If your body is prone to allergies, it is advisable to avoid such foods.
Allergens from insect stings and animal bites can also cause an allergic reaction. Snake bites contains venom that requires an emergency treatment. Bites and stings from other animals and insects can cause an allergic reaction that result to various symptoms like tongue swelling, nausea, paralysis, difficulties in breathing and pain.

  1. Infections

Infections that occurs inside the mouth can lead to a swollen tongue. There are various mouth infections that results from bacteria, fungi, virus and other pathogenic micro-organisms. They includes:
Oral thrush
This is an infection of the mouth that is caused by fungus candida. This are the same fungus that causes vaginal yeast infections. It causes swollen and inflamed tongue. It is also characterized by white spots on tongue on the areas that are affected.
There are various factors that increases the risk of getting this infection including poor oral hygiene, weak immune system, recent intake of antibiotics and having other body conditions like diabetes or HIV. Visit your doctor when you suspect having this infection.
The doctor will give you some antifungal medicines to use for a couple of weeks. If left untreated, it can lead to persistence tongue swelling and other symptoms.
Herpes simplex virus
Herpes virus is also another cause for of a swollen tongue. This infection causes small lesions or ulcers to develop on different parts of the mouth and tongue. They are often extremely painful red sores that has a white layer at the top.
This infection normally recovers on its own after several days. Although there is no treatment for viral infections, its symptoms can be relieved by taking anti-viral medicines like acyclovir.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that you can get by having sex with an infected person. It causes small painless sore on the tongue that disappears on their own in its initial stages. The sores will also reappear during the second stage. When left untreated, it can lead to syphilitic leukoplakia on the tongue.

  1. Depression and stress

High levels of stress or depression can also lead to swollen taste buds. People who have a stress for a longer time are likely to suffer from a swollen tongue. Stress lowers your body immune system as well as causing some alteration of hormones in the body. Therefore your body is vulnerable to infections that causes tongue swelling.

  1. Tongue cancer

Tongue cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that affects the tongue. It usually starts as a bump or red spots that develops on one part of the tongue. When not treated early, it spreads to the surrounding areas to cause swelling.
Swelling on the tongue that are associated with cancer are persistent. They may be painless while others can cause some pain. It is also characterized with other symptoms like numbness of part of the tongue, bleeding and sore throat.

  1. Deficiency of some nutrients

Inadequate intake of vitamin B complex, C or folate increases the chances of having a swollen tongue. Some conditions like pernicious anemia causes red blood cells to decrease as the body fails to absorb the vitamins.

  1. Other causes of swollen tongue include:
  • Down syndrome condition, a genetic disorder
  • Pituitary glands problem
  • Body hormonal imbalances
  • Angioedema, a condition that causes rapid swelling of mucosal tissues
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Strep infections

It is important to visit your doctor right away when a swollen tongue is accompanied with other symptoms like difficulties in chewing, swallowing, breathing or speaking. You should also be diagnosed to determine the causes of persistence swellings or lumps.

Why is your Tongue Swelling one Side?

At times, you tongue can swell on the sides, at the tip, back or the whole surface. Different causes that we have discussed above can cause this tongue condition. However, treatment of swollen tongue on sides depend on the cause of the condition.
Use the various remedies of a swollen tongue to ease the pain, swelling and other discomfort. Don’t fail to visit your doctor when the symptoms becomes persistence even after trying some of the home remedy treatment. This tongue condition can be caused by life-threatening diseases like cancer that requires medical treatments.

Is Tongue Swelling Painful?

A swollen tongue can be accompanied with other symptoms depending with the underlying cause of your condition. Apart from pain there are various symptoms that are characterized by swollen tongue. Irrespective of the cause there are commons symptoms you will experience. They include:

  • Mouth soreness and painful tongue
  • Tongue bumps or lesions
  • Difficulties in speaking swallowing, chewing food or speaking
  • Inflammation or a burning sensation of the tongue and other parts of the mouth
  • Fluctuation of the body temperature that causes fever or chills
  • Bleeding from the tongue
  • Headache

Swollen tongue as a result of allergic reaction is also accompanied with some symptoms. Few minutes or hours after encountering an allergen in food, drugs and insect stings and animal bites you may develop:

  • Skin rash
  • Abdominal pains
  • Sneezing
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Coughing
  • Diarrhea
  • Bleeding from the bitten area.

When your tongue condition is as a result of underlying life-threatening diseases, you will experience symptoms like sore and tightness in the throat, severe skin rashes, and nausea, difficulties in breathing and swallowing, blood in the cough, mouth irritations and development of other body condition. Visit your health care provider right away if you are experiencing the above symptoms.

Tongue Swelling Underneath

The tongue can also swell underneath as a result of various causes. Infections are the common causes of salivary glands problems that are located under the tongue and above the jaws.
Salivary glands are responsible for production of saliva in your mouth. Saliva helps in protecting the teeth against bacterial infections, lubricating the mouth linings, helps in swallowing food and aids in digestion.
There are three main types of salivary glands that are located in your mouth. Parotid glands are found on the inner surface of the cheeks, submandibular glands that are located on the floor of mouth on each side of the jaw bone and sublingual glands that are under the tongue. Other hundreds of minor gland are also located in different parts of your mouth.
When this glands are infected, you are likely to experience various symptoms like swelling of the salivary glands, pain, high body temperatures, dry mouth, and yellow of green discharge draining from under tongue, pain in mouth, difficulties in chewing and swallowing food, chill and bad breath.
Salivary glands infections are majorly caused by different types of bacteria like staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus viridans, haemophilus influenzae, streptococcus pyogenes and Escherichia coli. Fungi and virus can also cause some of the infections.

Does anxiety causes your tongue to swell?

There are various symptoms of anxiety that includes: trebling, increased heart beats and uncontrolled sweating. This symptoms can cause some inconveniences and even some health risks.
A swollen tongue is one of the symptom that many people have debated on. This is unusual symptom that you are likely to experience when frightened or having anxiety. Swollen tongue can cause a worry as there are many serious condition that can cause a sore tongue.
But our main question is that, why would anxiety cause a swollen tongue? The truth is that anxiety does not cause a swollen tongue directly. It only causes a feeling of having a swollen tongue. It causes a feeling of having uncomfortable tongue that is increasing in size.
This feeling comes out when you are hyper-sensitive to panic disorder. If you are prone to panic attack, you are likely to experience this feeling. It is created when your mind is focused to something too strongly, for this case, your mind will be focused on your tongue.
When having anxiety, your mind focused of one thing and you may have a feeling that something is wrong when in real sense, there is nothing wrong. For instance when you focus on the way you are breathing, you will feel like you are running short of breath when not.
However, the only way to stop feeling like your tongue is swollen is to focus on something else. This will help to distract your feeling. It will help your brain to go back to subconscious from being conscious.

What is Tongue Swelling a Symptom of?

Tongue is a very important muscle that helps in speaking, chewing and swallowing food. It also contains taste receptors that helps in tasting different elements in food i.e. sweet, salty and sour. In its healthy condition, it is supposed to be slightly pink in color, moist and smooth.
However, various underlying health conditions like thyroid or hypothyroidism can cause various symptomatic conditions on your tongue like swellings, pain, dryness, discoloration or bumps. Thyroid causes a tongue condition known as scalloping.
Scalloping is when your tongue becomes swollen or too big for your mouth. It becomes big leaving teeth marks on the sides. This is a very serious condition that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. Most of the people have thyroid hormone deficiency that leads to hypothyroidism.
To understand better, let us know more about thyroid. Thyroid is a small gland that is found on the lower part of your neck. It is responsible for the production of thyroid hormone that helps in metabolic activities of the cells, cell differentiation and cell development.
When hypothyroidism is not treated it can lead other conditions that can be life threatening. A part from swollen tongue, there are other various symptoms you are likely to develop when having thyroid condition. They include: headaches, fatigue, brain fog, allergies, hair loss, dry skin, constipation, memory loss, weight loss, cold feed and hands, heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol level, high or low blood pressure and heart palpitations.

How to make a Tongue swelling go down

Before treating any swelling or inflammation on your tongue, it is important to find out and eradicate the cause of your condition and later deal with the swelling. There are various treatment and remedies you can use to treat the underlying cause as well as the swelling. They include:

  • Practice proper oral hygiene

This includes brushing your teeth 2-3 times daily, flossing regularly and scraping the tongue using a tongue scrapper or a soft brush. It helps to kill the bacteria as well as removing the dirty that harbors bacteria and other microorganisms that causes tongue infection.

  • Visit your doctor for treatment

It is recommended to start by treating the underlying conditions that causes swelling and inflammation of the tongue. Make an appointment with your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment. He or she will prescribe some antifungals, antibacterial and antiviral medicines to treat the infections that causes swelling.

  • Take prescribed supplements

Get tested to determine if your condition is caused by deficiencies of some nutrients or minerals. You may be given prescribed vitamins and iron supplements to take for a couple of weeks until your tongue resumes to its normal size.

  • Adjust to a healthy lifestyle

This involves making some changes on your lifestyle habits that causes infections and inflammation to the tongue. It is necessary to avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking or chewing tobacco. Tongue swellings will subside once you quit these habits.

  • Avoid taking too hot and spicy foods and drinks

Very hot, spicy, salty and acidic foods and drinks are the major causes of enlarged tongue. Allow to food or drink to have a moderate heat before taking. Limit the amount of spices and salt that you use when preparing your meals.

  • Avoid some of the causes of allergic reaction

Take care about the diet that you take. Avoid foods that causes allergic reactions like eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish or shellfish. Read and understand some of the side effects on drugs before taking. You should also seek medical treatment when bitten or stung by some animals and insects.

  • Apply some ice chips

Reduce the swelling by placing some ice chips on the tongue. Don’t allow the ice chips or cubes to overstay on your tongue as it can cause burning. Alternatively, you can take ice cold drinks and soft foods that soothes the tongue.

  • Gargle with a saline solution

Prepare some saline solution by mixing ¼ tablespoon of sea salt with a glass of warm water. Gargle the solution in your mouth 2-3 times a day. It helps to reduce swelling as well as killing different bacteria and germs that causes infections.

  • Take enough water

Dehydration can lead to swollen tongue and dry mouth. It is therefore important to take enough water daily. Ensure that you take for at least 8 or more glasses of water. Drink small amount at a regular interval throughout the day.

  • Gargle with tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is among the effective tongue swelling treatment. It contains anti-bacterial and antifungal properties that helps fighting the bacteria and fungus that causes mouth infections that leads to a swollen tongue. This natural oil also helps to alleviate the swelling.
To use this remedy, you simply place few drops of tea tree oil in a glass of warm water. Gargle the solution into your mouth and spit it out. Be careful not to swallow. Use this treatment 2-3 times a day until the swelling subsides.

  • Try baking soda

Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties that helps to alleviate inflammation of a swollen tongue. To alleviate the swelling, place small amount of this ingredient and leave it for some time before gargling water into the mouth.
This treatment also helps to get rid of gastric juice from the mouth that results from regurgitation due to acid reflux condition. Apply this remedy 2-3 times a day until your condition improves.

  • Apply some honey

Honey was use from traditionally in treating swollen taste receptors and other conditions. It has anti-bacterial properties that helps in killing the bacteria that causes infections. Swash some honey into your mouth to alleviate the swelling. Alternatively, boil the honey to get warm and gargle into the mouth 2-3 times a day.

  • Use a mixture of pepper, ginger and garlic

A combination of this three ingredients forms an effective treatment for swollen taste buds. It also helps in treating various bacterial infections that causes tongue problems.

Horizontal Tongue Piercing, Risks, Jewelry, Pain, Price, Healing Time

Are you intending to have a horizontal tongue piercing? What are the risks associated with this type of tongue piercing? This article contains insights on the risks, price, jewelry, pain and healing process of a horizontally pierced tongue. You will also learn the various aftercare tips to practice after the procedure.

Horizontal Tongue Piercing Risks

This is a piercing that is done across the tongue just as its name suggest. It is also known as snake eye piercing simply because the barbell balls on each side of the tongue mimics the eyes of a snake. Before booking for this type of tongue piercing, it is important to learn the various risks that may come after. They include the following:

  1. Excessive bleeding

Blood vessel can be punctured or damaged during tongue piercing procedure. This may lead to prolonged bleeding. Damaged nerve can also result to numbness or loss of sensation on the area where piercing was done.
Wrong piercing procedure causes the tongue to swell excessively and it may result to difficulties in breathing. Piercing procedure is therefore supposed to be done by a professional piercer who understands the structures of the tongue and has skill and experience to perform his or her duties.

  1. Infections, swelling and redness

Given that your mouth contains numerous bacteria and other pathogenic micro-organisms, creating a wound in it may cause an infection. There is also a risk of introducing new bacteria into your mouth through handling the jewelry especially with dirty hands.
Bacteria, fungi and other germs may find a way into the pierced site to cause various infections. Infections causes various complications at the pierced site like persistence swelling and redness, bleeding, excretion of smelly yellow or green discharge among others that may delay the healing process.

  1. Transmission of diseases

Any type of oral piercing including horizontal tongue piercing increases the risk of transmission of various diseases like herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B and C among other condition. This diseases can find a way to your body through having oral sex like kissing an infected person.
To avoid the risk of diseases, it is advisable to refrain from engaging in oral sex during the initial healing process of your piercing. It is also important to follow the aftercare instructions given by your piercer to avoid infections, diseases and other complications.

  1. Endocarditis condition

This is a condition that causes inflammation of the heart or its valves. It occurs when the bacteria passes into the bloodstream through the wound created in your mouth. This problem is common among individuals who are having other heart problems and can be fatal.

  1. Damage to your teeth

According to the study that was conducted dental journal, it shows that almost half of the people who are wearing the jewelry for so long or more than 4 years head at least one tooth that was cracked or damaged.
When the incisors or canine teeth or tooth come into contact with horizontal tongue piercing jewelry frequently, it can develop a crack. Other types of oral piercing like double tongue piercing or venom tongue piercing also had the risk of teeth damage.

  1. Swallowing the jewelry

The jewelry can unscrew and become loose in your mouth. This can lead to choking or it can lead to digestive track complications when the metal is swallowed. Other organs like lungs can also be affected. This can be prevented by regular checking and tightening lose barbell balls.

  1. Migration or rejection

The other risk that is associated with oral piercings is migration or rejection of the jewelry. When your body is allergic to metal of your jewelry, it causes a reaction called allergic contact dermatitis. The body considers the jewelry as a threat to your life. It will therefore react by pushing the metal away from the body or expel it completely.

  1. Gum diseases

When the jewelry becomes into contact with the gum frequently, it may cause an injury. This may allow bacteria and other micro-organisms to enter into the gum and hence causing an infection. People who wears the jewelry most of the time are likely to suffer from gum diseases.

  1. Difficulties in speaking and swallowing food

A pieced tongue can become excessively swollen and inflamed during the initial healing process. It may therefore be difficult to pronounce correctly and chewing and swallowing food. It may also be difficult to take hot or solid food.

  1. Excessive drooling

After the piercing procedure there is increased saliva production in your mouth. Some people are not cool with that.

Horizontal Tongue Piercing Jewelry

There are different jewelries made from various materials that you can choose from like stainless steel, titanium, niobium, acrylic, high carbon or plastics. However, most people prefer stainless steel or plastics as they cause less allergic reaction as compared to other metals.
Jewelry size and comfort are very important when it comes to oral piercings due to frequent movement of the tongue when speaking, chewing and swallowing food. When purchasing a jewelry, don’t go for those that are too small in size as they are prone to migration and rejections.
Initial piercing jewelry is supposed to long enough to accommodate the size of a swollen during the initial healing process. It is recommended to use a 14 gauge jewelry for the first few days after the piercing procedure.
After the initial healing process, it is recommended to choose a smaller barbell of 16 gauge or 18 gauge. Some people may even choose 8 gauge to prevent some of the risks associated with long barbell jewelry like damage to the teeth and gums.
The beads at the end of the barbells are made from decorative materials and colors. Therefore it is your decision to choose the color and design of your choice. However, when purchasing, changing or using the horizontal tongue piercing jewelry there are various thing to consider, they include:

  • Choose the correct jewelry for your piercing. It should be made from high quality material. If you have a history of metal allergies, avoid metals that causes sensitivity.
  • Change the jewelry once the swelling subsides. The original jewelry is usually longer, you are therefore required to change it to a shorter after the initial healing process.
  • Check the jewelry regularly and tighten loose barbell balls. It helps to prevent the risk of chocking or swallowing the metal.
  • Avoid playing with the jewelry or running it across your teeth or gum cavities. It can cause damage to your teeth or gums.
  • Choose the correct size of jewelry. Wearing long jewelries after the initial healing process may cause various complications.
  • Consider using barbell balls made from plastics rather than metals. This helps to avoid the risk of teeth and gum cavities damage.
  • Always have a spare ball in case of breakage or loss.

However, if you notice symptoms of an infection, do not remove the jewelry. Conduct your piercer for further direction. In case you no longer want the piercing, remove the jewelry and allow the piercing to close on its own. Continue performing the aftercare practices until the hole heals completely.

Horizontal Tongue Piercing Pictures

How does a horizontal piercing look like? When intending to have this type of tongue piercing, you would like to go through various pictures before booking for a piercing appointment. This is the main reason as to why we have included various pictures in this article.
The pictures provides a visual understanding on the location on the tongue that provides an attractive look of your horizontal piercing. This type of tongue piercing can be placed on anywhere on the tongue from the tip to the back of the tongue.
As you can see from the pictures, you should opt for horizontal tongue tip piercing. However, it should not be placed too close to the tip on the part that bends when speaking. Placing it too close to the tip can also lead to migration or rejection.
Apart from the pictures we have provided here, you can also use your computer or phone to get more pictures from online. They will provide you with enough information before going for the procedure.

Horizontal Tongue Piercing Pain

Does tongue piercing hurt or painful? This is the common question that you will be asking when intending to go for a horizontal piercing. Tongue piercing is less painful as compared to other type of body piercing especially when done by a professional piercer.
The pain level varies from one person to the other depending on the piercer, state of your mind, tolerance level of pain and the overall mood. Some people will say that it is not painful whiles others will experience mild pains.
Although everybody has a different experience about the pain level, most of the people will say that it hurt less than tongue biting. During the healing process is when your tongue hurts more. In the initial healing process, your tongue may swell double its size.
Swelling is normally accompanied with some pain, irritations or a burning sensation. There is a number of things you can do to alleviate pain during the initial healing process. They include the following:

  • Take ice cold drinks or place some ice chips on the tongue and allow it to melt on its own. Do not such as it may cause some irritation. It helps to relive pain as well as the swelling. Use this remedy 2-3 times daily.
  • Avoid taking hot, spicy and salty foods and beverages during the initial healing process of your horizontal tongue piercing. Go for softer foods like soup, mashed potatoes and mashed ripe bananas among others.
  • Take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or acetaminophen to relieve the pain. Avoid blood thinning medicines like aspirin. You are also supposed to take the medicines as directed by the manufactures instructions.
  • Avoid unnecessary movement of the tongue or the jewelry.
  • Have enough rest and sleep while your head is elevated during the initial healing process.
  • Avoid smoking tobacco, taking alcohol or chewing gum until it heals completely to prevent it from hurting.
  • Be gentle when performing the aftercare practices to avoid movement of the jewelry that can cause an irritation.

Infections can also cause persistence pain and swelling. It is important to make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you notice some signs of an infection. Healing process resumes faster when the infection is treated on time.

Horizontal Tongue Piercing Price

Snake eye tongue piercing price varies from one studio to the other depending on various factors. To start with your location, those piercing studios that are located in towns or cities will tend to charge less as compared to those in rural areas. This is due to competition of many piercers who have studios in cities.
Secondly, the level of skills and experience of the piercer also determines the price. Highly trained and experienced piercer who have a license from the relevant authority may charge higher as compared to those who are still new in that field. An experienced piercer is likely to perform a successful piercing as compared to those that are still gaining experience.
Thirdly is the type of the piercing studio. Some of the studios will charge a flat rate price that consist the piercing procedure and jewelry while others do charge the procedure and jewelry separately. In some studios, you can get free aftercare services while others will charge some fee.
Some piercing studios may offer some discounts to the total piercing price. You may be given a discount when performing more than two piercing at the same time. Frequent customers are also given some special discounts.
Therefore most of the oral piercing including snake eye piercing, vertical tongue piercing and other types of tongue piercing has a price range of $30 to $90. According to our research, there are studios that charge $30 to $50 range when the jewelry is not included. Therefore, you are required to buy a jewelry that may cost $26.
Price should not be the only factor to consider when intending to have a snake eye piercing. It is important also to consider the hygiene of the studio. It is supposed to operate in a clean environment and have a certificate from the health department. All piercing instruments should sterilized before the procedure.

Horizontal Tongue Piercing Healing Process

After piercing, it is advisable to practice good aftercare practices to initiate a faster healing process. It is recommended to use a high quality mouth wash or saline solution when cleaning the pierced site. However, you are not supposed to over-clean the area as it may delay the healing process. Healing process goes through various stages that includes:

  1. First two days. After piercing, your tongue will swell for the first few days. The swelling may also be accompanied with other normal pains, white discharge and redness. It may cause some difficulties in speaking, chewing and swallowing food. This is the time you are supposed to take soft and cold foods and drinks.
  2. Third to fifth day. The swelling starts to subside, the tongue starts to resume to its normal size. Mild pains may still be present during this stage.
  3. Sixth to tenth day. After a week, the tongue will have resumed its normal size. It is therefore important to change the jewelry. Replace the long barbell jewelry with a shorter one to prevent risks like gum and teeth damage or choking.

The initial healing process will have completed in the first 10 to 14 days. However, there are various normal problems you are likely to encounter during initial healing process. They include the following:

  • Swelling, tenderness, irritation or a burning sensation of the taste buds at the tip of the tongue and the areas around the piercing.
  • Excessive production of saliva by the salivary glands that are located under the tongue.
  • Excretion of white discharge from the wound. It is normal for a new wound to excrete the dead white blood cells from your body.
  • Difficulties in speech, swallowing and chewing food for few days after horizontal tongue piercing procedure.

During the healing time, it is important to take exercise some precautions of the tongue to avoid injuries to the tongue that can delay the healing process. You also have to follow the provided aftercare instructions to prevent infections.
In case of an infection, visit your healthcare provider right away for diagnosis and treatment. You may be given some antibiotics that will help to treat the infection. Infections can cause some complications when they find a way to your bloodstream.

How to Care for a Horizontal Tongue Piercing

It is important to take care of your tongue properly after piercing. Improper care can lead to infection that delays the healing process. There are various simple aftercare practices that you can use to ensure that your piercing heals faster without infections or other complications. They include the following:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly using ant-bacterial soap and running water before touching the piercing or the jewelry. It helps to prevent transferring bacteria and other germs to the pierced site.
  • Clean the piercing 2-3 times a day by dabbing on it with a cotton ball soaked in sea salt solution. Prepare the saline solution by mixing ¼ teaspoon of sea salt with a warm glass of water.
  • It is normal to experience swelling during the initial healing process. It is therefore advisable to consume ice cold drinks to alleviate the swelling and other discomforts. Alternatively, you can place some ice chips on your tongue and allow it to melt on its own, avoid sucking.
  • Avoid taking hot, spicy and salty foods and beverages during the initial healing process. They can cause inflammation or a burning sensation to the pieced site.
  • Rinse your mouth 2-3 times daily after taking meal using saline solution. It helps to kill bacteria in your mouth as well as removing food particles from your teeth. Alternatively, you can use a good quality alcohol free mouthwash.
  • Consume soft foods like mashed potatoes, ripe bananas, juice, ice cream and milk shakes. They help to relive swelling as well as providing your body with the necessary energy.
  • Take supplements or food rich in vitamin C and Zinc. They help in boosting the healing process.
  • Breathing difficulties is common in oral piercings like horizontal tongue piercing and others. It is therefore advisable to visit your healthcare provide when experiencing such complications.
  • Avoid the potential activities that can cause irritation like smoking tobacco, taking alcohol and chewing gum during the initial healing process.
  • Refrain from engaging in oral sex activities like kissing. It may cause transfer of bacteria, viruses and fungi in case your partner is infected.
  • Few days after the piercing procedure, it is normal to experience some pain, swelling, irritations or a burning sensation. You can alleviate the discomfort by taking painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Avoid blood thinning medicines like aspirin.
  • Check the jewelry regularly. Check for loose barbell ball and tighten them. It helps to prevent risks like swallowing the metals.
  • Change the jewelry after the initial healing process completes. However, this should be done by a professional piercer. The long jewelry is replaced by a shorter one.
  • Choose the correct jewelry material. Some materials causes an allergic reaction that leads to migration or rejections that delays the healing process.
  • During the first week after piecing, avoid a lot of chewing. Go for softer foods and drinks.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you suspect some of the symptoms of an infection like persistence pain, bleeding, presence of yellow or green discharge or redness. It is also important to check other areas of your mouth like teeth or mouth for signs of an infection.

More sources:

  1. Dental health and oral piercing: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/oral-piercing
  2. Tongue piercing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongue_piercing

Snake bite Tongue Piercing, Jewelry, Price, Pain, Healing and Aftercare

Are you intending to have a snake bite tongue piercing? This article contains what you need to know about snake bite or venom tongue piercing including the procedure, pain, healing duration, price, jewelry and aftercare tips. It also contains pictures that will you to understand better how it look like.

Snake Tongue Piercing

Snake bite piercing is also known as venom tongue piercing. It involves making two small sized piercings on both the right and left side of your tongue near to the tip unlike to the normal tongue piercing that involves making a single piercing at the center of the tongue.
The position of two tongue piercing mimics the placement of the two teeth of a snake in which it releases venom during a bite. This is the main reason as to why it is referred to as snake bite or venom tongue piercing.
Most people prefers to have the two piercings done at the same time while some opt for one piercing at one side and comes back for the other side after healing of the first one. It is advantageous to have a snake bite piercing done at the same time since you will go through pain and swelling at once.
When intending to have a snake bite tongue piercing, it is recommended to find a professional piercer to perform the procedure. He or she is supposed to have knowledge, skills and experience in performing successful piercings. You should also ensure that all the piercing instruments are sterilized before the procedure.
Do enough research online to find a piercer with a good reputation and one who has a history of performing successful piercing. Also, find some time to check out the piercing shop to evaluate it cleanliness before booking for the piercing procedure.
After piercing, it is normal to experience tongue swelling, inflammations and some white excretions around the pierces sites during the initial healing process. However, persistent swelling, yellow or white discharge, redness and excessive pain may be the first symptoms of an infection.
Like any other type of body piercings, oral piercings are susceptible to infections especially under poor aftercare practices. The mouth also contains numerous bacteria and other pathogenic micro-organisms that can enter your body through the wound to cause an infection.
It is therefore very important to follow the aftercare instructions provided strictly to avoid any chances of an infection. Maintain high oral hygiene by cleaning the pierced area and other parts of your mouth using a saline solution or a good quality mouthwash.

Snake Bite Tongue Piercing Jewelry, Ring

It is recommended to use straight barbells for snake bite piercing. It is important to insert a longer jewelry i.e. 14 gauge barbells, this provides enough room for accommodation of the tongue during swelling in the initial stages after the procedure.
However, after the initial healing process, you are supposed to change to a smaller 12 gauge or 10 gauge jewelry. Well-fitting jewelry helps to minimize the risks of migration or rejection. It also avoid dangers that are associated with longer jewelries like gum or teeth damage.
Consider to use shorter bars that measures between 2mm and 4 mm to replace long barbells. This should be done after the initial healing of the tongue.
The material or quality of the jewelry also matters a lot. There are various types of jewelries like stainless steel, titanium, niobium and high carbon plastics among others. Many people will go for stainless steel especially for the shaft that goes through the flesh.
For this reason, you can use balls made from other materials like plastics or acrylic. You can choose the design of the balls or beads of your choice from the various varieties in the market. You can also choose the jewelry that matches the color of your tongue when intending to hide it.
Remember that, it is recommended to visit your piercer whenever you want to remove or change your jewelry before the piercing heals completely. Trying to change it by your self can cause damage or an infection. It is also important to avoid touching your jewelry unnecessary especially with dirty had.

Snake Bite Tongue Piercing Price or Cost

When you are intending to have a tongue piercing, it is important to have it done by a professional piercer and also at a pocket friendly cost. Never attempt to get your tongue pierced by yourself or a less experienced piercer with an intension of saving some coins. Many things can go wrong including damaging the nerve or risking an infection.
However, the piercing price is not constant, it varies from one region to the other. There are a number of factors that affect the price, they include the following:

  • Price of the initial jewelry

Most of the piercing studios charges a cost that is inclusive of the initial jewelry. However, the price of the jewelry also varies depending with the type, material and the design of the jewelry.
For instance titanium or stainless steel jewelries are more expensive as compared to those that are made from plastics. Therefore, the price will depend on the choice of your jewelry.

  • Region

The region or location of the piercing studios also affects the piercing price. Some of the piercing studios will have higher price than others. Those that are located in cities or in highly populated areas tends to charge cheaper as compare to those in rural areas due to competition.

  • Skills and experience of the piercer

The skills and experience of the piercer is another factor that affects the cost of snake bite tongue piercing. Highly trained and registered piercers who have enough skills and experience of performing a successful piercing will tend to be a bit expensive as compared to those that are still new in that field.

  • Type of the piercing studios

Piercing studios that uses modern technology, instruments and operates in a hygienic environment will tend to be a little expensive than others. Such studios has a higher chances of a successful tongue piercing as compared to those operating less hygienic environments.

  • Discounts

Some piercing studios offers discounts on double piercings. You can get a discount of 5% on the total price after performing the other piercing. Discounts may also apply when performing other body piercings like nostril, belly button or ear lobe piercing among others.
Apart from the factors affecting the cost, there are also other additional costs you are likely to incur during or after the procedure. A professional piercer can recommend some of the aftercare products to use for cleaning and you may be required to purchase them from the studio or supermarket. In the long run, they determine your total cost of piercing.
Therefore, when the above factors are put into consideration, you can expect to pay anything ranging from $30 and $90.  This price range includes the piercing, jewelry and aftercare products. When intending to get your tongue pierced, price should not be the only factor to consider.
Conduct enough research to find a piercing studio that has a fair price and also provides high quality services. At the very least, it should operate in a hygienic environment, licensed and registered from the relevant authority.

Snake Bites Tongue Piercing Pain, Does it hurt

Snake bite tongue piercing pain varies form one person to the other. Everybody has a different experience of the pain level after the procedure. However most of the people have compared the pain to that one of biting the tongue. Few minutes after the piercing procedure, the pain level will start to slow down although the tongue may become swollen during the initial healing process.
From tattoo and piercing scale, which runs from 1-10, the pain level of tongue piercing ranges between 2-5. According to the scale 1 is less painful and 10 is more painful. The pain level increases with the scale.
Tongue piercing is less painful as compared to other body piercings like nose piercing, septum, navel, ear cartilage, nipple, genital or tragus piercing. Some people who we have interviewed after snake bite or venom tongue piercing would even say that it is less painful as compared to tongue biting.
However many people say that tongue hurts more during the initial healing process than during the moment of piercing. If your pain threshold is high, you can opt for an aesthetic to numb some part of your tongue few minutes before the procedure.
It is recommended to control your breathing after the piercing procedure to relax the tongue so that it hurt less i.e. breath in counting 1 up to 5, breath out counting 1 to 5 again, breath in counting 1 to 4, breath out counting 1 to 4 again and so on until your tongue relaxes.
There are also other tips you can use to relieve the pain while at home after snake bite tongue piercing procedure. It also helps to fasten the healing process. They include:

  1. Avoid eating spicy, hot or salty foods and beverages during the initial healing process. Such foods and drinks can make your piercing to hurt more as well as delaying the healing process.
  2. Use over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprophen or acetaminophen to relive the pain and other discomforts. Avoid blood thinning painkillers like aspirin. You should also take the medicine as directed by manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. Alleviate pain and swelling by placing some ice chips on your tongue and drinking ice cold water. Do not suck the ice chips, allow them to melt on their own
  4. Clean your mouth 2-3 times daily using a good quality alcohol free mouth wash. Alternatively, you can gargle with sea salt solution to kill the bacteria and remove dirty.
  5. Do not play with the jewelry or feel it with your teeth, it may cause an injury that causes pain or bleeding.
  6. During the healing process, avoid smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol or chewing gum. It may cause irritation or stick on your jewelry.

However, if the pain does not subside after using the above tips, try to check for any sign of an infection. Symptoms of an infection are like excessive swelling, tenderness, pain, yellow or green pus coming out of your piercing and increased body temperatures or fever.
It is important to visit your doctor right away after discovering symptoms of an infection. The doctor will be able to diagnose to condition and provide the required treatment. He or she may subscribe some antibiotics for bacterial infections.

Snake Bite Tongue Piercing Healing Time

Tongue piercings takes a short time to heal. The initial healing process may take only 2-3 weeks to heal. For it to heal completely, it may take 2-3 month. However, there is a number of things you can do to fasten the healing process.

  • To avoid infections that may delay healing process, ensure that your piercing is done by a professional piercer who has enough skills and experience. He or she should be able to sterilize the piercing instruments and wear gloves and face mask before the procedure.
  • Follow the aftercare instructions provided strictly to avoid. This includes cleaning your piercing 2-3 times daily using saline solution or a good quality mouth wash.
  • During the initial healing process, avoid taking spicy, hot or spicy food and beverages. They may cause irritation or a burning sensation that may delay the healing process. The other things to avoid includes smoking alcohol and alcohol consumption.
  • Rinse your mouth with sea salt solution after taking any meal. It helps to kill bacteria and other pathogenic micro-organisms that can cause an infection to your snake bite tongue piercing. It also fastens the healing process.
  • Avoid engaging in oral sex that includes kissing during the healing process. It may cause transmission of infections like herpes simplex virus and other bacterial infection.
  • Do not change the jewelry by yourself or touch it with dirty hand. It is advisable to visit your piercer in case you want to change a longer jewelry to a shorter one.

During the healing process it is important to watch for any sign of an infection. Visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment in case you notice symptoms of an infection. The earlier you treat an infection the better. Here are the initial symptoms of an infection:

  1. Swelling

Swelling is normal during the initial healing process of your snake bite tongue piercing. However, you should get worried when the swelling becomes persistent or accompanied with other symptoms like difficulties in pronunciation, chewing and swallowing. This are enough evidence of an infection.

  1. Presence of yellow or green discharge

It is also normal to have excretion of white substances from the piercing during the initial healing process. Excretion of smelly, yellow or green discharge is an indication of an infection. It is therefore important to visit your healthcare provider for treatment.

  1. Redness

Slight redness is normal for any body piercing for few days after piercing. On the other hand, persistence redness accompanied by itchiness, swelling, irritation or burning sensation is an indication of an infection.

  1. Bleeding

Some bleeding usually occurs for few minutes after the procedure. Bleeding that occurs after the healing process is complete can be a sign of an infection especially when accompanied with swelling, excessive pain and redness

  1. Other symptoms

The other symptoms includes discoloration of the tongue, numbness of the tongue, bad or smelly breath, itchiness and red streak around the piercing.

Snake Bites on Tip of Tongue

Snake bite tongue piercing can also be done on the tip of your tongue. When the tongue piercing is done at the tip, it can be more thrilling especially when wearing a high quality and attractive jewelry. Therefore, before the procedure you can talk to your piercer about the location of your piercing.
When intending to have snake bite on tip of tongue, it is also important to consider the chances of migration or rejection of the jewelry. The body is likely to develop an allergic reaction to body piercings especially when done on the tip or surface of the skin.
If you are having a history of body piercing migration and rejection, then it won’t be a good idea to have this type of body piercing. You can easily found out by the experience of your body piercings

How to Care for a snake Bite Tongue Piercing

It is important to take good care of your piercing to avoid infections that may delay healing process. After piercing procedure, your professional piercer will give you a list of aftercare instructions consisting of what is supposed to be done and avoided. They include the following:

  • Reduce the swelling by drinking ice cold water. Alternatively, you can place some ice chips on your tongue and allow them to melt on their own without sucking. This helps to bring swelling and other discomfort down.
  • Rinse your mouth with a good quality alcohol free mouthwash 3-4 times daily especially after taking any meal. It helps to remove food particles and other debris that harbors bacteria.
  • Clean the pierced sites and areas around using sea salt. You simply add ¼ tablespoon of sea salt into a glass of water. Soak a cotton ball into the solution and dab on the piercings 2-3 times a day.
  • Make sure that your hands are clean before touching your piercings during cleaning time. Wash them using antibacterial soap and running water. Touching the piercings un-necessarily should also be avoided.
  • During the initial healing duration, avoid spicy, salty and hot foods and beverages. They can cause irritations or a burning sensation that may interfere with the healing process. Go for soft drinks, soup, mashed potatoes and ripe bananas, scrambled eggs and protein shakes.
  • Make some lifestyle changes during the initial week of healing. Avoid smoking tobacco, consumption of alcohol, excessive amount of caffeine and chewing gums.
  • During the initial healing stages of snake bite tongue piercing, it is also important to avoid oral sex and kissing as it can cause introduction of new bacteria into your mouth. Other infections like herpes simplex virus and hepatitis can get a way into your body through the wound.
  • Check the barbell balls regularly and tighten those that are loose. The can unscrew over a time and loosen.
  • Change the jewelry after elapse of the initial healing process. The original jewelry is usually replaced with a shorter jewelry one the tongue resumes its normal size. The original jewelry is usually long to accommodate a swollen tongue and cause injuries and damage to gums and teeth if not replaced.
  • Do not rub the jewelry against your teeth as it may injury to your piercings.
  • If you suspect that you have developed an infection, don’t rush to remove the jewelry by yourself. You may worsen your condition and therefore, it is recommended to visit your professional piercer or your doctor for treatment.

Once the initial healing process is over, you can choose the right jewelry style of your choice. When choosing the jewelries, remember that some metals causes allergic reaction. Therefore it is important to go for those that does not cause sensitivity to your body.

Nose Piercing Bump Causes: Keloid, Infection, inside, How to Treat

Do you have a bump on your pierced nose? What might be the possible causes of this condition? This article contains information that will help you to understand the causes of nose piercing bumps like infection and others. It also contain the various treatment you can use to get of the bumps. You will also be able to learn from the various pictures provided.

Nose Piercing Bump – Causes

Nose piercing is a common body art that is done by many people especially women all over the world. A successful piercing will give you a prettier look especially when wearing a good jewelry. However, not all nose piercing heals successfully.
Infected nose piercing, development of a bump on your piercing, which after healing may cause scarring or keloid on the affected area and pain are some of the main worries. In most cases a bump may develop on your nose a few days or months after the piercing session is done as a result of the following causes:

  • Poor piercing techniques and equipment’s

Poor piercing skills and unhygienic procedures is the major cause of infections that results to development of bump. The use of unsterilized equipment’s such as the needle or gun may transfer bacteria and other pathogenic micro-organisms to your new piercing.
Unexperienced piercer may also have little knowledge about nose piercing. He or she can give you a wrong aftercare instructions that delays the healing process hence increases chances of infected nose piercing. You are supposed to find a professional piercer to perform the procedure. Ensure all the piercing tools are sterilized before use.

  • Poor aftercare and personal hygiene

The aftercare instruction provided by your professional piercer is supposed to be followed strictly. You may end up infecting your piercing if you have a tendency of touching it all the time without washing your hands properly. Dirty hands has constant bacteria and other germs that can be transferred to the affected area to cause infection that result to nose piercing bump.
New piercing is supposed to be cleaned twice a day using saline or antiseptic solution. You are also supposed to keep your whole body and the beddings clean. Avoid facilities and activities that may cause an infection the pierced area.

  • Choosing wrong or inexpensive jewelry

The material and the price of nose piercing jewelry matters a lot. Wrong choice of the jewelry may lead to an infection, rejection, migration, bumps or scarring.
Your body may cause allergic reaction to some materials such as nickel. It is better to use high quality jewelry made from gold, titanium or stainless steel that are less reactive to your body.
Inexpensive jewelry have rough surfaces that may rub against the soft skin tissues of your piercing to form a bump. You are also supposed to use a jewelry that is not bigger or smaller than your piercing hole. It is supposed to fit well in your piercing.

  • Changing the jewelry before healing

Changing or removing the jewelry may also cause nose piercing bump bleeding. It may risk an infection by delaying the healing process. You are supposed to remain with your piercing jewelry until the piercing heals completely.

  • An injury to the piercing

An injury causes trauma to the piercing which may cause damage to the surrounding tissues. It may trigger new nose piercing pain that delays the healing process as well as risking for development of a bump. Trauma is caused when the jewelry is knocked or when the jewelry if removed and re-inserted.

Infected Nose Piercing Bump – Causes

A bump may also develop on your nose piercing as a result of an infection. An infection may be caused by a bacteria, fungi or other pathogenic micro-organism. Poor aftercare instruction may lead to this condition as described below:

  • Touching the pierced area with contaminated hands may transfer the germs to the pierced site to causes an infection that can result to a bump. You are supposed to wash your hands using antibacterial soap and running water prior to touching your piercing.
  • Unsterilized piercing equipment’s such as needle may also lead to an infection. You are supposed to find a professional piercer who will perform the procedure successfully.
  • Using wrong products to clean your piercing may delay the healing process which increases the risk of an infection. You are supposed to avoid the use of alcohol and hydrogen peroxide in cleaning you’re piercing.
  • Public swimming pools and hot tubs can harbor bacteria that causes infected nose piercing bump. Avoid such facilities until the piercing heals.
  • Allergic reaction of your body to the jewelry can also result to this condition. Avoid cheap jewelry made from materials that triggers a reaction.

A part from causing a bump, an infection may delay the healing process, cause rejection or migration of your piercing. It is important to keep your piercing clean all the time and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your professional piercer. In case it is already infected find the best treatment for the bump formed around nose piercing as first as possible.

Bump on Nose Piercing – Bleeding, Inside

Bump on nose that causes bleeding inside may develop a few days or months after piercing. This condition mostly affects Africans and Asians who are prone to keloids. It result from the trauma caused on your piercing before it heals completely.
When your piercing is knocked, pulled or the jewelry is removed and re-inserted, the tissues around becomes injured and you can easily develop a bump.
A bump will start to develop around your piercing areas where the tissues were damaged. It may form on the outer surface or inside the nose. The bump becomes red and painful, when not treated on time, it may become infected and cause bleeding inside the nose. It may increase in size and cause swelling of the nose on the affected part.
When the bump is infected, it may become filled up with pus and drain. It is important to visit your professional piercer right away before your condition becomes worse. It may develop into an abscess or pustule that is very painful if not treated on time.
However, not all nose piercing bumps are caused by an infection, some may be a granuloma. This is a non-cancerous body tissue growth that may develop on your piercing. The granuloma may bleed easily although they are not tender. They may also drain a clear or yellow discharge. The areas around the piercing may also cause scarring that ends up as a bump or keloid.

Keloid Nose Piercing

Keloids are abnormal growth rate of skins fibrous tissues in response to an injury or trauma. They may develop on the skin after piercing, surgery, acne or any other accident that causes trauma to the skin.
They can develop on any part of the skin that is affected but they are common on the chest, back and ear. The nose may develop a keloid either on the upper or inner surface after piercing.
Some people have higher chances of developing keloid nose piercing than others. Darker skin is more vulnerable to keloids than lighter skin.
It is therefore important to avoid body piercing if your first piercing developed a keloid. The chances of developing another keloid are high. If your close family members have this condition, you should also avoid body piercings.
Keloid may develop on the areas around the piercing inside your nose. It may result to itchy sensation and if not treated, it may increase in size and cause swelling of the nostril or the septum. There are various treatments on how to get rid of keloids.  Some of them includes freezing, surgery and some home remedy treatments.

How to Get Rid Of Nose Piercing Bump Fast – Treatment

A bump may develop near the hole of your nose piercing as a result of poor nose piercing care, inappropriate jewelry or trauma. Although these bumps are benign and harmless, but they may not have a good look and some time they can become itchy. Therefore there are various treatments you can use to get rid of them, they include the following:

  1. Use Sea Salt Soak

This is the fastest and easiest way of controlling bumps that may develop on your nose after piercing. This treatment helps to reduce the size of your bump that will eventually disappear after a period of 1-3 month. You simply add ¼ teaspoonful of sea salt in hot water and stir well to make a solution.
Allow the salt solution to cool slightly. Using a cotton pad or ball, dip it into the solution and hold it over the bump for two minutes until it cools off.
Repeat the procedure for several times twice a day using a new cotton pad. Rinse the pierced area with warm water to remove all the salt residues and dirty. Pat the area dry using a clean paper towel.

  1. Clean your piercing daily

Keeping your nose piercing clean daily can help to treat bump and any other discomfort on your pierced site. This process can be done using anti-bacterial soap or a saline solution for at least 2-3 times a day. You are also supposed to avoid over-cleaning the piercing as it may delay the healing process.

  1. Use Chamomile Tea after Sea Salt Soak

The use of chamomile tea bag after the salt solution soak is an effective nose piercing bump treatment. To use this remedy, you simply boil the chamomile tea bag in a container or you dip it in warm water and place it over your piercing.
Hold it over the bump for 2-5 minutes until it cools off. Repeat the procedure for every time you use the sea salt solution soak.

  1. Visit your Professional Piercer

Experienced or professional piercer has knowledge about the piercing bump. He or she will be able to examine your condition and advice you on the treatment to use. The bump may develop as a result of wrong jewelry, you will be advised on the correct jewelry to use which does not cause a reaction with your body.

  1. Use Tea Tree Oil

This natural oil also has the ability to treat infected nose piercing and bumps. It contain antibacterial properties that helps in treating various skin blemishes.
Buy a diluted tea tree oil from a natural store and use a cotton ball to apply it on the affected area. Apply twice daily until the bump goes away. Pure tea tree oil may cause irritation especially if you have a sensitive skin.

  1. Use Aspirin Paste

The nose piercing bump aspirin paste is also an effective treatment. It contain anti-inflammatory properties that relieves the itchy sensation as well as promoting the healing process by opening up the blood vessels.
Crush a tablet in a bowl and mix with some water to make a paste. Use a cotton ball to apply on the affected area twice daily until you see the results.

  1. Use Honey

Honey was used from the ancient time in healing various skin infections due to its healing properties. It therefore has the ability to treat nose bumps that develops after piercing. You simply use a cotton ball to apply natural raw honey directly on the bump for 3 times a day. Repeat the procedure daily until your condition improves.

  1. Take anti-inflammatory drugs

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to reduce pain and other discomforts that results from bumps or trauma on your nose. You can simply get this medicines from a pharmacy or a drug store near your location. Ensure that you take as directed by manufacturer’s instructions.

  1. Avoid draining the bump

Refrain from draining the bumps, it may worsen your condition. Using unsterilized instruments to drain the bumps can introduce bacteria or other pathogenic micro-organisms to your bloodstream. This can lead to other serious conditions of the heart or valves that can be fatal.

  1. Lemon Juice

Lemon is also an effective home remedy in treating nose piercing bump. To use this remedy, you simply obtain a fresh lemon and cut it into two pieces. Squeeze them to obtain a juice, dilute it with some water and apply on the affected are three times a day. Repeat the procedure until the bump disappears.

  1. Change the jewelry

Wrong choice of nose piecing jewelry can lead to migration or rejections that can delay the healing process. It can also increase the chances of an infection that can lead to bumps and other conditions. It is therefore recommended to visit your professional piercer to help you in correct selection of the jewelry and changing.
Avoid going for the cheap jewelry materials that are provided by some piercing studios. Consider going for high quality jewelries made from stainless steel, titanium or niobium. If your body is sensitive to these materials, you can opt for plastic jewelries.
It is also important to avoid changing the jewelry by yourself at home during the initial healing process. It is recommended to visit your professional piercer to change or remove the jewelry in case of an infection.

  1. Seek medical treatment

There are various circumstances that that requires medical treatment in order to get rid of nose bump. For instance, you are supposed to visit your doctor right away if there is no improvement after trying dome of home remedies treatment, presence of yellow or green discharge from the bump or if it develops keloids.
A health care provider will be able to diagnose your condition to find out the exact cause. Thereafter, you will be given some prescription drugs or antibiotics. Ensure that you take the medicines as directed by your doctor.

Nose Piercing Bump Rubbing Alcohol

Nose bumps after piercing can be very much stressing especially when they get infected. They may be accompanied by other symptoms like presence or yellow or green discharge, excessive pain and swelling, redness, tenderness and excessive crusting.
Therefore many people who are infected will try to find any possible solution that can help to get rid of this condition including rubbing alcohol to the bump. According from the research that we did, alcohol is not good for piercing as it may cause irritations.
You can rub alcohol on your bump after tying other remedies without success although you may not be guaranteed that it will treat. The only solution of treating an infected piercing that is resistance to home remedies is visiting your doctor. You will be given some antibiotics that will treat your condition.

Lump on Nose Piercing

Lumps on the nose can be very stressful especially when they get infected. They may cause scarring, keloids or increase the healing period of the piercing. Taking good care of your nose piercing can save you from the discomfort caused by the lumps. The bumps can therefore be prevented in the following ways.

  • Prevent trauma to the pierced area, avoid knocking or bumping into other object with your nose. Refrain from sporting activities that can cause an injury to your nose before the piercing heals completely.
  • Ensure that the jewelry is of high quality and fits properly. The jewelry is not supposed to be too loose or tight. Avoid tagging other objects on your jewelry before the healing process is complete.
  • Find a professional piercer who has the required tools to perform the piercing. Unexperienced piercer may use piercing gun on your nose cartilage piercing instead of a needle which may cause nose piercing bump.
  • Follow the aftercare instructions provided strictly.

Nose piercing infection

Nose piercing infections results from bacteria, fungi and other pathogenic micro-organisms that come in contact with your piercing. Infections can also get to your blood stream through the wound to cause other complication. Some of the causes include the following:

  1. Using unsterilized instruments

When unsterilized instruments are used to perform a nose piercing procedure, it can introduce bacteria to the site and hence causing an infection. When intending to pierce your nose, it is important to do enough research on the best piercing studios.
It is also important to visit the studio prior to your piercing procedure to evaluate their hygiene. Also ensure that the procedure is done by a professional piercer who has enough skill, experience and certified by the relevant authority.

  1. Poor aftercare practices

After any type of body piercing, there is a list of aftercare practices that you are given. It contains information on what to do and what to avoid during the healing process. Poor aftercare practices like touching the piercing with dirty hand can introduce germs to the pierced site and cause an infection.
Failure to clean the piercing for at least 2-3 times daily using antibacterial soap or warm saline solution can also lead to accumulation of dirty and bacteria on the pierced site. Bacteria thrives well in a dirty environment and can multiply easily to cause an infection.

  1. Swimming in public pools

Public swimming pools and hot tubs harbors bacteria, fungi and pathogenic micro-organisms that can cause an infection nose piercing bump. Using such facilities during the initial healing process of your piercing can introduce germs to the wound and hence causing an infection.
Refrain from using such facilities until your piercing heals completely. In case it is a must that you have to use them, then don’t fail to cover your piercing with a water proof bandage. Clean your body using antibacterial soap afterwards.

  1. Wrong nose piercing jewelry choice

Using a wrong choice of a jewelry causes an allergic reaction that can trigger an infection. It can also cause migration or rejection that delays the healing process which increase the risk of an infection. Select a high quality jewelry made from stainless steel, titanium or plastics.

  1. Trauma or injuries

Trauma or injury to your piercing causes by pulling or playing with the jewelry during the initial healing process or bumping your nose into an object can also delay the healing process. An interrupted healing process may also increase the chances of an infection.
Therefore, you need to be very careful during the healing process in order to avoid injuries to your nose. Avoid spotting and other activities that can lead to an injury.
It is important to be careful and keen during the initial healing process. It is very important to identify any symptom of an infection early in order to provide the necessary treatment. It is normal to experience some swelling, redness and some discharge few day after the procedure.
However, it is alarming when the above symptoms becomes persistence for more days after the piercing. Other symptoms that will help to identify an infection includes:

  • Presence of smelly, yellow or green discharge.
  • Persistence redness, swelling and tenderness.
  • Bleeding after the initial healing process.
  • The affected area becomes hypersensitive to touch.
  • Fever, nausea and chills.
  • Persistence itching and a burning sensation.
  • Excessive crusting on the pierces area

When you observe the above symptoms, it is definitely that your nose piercing has an infection. The next action to take is visiting your healthcare provide. He or she will perform several tests to determine the cause of an infection and provide necessary treatment.

Nose piercing bump pictures

We have provided various pictures in this article that will help you know how bumps on nose after piercing look like. If you are intending to have your nose pierced, it is important to go through such pictures as they helps to understand visually.
The pictures are also showing the various symptoms like swelling, discharge or redness. By looking at such pictures, you will able to notice the early symptoms of an infection and you can be able to take the necessary measure immediately.

Double Tongue Piercing, Healing, Name, Pain, Risks, Price

Do you have a new double tongue piercing? How long will it take to heal and what are the dangers associated with it? This article contains more information on double tongue piercing pain, healing process, aftercare instructions, pictures, dangers and risks associated with it.

Double Tongue Piercing Healing

Double piercing procedure involves making two separate piercings on your tongue with an intension of wearing separate barbells. The two piercings can be positioned on the same direction or one can be vertical while the other horizontally.
Double or two tongue piercing may take 1-2 moth to heal completely. Fastest healing generally takes 2-3 weeks to heal when there is no any complication. However the healing process can be delayed as a result of infections, allergic reactions to the jewelry or irritations from food and dental care products.
During the initial healing process, it is normal to experience some swelling, tongue irritations or redness among other discomforts. The selling may last between 7 to 10 days from the initial piercing. It may cause the size of your tongue to double. This may cause difficulties in speaking, chewing and swallowing food.
During healing process, there are various normal problems that you will go through. You don’t need to get worried when you notice the following:

  • Excess saliva

Excessive production of saliva by the salivary gland located under your tongue. This condition is normal and also helps in the healing process. Saliva contains enzymes that helps to fight bacteria and other micro-organisms that causes infections.

  • White discharge

White discharge or excretes around the piercing are the first signs of healing process. It simply shows that the dead white bloods cells are exiting your wound. It doesn’t form a scab due to saliva that is present in your mouth.

  • Swollen taste buds

Taste buds that are located near the piercing may also become swollen and tender due to irritations on your tongue. They normally swell during the initial stages of healing process.

  • Difficulties in eating and speaking

This is normal during the initial stages of piercing. You may experience some difficulties especially when eating hot, spicy, solid and salty foods. You are only supposed to take mashed food and soups to avoid irritations. It is also difficult to make correct pronunciations while having a swollen tongue.
During healing process of a double tongue piercing, it is recommended to use a high quality mouthwash to clean your mouth. You should also avoid using the mouthwash to over-clean your mouth. It can delay the healing process or cause your tongue to turn green or brown.

How to Care for Double Tongue Piercing – Cleaning

Oral piercings are prone to infections due to numerous bacteria that are present in your mouth. It is therefore important to take good care of it to avoid infections as well as fastening the healing process. There are various aftercare tips you can use to keep the piercing clean and free from bacteria and other micro-organisms that causes infections. They include:

  1. Rinse using a mouthwash

Use a good quality mouthwash to rinse your mouth for about 1 minute after every meal and before going to bed. It helps to prevent infections by fighting bacteria as well as boosting the healing process. Avoid using harsh mouthwash that contains alcohol, it may cause irritation or delay the tongue piercing healing process.

  1. Clean the piercing area

Keeping the wound clean is very essential for a successful piercing. Make it a routine to clean your piercing for at least 2 times a day. Soak a cotton ball into in a saline solution and dab it gently around the pierced site.
Use alcohol free mouthwash to gargle in your mouth and spit out after taking every meal. It helps to remove food particles and other debris that harbors bacteria into your mouth. Clean your piercing daily but avoid overdoing it as it may delay the healing processes.

  1. Avoid spicy and hot food

During the first 1 week after double tongue piercing procedure, you need to avoid spicy, salty or hot foods and beverages. They may cause irritations to your piercing. Instead, you should opt for soft foods and drinks like soup, mashed potatoes, protein shakes, ice cream, mashed ripe bananas or rice among other meals.

  1. Keep your hands clean always

Your hands should remain clean all the time. Wash them thoroughly using antibacterial soap and running water prior to cleaning your tongue piercing. Also avoid un-necessary touching   the piercing or the jewelry and you may transfer germs to the pierced site.

  1. Avoid tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption

During the initial tongue piercing healing time, you are supposed to avoid harmful activities that may delay the process. Avoid smoking tobacco, alcohol consumption, chewing gum and playing with jewelry. This helps to prevent irritations to your piercing.

  1. Brush your teeth properly

General dental care practices are vital for a successful tongue piercing. Therefore, it is important to brush your teeth properly after every meal and floss regularly to remove food particles and other debris between your teeth.

  1. Reduce the swelling

It is normal for your piercing to swell during the initial stages. To help reduce swelling and other discomforts, drink plenty of cold water and place some ice chips to melt on your tongue. Do not suck the ice chips, allow them to melt slowly on their own.

  1. Gargle with sea salt solution

After your routine dental care practices, gargle sea salt solution into the mouth. It helps to reduce swelling as well as boosting the healing process. To prepare the solution, you simply mix ¼ teaspoon of sea salt with a glass of warm water. Repeat this remedy twice daily.

  1. Dry the piercing after cleaning

Use a clean and disposable paper towel to dry your double tongue piercing after cleaning. Avoid using towel or a piece of cloth of cloth as it may contain bacteria or other pathogenic micro-organisms that can cause an infection.

  1. Choose the right jewelry

Choose the right piercing jewelry that does not cause irritation or allergic reactions. Plastic jewelry are best as compared to stainless still or titanium. Once the initial healing process elapse, visit your piercer to change the jewelry according to your choice.

  1. Tighten loose barbell balls

The balls can unscrew over a time, it is therefore important to check the barbell balls regularly and tighten them when loose. Use clean hands to hold at the bottom of jewelry while using the other hand to check the tightness at the top.
Ensure that you follow the aftercare instructions given by your professional piercer. Failure to follow the aftercare tips may lead to infections and other complications that may delay the healing process. Also, be keen enough and check for any sign of an infection and seek early treatment.

Double Tongue Piercing Pain – Does it hurt?

Does tongue piercing hurt? This is a very common question that many people ask when intending to have their tongue pierced. Like any other type of body piercing, tongue piercing is also accompanied with some pain.
However, the pain level varies from one person to the other. People have different experience about the pain after the procedure. The truth is that, a double pierced tongue may hurt more as compared to single piercing.
During the initial days, your tongue will pain, swell and bruise for the first week. It is normal to experience this discomfort during the initial stages of your piercing and they usually disappears after a while upon proper aftercare practices.
If the pain, swelling, discharge and bleeding occurs after initial stages of piercing, it simply means that your piercing might have gotten an infection. It is therefore recommended to visit your professional piercer of doctor for further instructions and treatment.
To avoid further pain during the healing stages, there is a number of things you can do to alleviate the irritation. You have to avoid spicy, hot and solid food and beverages that can cause an irritation to your piercing.
It is also important to make some adjustments to your lifestyle to avoid the pain. You have to stop smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol during the healing period as it may cause irritations to your pierced site.
If you have to relieve the pain, take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Avoid blood thinning medications like aspirin among others.

Double Tongue Piercing Dangers and Risks

Having two piercing on your tongue may be attractive to some but apart from double pain, there are a number of health risk or dangers that are associated with tongue piercings. They include:
Infections
Infection is the major risk that is associated with oral piercings. There is numerous bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms that are found in your mouth. Given that you have created a wound on your tongue through piercing, it provides an entrance of bacteria into the bloodstream.
Touching the jewelry especially with dirty hands also introduces new bacteria into the pierced site. Infections may cause other complications into your body. They also delays the healing process of your piercing. After an infection, there are a number of symptoms that you may experience including:

  • Presence of smelly yellow or green discharge from the infected area.
  • Persistence swelling of the tongue that doubles the normal size
  • Redness, inflammation or pain on the pieced area.
  • Tongue discoloration from the normal color to brown, green or yellow.
  • Bleeding that occurs after the healing process is initiated.
  • Difficulties in speaking, chewing and swallowing food.
  • Fever and swollen lymph nodes that are located at the neck.
  • Breathing complications due to swollen tongue.

It is normal to experience some of the above symptoms above for few days after double tongue piercing procedure. However, when they persist for several days or weeks, it may be an indication that your piercing is infected. It is therefore recommended to seek for treatment immediately.
Nerve damage
Tongue piercing damage the nerve especially when done by unprofessional piercer. This can lead to excessive bleeding, numbness of part of the tongue or the whole tongue and difficulties when speaking, chewing or swallowing food.
Damaged nerve may also cause tongue swelling. In some cases, the tongue may swell and double in size. This can cause various complications such as difficulties in breathing and eating food. You are supposed to perform enough research on tongue piercing and ensure that the procedure is done by a professional piercer.
Rejection and migration of the jewelry
Not all body piercings are successful, your body may develop an allergic reaction to metals. The body can cause a hypersensitive reaction to metals in the jewelry. It may consider it as a threat to your health. It will therefore react by pushing the metal away from your body and eventually expels it out.
Endocarditis
The bacteria in your mouth may make a way into the bloodstream through the piercing to cause a condition known as endocarditis. This is an inflammation of the heart or valves. Having other heart condition increases the risk of endocarditis.
Transmissions of infections
It is not recommended to engage in oral sex activities like kissing when having a new double tongue piercing. Oral sex increases transmission of various diseases like herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B and C among other infection through the wound created through piercing.
Teeth and gum infections or damage
Wearing the barbell can chip or crack your teeth when the two comes into contact. The jewelry can also come into contact with your gum tissues to cause an injury that can lead to gum infections that may lead to loss of a tooth or teeth.
Difficulties in speaking, chewing and swallowing food
The tongue normally becomes swollen for the first few days after piercing procedure. This can cause difficulties in movement of the tongue and hence resulting to difficulties in speech, chewing, swallowing food and even breathing.
Swallowing the jewelry
Another risk of having oral piercing is chocking and swallowing. The barbell balls can become loose and if swallowed, it can lead to various digestive track complications. It is advisable to cheek regularly and tighten loose barbell balls.

Double Tongue Piercing Prices – How Much Does It Cost

The cost of having your tongue pierced double varies from one studio to the other depending on various factors like competition level in your area, geographical locations, the level of skills and experience of the piercer and also your personal preferences.
Some piercing studios quote the total price which covers both the piercing procedure and jewelry while others will only charge the piercing procedure. This means that you are required to buy the jewelry of your choice either from the same studio or from any other shop.
Therefore, the piercing price varies from 30 dollars to 90 dollars when the jewelry is included. The cost of a standard jewelry costs between 26-28 dollars. Some of the studios also has a mouthwash that cost around 5 dollars and you may be given sea salt for free.
After the initial healing of your piercing, you are required to adjust the barbell or size it down. You are required to re-visit your professional piercer for readjustment of the barbell and you have to buy the middle shaft of jewelry that cost 12 dollars.
When the piercing procedure is done, you are given some aftercare instructions. It is important to follow them strictly in order to avoid infections. You may be required to spend more on treating an infected tongue piercing. Infections also causes other complications that delays the healing process.

Double Tongue Piercing Jewelry, Ring or Stud

Double tongue-piercing jewelries are made from various materials including stainless steel, titanium, gold or plastics among others. They have beads at the end of the barbells that are decorated in various shiny designs that resembles a star, diamond, spider, human skull and other different colors.
The jewelries are also in different gauges, after piecing procedure you are given a longer barbell that will provide a room for accommodation of the tongue during swelling in the initial stages. It will therefore be replaced or re-adjusted to a shorter length when the tongue resumes to its normal size.

Double Tongue Piercing Pictures, Photos or Images

Do you want to know how a double pierced tongue look like? In this article, we have included several pictures that will help you have a visual understanding of how exactly you will look like after your double piercing has healed. If you are intending to get pierced, you can either choose to have a pair of horizontal or vertical piercing. You can also choose to have one vertical and the other one horizontal.

Infected Tongue Piercing: Causes, Signs, Bump, How to Treat, Healing

Is your tongue piercing infected? What are the causes and symptoms of an infected tongue piercing? This article explores more on what causes the infection, symptoms and how to get rid of it. You will also learn more on how to clean an infected tongue. There are also various pictures that are provided to help you understand how this condition looks like.

Infected Tongue Piercing Causes

Piercing your tongue causes an injury or a wound that can lead to infections especially under poor tongue piercing conditions and aftercare procedures. It is a tricky and risky procedure that requires a professional piercer to perform without introducing pathogenic microorganisms into your body.
Tongue piercing infections are usually caused by bacteria, fungi, yeast and other micro-organisms that are found in the mouth or that results from poor piercing and oral hygiene.  Piercing causes the microorganisms to enter into your blood stream through the wound and hence, resulting to the various symptoms.
The good news is that, despite your mouth having a large number of bacteria, the level of tongue piercing infections are low. This is according to [examiner.com] that states that the oral piercing infection estimation rate is 20%.
Although the estimated infection rate is low but it does not guarantee that you will have a successful piercing. There are various risk factors that increases the chances of infection, they include the following:

  • Improper oral hygiene

Poor oral hygiene encourages buildup of bacteria and other micro-organisms that may enter your bloodstream through the piercing. You are supposed to clean your tongue and areas around the pierced site gently using a soft brush or scraper and also brush the teeth and floss regularly to keep the bacteria at bay.

  • Poor piercing condition

When intending to pierce your tongue, take your time to find a professional piercer who will perform a successful piercing. Unqualified piercers may perform the procedure under dirty conditions or using unsterilized equipment’s that can lead to an infected tongue piercing.

  • Poor aftercare procedures

Follow the aftercare instructions given by your professional piercer strictly to avoid infecting your piercing. Avoid unnecessary touching at the pierced site especially with dirty hands. Wash your hands using antibacterial soap with clean water before touching your piercing area during cleaning.

  • Trauma or injuries

Injuries or trauma to your piercing may cause bleeding that delays the healing process. Be gentle when cleaning your tongue and avoid changing the piercing ring before it has completely healed.

Symptoms or Signs of Infected Tongue Piercing

For the first few days after tongue piercing, it is normal to experience some pain and swelling on the site. It is therefore difficult to differentiate with symptoms and signs of an infection. However, pain and swelling is supposed to ease few days after the piercing.
Persistence in pain and swelling may be the first indication of an infection. Therefore, we conducted a thorough research and here are the various symptoms or signs that will help you to understand whether your tongue piercing is infected or not. They include:

  1. Swelling

As you read earlier above, it is normal to experience some swelling around the pierced site after few days from the procedure. However, when the swelling persist for a longer time, it may be an indication that your tongue piercing is infected. The swelling can also be accompanied with other symptoms that includes difficulties and chewing, swallowing or speaking.

  1. Bleeding

It is normal to experience some bleeding immediately and after few minutes after the piercing procedure. This normally happens because the piercing creates an open wound. However, it should worry you when bleeding stops and reoccurs some days later. It may also be accompanied with swelling and redness around the affected area.

  1. Redness

Like any other wound, it is normal to have slight redness occurring around the piercing for few days after the procedure. The redness is supposed to disappear when the healing process is initiated. Persisted redness accompanied with bleeding, red streak, swelling is enough evidence that shows your piercing is infected.

  1. Yellowish discharge

White discharge is a normal due to body reactions and it indicates that your piercing is healing. However, a yellowish discharge can seep from your piercing, it indicates that an infection is present or beginning to form. The yellow discharge may change to green after some times which is an indication of a serious infection that requires immediate medical care.

  1. Tenderness

Prolonged tenderness, pain, or inflammation are indications of infected tongue piercing and are not supposed to taken lightly. The areas surrounding the pierced site becomes sensitive to touch and you may feel a throbbing sensation in your whole tongue.

  1. Fever or chills

Fluctuation in body temperature from the normal to a higher or lower levels can happen few days after performing tongue piercing. This is a natural mechanism that is trying to tell you that there is something wrong with your piercing.  Body temperatures may elevate to cause fever or fall to cause chills.

  1. Swollen lymph nodes

Different lymph nodes located in various parts of your body normally swell when the nearing organ has an infection or an injury. The same will happen to the lymph nodes located around the neck when your tongue piercing becomes infected. Swollen lymph nodes may cause difficulties in swallowing food, speaking and when moving your neck

  1. Tongue discoloration

The tongue may change the color from normal to yellow, purple or green. This suggests that the infection is severe. Visit your doctor right away after experience tongue discolorations.

Infected Tongue Piercing What to Do

What can you do to prevent tongue piercing infections as well as treat them while at home when you notice the symptoms in advance. There are various simple tips and remedies that you can use to prevent and treat the infections. They include the following:

  • Get a professional piercer

When intending to pierce your tongue, it is important to find a professional piercer who has experience and skill to perform the procedure. This will not only help to avoid any infection but will also help you to find the relevant information about the procedure and what to expect after piercing.
A professional piercer should have a license from the relevant authorities, enough training, skills and experience. He or she should exercise the required sanitary precautions including using sterilize equipment’s.

  • Choosing the correct piercing jewelry

Choosing the correct tongue piercing jewelry helps to prevent infections. Your body may reject some metals which may result to delayed healing process and hence risking an infection. Go for plastics like polytetrafluorethylene or polypropylene that causes less or no allergic reaction.
Plastics also gathers less bacteria as compared to titanium or stainless steel suds. You should also avoid changing the jewelry before the healing process is complete.

  • Follow the aftercare instructions given strictly

After piercing procedure, you will be given an aftercare instructions that contain information on how to clean and products to use. In order to avoid infections, you have to follows the instructions as directed. Avoid touching the pierced site with dirty hands as they may contain germs.

  • Practice good oral hygiene

Proper oral hygiene can help to treat early symptoms of an infected tongue piercing. Use salt water solution to rinse your mouth after every meal. It helps to clean your mouth as well as killing some microorganisms that causes infections

  • Avoid alcohol, smoking and spicy foods

During the healing process, you have to avoid alcohol, tobacco smoking and certain foods especially coffee and spicy foods. They may cause irritation to your tongue piercing that may lead to delayed healing and hence putting it as risk of infections.

  • Do not change the stud during healing process

Do not change the jewelry even after noticing some signs of an infection as it may worsen your condition. Visit your piercer to remove it professionally if you have to do so. Changing the jewelry before healing may also delay the healing process.

Infected Tongue Piercing After Years

Can your tongue piercing become infected after a year? The answer is simply yes. Some people are having a habit of pulling the jewelry. This can cause a slight injury at the bottom hole. Given that your mouth contain numerous bacteria and other pathogenic micro-organisms. They can get in the injured spot to cause an infection.
It is recommended that you change the barbell that you were pierced with after the healing process is through. A tongue piercing jewelry is quite longer and you can catch it easily. It is therefore good to get a normal sized one.
However, when you notice the first symptoms of an infection, it is recommended to keep the site clean by gargling saline solution into your mouth. You may also use some of home remedy treatment to control your condition.

Infected Tongue Piercing Underneath

Underneath your tongue piercing can also get infected. You may notice some of the symptoms we have discussed above including tenderness, pain, swelling, yellow or green discharge, inflammation or a bump.
Continue reading to find out some of the treatment you can use to get rid of an infection as described below. However, it is important to visit your doctor for diagnosis to determine the cause of your infection before using some of the treatments like antibiotics.

Tongue Piercing Infection Treatment

Tongue piercing that is performed correctly and taken well care of usually heals on its own within 1 to 2 month. However, some people may experience some infections that may delay the healing process.
Tongue piercing that develops an infection usually becomes painful, swollen and inflamed among other discomforts. When symptoms of an infection are identified early, there are various treatment that you can use to treat the infection to restore proper healing process. They include the following:

  1. Cleaning the infected area

It is important to clean your piercing once you notice the symptoms of an infection before performing any other type of treatment. It is recommended to use saline solution when cleansing an infected piercing. Saline solution contains anti-bacterial properties that helps to fight the bacteria.
Apart from saline solution there is also other anti-bacterial and non-alcoholic mouthwash you can use for cleansing the infected site. You simply gargle mouthwash containing betadine thoroughly into the mouth and spit it out. This remedy may be used twice a day.

  1. Apply a warm compress

Use warm saline solution to compress the infected area. This treatment helps to improve blood supply and circulation to the infected area. It also helps to kill bacteria, relieve pain and well as speeding the healing process.
To use this treatment, you simply soak a cotton ball into warm saline solution and apply it directly on the affected area. Be gently while compressing to avoid injury or trauma. Apply the warm compress twice a day until it improves.

  1. Apply a cold compress

Apply a cold compress helps to relieve pain, swelling and other discomforts. You simply suck on some ice chips. It helps to reduce blood flow by constricting the blood vessels around the site. Don’t allow the ice chips to overstay on your tongue as it may cause burning.

  1. Take oral antibiotics

Using oral antibiotics helps when the cause of your infection is bacterial. However, it is recommended to get diagnosed to determine the exact cause of your infection before being prescribed antibiotics. This treatment can be used together with some of the home remedy treatments to restore proper healing process of your piercing.

  1. Visit your doctor for treatment

There are various serious infections that should be examined by a doctor to avoid complications like hepatitis. You should visit your doctor right away when experiencing continuous bleeding or discharge, increases fever or pain and when having difficulties in chewing and swallowing food or when speaking.

How to Clean Infected Tongue Piercing

It is very important to keep our piercing clean as you continue with treatment. Cleaning helps to kill and prevent spread of bacteria as well as boosting the healing process. Saline solution is effective when it comes to cleaning an infected piercing.
Before cleaning or touching the piercing, wash your hands thoroughly using anti-bacterial soap and clean water. You are also supposed to avoid touching the piercing except when cleaning. After washing your hands, soak a cotton ball in the saline solution and dab it on the piercing to remove the dirty. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times daily.
After every meal and brushing your teeth, use the saline solution to gargle into the mouth to any food particle that is hidden and to kill some of the pathogenic microorganisms. It also helps to speed up the healing process.
After cleaning, dry the piercing properly using a paper towel and dispose it properly. Avoid using bath towel or a piece of cloth as it may contain bacteria or germs.
Avoid using mouthwash that contains harsh chemicals that may cause irritation. You should also avoid smoking tobacco, taking alcohol, spicy or too salty food as they may cause irritations that delays the healing process.

Dangers of Infected Tongue Piercing

Given that your mouth contains numerous bacteria and other pathogenic micro-organisms, creating a wound to your tongue through piercing may introduce the bacteria into your bloodstream to cause various dangers that includes the following:
Endocarditis. An infected piercing may allow the bacteria to enter into your bloodstream and lead to various complications including endocarditis. This is an inflammation of the heart or its valves. This condition may be fatal especially to those individuals with heart problems.
Transmission of diseases. Oral or tongue piercing increases the risk of transmitting various infections including herpes simplex virus and hepatitis among other conditions. You should therefore avoid oral sex or kissing after piercing procedure.
Nerve damage. A nerve damage may lead to excessive bleeding. This may be accompanied with other symptoms that includes numbness of the tongue, difficulties in tongue movement and swelling that can block the airway.
Difficulties in routine activities. It may be difficult to perform your daily routine activities such as chewing and swallowing food or speaking clearly when your tongue is pierced and infected. This is due to production of excessive saliva by the glands.
Gum diseases.  The jewelry especially long-stem tongue jewelry may come in contact with the gum leading to an injury. The injured part can also become infected leading to loss of teeth or tooth.
Other dangers includes: allergic reaction to metals, jewelry aspiration, and damage to tooth or swellings. You should therefore visit your physician for treatment in case of any infection after tongue piercing.

More sources:

  1. Body piercing – risks: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Body-piercing/Pages/risks.aspx
  2. The signs of an infected tongue piercing: http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/mouth-sores-and-infections/article/the-signs-of-an-infected-tongue-piercing-0415
  3. Body piercing problems: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/body-piercing-problems-topic-overview

Swollen Taste Buds Causes: on Back of Tongue, Treatment

Do you have swollen taste buds? What causes them and how can you get rid of it? In this article, we have explained the various causes of inflamed taste buds, symptoms and how to get rid of it instantly. 

Before you get to know what causes taste buds to become swollen, let us start by finding out what they are.  Taste bud are tiny structures that are found on the upper surface of your tongue, esophagus, epiglottis and inner part of the cheeks
They are responsible for tasting different elements in food i.e. bitter, sweet, sour and salty. However, they cannot perform their function well when they are swollen. They may also cause some discomforts when swollen or inflamed.

Why do we get swollen Taste Buds?

The main causes includes the following:

  • Allergic reactions

Different allergens found in food, medications and dental care products among others can irritate your taste buds making them to become swollen. An allergic reaction may also cause other parts of your mouth to swollen such as sides of your inner cheeks and roof of your mouth.
This condition usually emerges a couple of minutes or hours after encountering an allergen. Some people may encounter this problem after taking certain foods like grapefruits, citrus, sea food or nuts. Making some changes on your diet and dental care products can help to fix this condition.

  • Mouth infections

There are various mouth infections that can cause inflamed and swollen taste buds. This condition is common to individuals who have acquired mouth ulcers, oral thrush or yeast infection. Some of this mouth condition are also accompanied with other symptoms such as gum bleeding, inflammations, pain or swelling.

  • Hot foods and drinks

Taking foods and drinks at high temperatures might burn the taste buds and other parts of your mouth and tongue. This causes the taste buds or the whole tongue to become swollen. This condition normally happens immediately after taking hot foods and drinks.
For instance, taking a very hot tea or coffee may cause a swollen mouth and tongue. It may also cause peeling of mouth roof membranes and other parts. This condition can cause mouth inflammation or pain among other discomforts.

  • Spicy, salty and acidic foods and drinks

Spicy, salty or acidic foods can irritate the taste buds and cause them to become swollen. Irritation to the tongue may cause it to become itchy. Avoid the temptation of running your tongue against your teeth as it may worsen your condition.

  • Trauma or injury to the tongue

Trauma or injuries to the tongue may result from cuts, burns laceration or biting among others.  An injury or damage to the tongue tissues causes the taste buds to become swollen and painful. You are also supposed to be gentle while cleaning your tongue. Rough tongue cleaners may also cause tiny injuries.

  • Alcohol and tobacco smoking

A part from causing red spots on tongue, tobacco and alcohol may cause your taste buds to become swollen. Alcohol and tobacco contains strong chemicals and toxins that irritates the taste receptors. This gives a way to other infections that causes inflammation of taste buds.

  • Nutritional deficiencies

Inadequate intake of vitamin B Complex, vitamin C or folic acid can result to swollen taste buds and other mouth problems. The above vitamins are very important in maintaining a healthy oral cavity, ensure that they are included in your diet to avoid deficiencies.

  • Acid reflux condition

The acid that is regurgitated from the stomach to the mouth is too strong and it causes the taste buds to swell. It irritates the tongue that results to swelling of the taste receptors.

  • Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Most of the cancer patients suffers from mouth mucous membrane damage due to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatments affects all cells that are dividing rapidly and they may also affect those that are dividing normally like the taste buds.

  • Strong mouthwash products

Mouthwash and dental care products that contains strong chemicals may also be the reason as to why you are experiencing swollen taste receptors. Such products irritates or damages the mucous membrane of your mouth.

  • Depression and stress

Have you ever noticed a change in the color and size of tongue when having stress? High levels of stress or depression causes swelling of taste buds. Having a prolonged stress lowers your body immune system. This condition increases the risk of infections that may cause swelling of the taste buds.

  • Oral surgery

Having a history of oral surgery procedures such as removal of larynx can result to enlarged or swollen taste receptors as one of its side effects.

What are the Symptoms of Swollen Taste Buds

There are various symptoms that you may experience when your tongue is swollen. They includes the following:

  1. The tongue may have partial or total loss of taste in different elements in food, i.e. changes in the ability to taste sweet, sour, salty or bitter.
  2. A swollen tongue may also develop painful red or white sores that disappears upon healing.
  3. The color also changes from normal to either white, brown, black, brightly pink or have patches of different colors.
  4. It becomes painful, inflamed or itchy especially when eating or drinking food. It causes an urge to run the tongue over the teeth which should be avoided as it can worsen your condition.
  5. The size also changes as it may become too large due to swelling.
  6. You may also experience difficulties when moving the tongue. For instance, during chewing and swallowing food or when talking.
  7. The texture also changes.
  8. The mouth develops a dad smell as it may be difficult to perform thorough dental and tongue cleaning

The inflammation, pain or swelling can be alleviated by using some of the home remedies for swollen taste buds or over the counter treatment. However, you should visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment when the symptoms: persists for several days with no improvements, are severe and causes a lot of discomfort or when the cause of your condition is unknown.
The doctors will be able to examine your condition and perform several tests to determine the exact cause of your condition. He or she may also ask you several questions. For instance, you will be asked for how long you have had the symptoms, any treatment you have taken, whether your tongue has lost the taste or not and other more relevant questions.
Once the doctor will have performed the diagnosis and the cause of your condition is determined, he or she will recommend the type of treatment to use. You may be given prescription medicines to use until your condition improves.

Reasons for Enlarged Taste Buds on Back of Tongue

Taste buds located at the back of your tongue are responsible for tasting bitterness in food. It may not be able to perform its function well when swollen. You may also experience some difficulties in chewing and swallowing food when this part of the tongue is affected. It can also be a companied with some pain, inflammation or bleeding.
It is normal to have enlarged taste buds on back of your tongue at some point in your life. It means that you may have ingested food or a substance that irritates them or an allergic reaction that triggers an inflammation and swelling.
An enlarged taste buds as a result of allergic reaction normally heals with little or no treatment. However, raised taste buds on back of tongue can also result from other conditions such as canker sores, herpes or warts and may require a serious medical treatment.
It is therefore advisable to visit your doctor to determine the exact cause of your condition. Other life threatening condition like cancer may also cause enlarged taste buds at the back of your tongue and can easily be treated when identified early.

Can you get Inflamed Taste Buds on Tip of Tongue

The tip of your tongue contains taste buds that are responsible for tasting sweet and salty elements in food. When this taste buds are inflamed, it may be difficult to taste properly and it may lead to loss of appetite since the food may seem tasteless.
The common causes of inflamed taste buds at the tip of your tongue includes: taking too hot food or drinks, too spicy or salty food, trauma or injury to the tongue, infections and allergic reactions among others. However, there are various precautions you can take to avoid inflammation of the taste buds, they includes:

  • Try to avoid taking too hot, salty or spicy foods or drinks. They are the major causes of swollen taste buds and other tongue problems such as inflammation, pain or bleeding.
  • Avoid taking or using substances that contains high levels of chemicals or toxins such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and strong dental care products.
  • Keep good oral dental hygiene to prevent bacterial infections that causes inflammations of taste buds.
  • Be careful when chewing food to avoid injuries that results from tongue biting.
  • Visit your doctor to identify and treat the underlying cause of your tongue problem to prevent future occurrences.

When you put the above prevention measures into practice, you will have no problem of inflamed, swollen or painful taste buds on different parts of your tongue including the tip, sides and back.

Can Sore Throat Cause Swollen Taste Buds

Having a sore throat simply means that you are suffering from upper respiratory infection which is also known as common cold. This is an infection that affects the lining of you upper breathing passage that is above your lungs.
This infection usually affects different areas at the same time such as the nose, sinus, ear, throat, windpipe, back part of tongue or the voice box. It is normally accompanied with various symptoms like headache, sneezing, vomiting, fever, running nose, swollen lymph nodes.
This infection may also affect the back part of your tongue to cause swollen or enlarged taste buds. However, it is recommended to visit your doctor for treatment. He or she may recommend to use antibiotics to treat your condition.

How to Treat Swollen Taste Buds

Taste buds are responsible for tasting different foods and drinks. However, it may be difficult to taste different elements in food when they are swollen. Therefore it is very important find out the best treatment that is effective on how to get rid of swollen taste buds on your tongue instantly. Some of the treatments includes the following:

  1. Gargle saline water

Gargling salt water in your mouth helps to relieve the swollen parts of your tongue as well as other discomforts. To use this treatment, you simply add one teaspoon of salt in one glass of warm water and stir well to dissolve. Gargle the solution in your mouth for at least three times a day until your condition improves.

  1. Take water to get hydrated

Low levels of water in your body or dehydration may cause sore taste buds. Keeping your body hydrated by taking at least 8 glasses of water can be a quick relieve of your condition. Hydration also helps to relieve irritation or inflammation of your taste buds.

  1. Try baking soda

Baking soda is also effective on how to get rid of inflamed taste buds fast. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that relieve swelling and irritation when applied on the affected areas. Baking soda is also effective in removing gastric acid in your mouth from regurgitated food.
It is very simple to use this remedy, you simply mix one tablespoon of baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply it directly on the affected areas and leave it there. Repeat the procedure twice or thrice a day until your condition is healed.

  1. Use ice chips

Apply ice chips on your tongue and leave it there for some time. It helps to relive swelling, inflammation and other discomforts. You should also be careful when using the ice cubes or chips to relive a sore tongue as it may cause burning. Don’t allow them to overstay on your tongue, 2-3 minutes thrice a day are enough.

  1. Use raw honey

Honey is also an effective remedy for relieving a sore taste buds. It contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that works together in fighting bacterial infections as well as soothing your tongue. Using raw honey, swash it in your mouth several times a day to alleviate the swelling.
Alternatively, you can make a warm honey solution and gargle it in your mouth for 2-3 times a day. Repeat this treatment daily until your condition improves.

  1. Gargle with tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is also very effective on how to get rid of swollen taste buds on back of tongue. It also contains anti-bacterial properties that help in fighting different bacterial infection may be causing swollen taste receptors.
You simply mix few drops of this natural oil in a glass of warm water and gargle it in your mouth 2-3 times a day to relieve the swelling. You need to be careful when using this remedy to avoid ingesting it also excessive use of tea tree oil has some side effects like hallucination.

  1. Use antiseptic mouth wash

Using antiseptic mouth washes help to relieve taste buds swelling especially when caused by a bacterial infection. It also helps to fight the bacteria and hence preventing other future infections. Swish or gargle the antiseptic mouth wash and spit it off. Be careful not to swallow it. Repeat twice daily until your condition improves.

  1. Use a mixture of ginger, garlic and pepper

This three ingredients makes an effective combination that relieves sore taste buds. They work effectively especially when a bacterial infection is the underlying cause of your condition. Grind them together to make a paste and apply it directly on the swollen areas.

  1. Apply glycerin

Glycerin is effective for treating sore taste buds especially when caused by an injury or trauma. It has excellent healing properties that relive inflammation and other discomforts. Apply it directly on the affected areas.

  1. Treat the underlying cause

Swollen taste receptors can be caused by a number of factors as you read earlier. Visit your healthcare provider for diagnosing and treatment to prevent future occurrences of the same condition. Your doctor will recommend treatment that will heal your condition.
You may be required to take antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals or vitamin supplements to treat your condition. Take the medicines as directed by your doctors. Ensure that you complete your dosage even if you may start seeing improvements.
When you are having sore taste buds, they can be of different colors, size and may swell on different part of your tongue. For instance, at the tip, back or sides of your tongue. They are also characterized with other symptoms such as inflammation, pain and itchy.

Black Spots on Tongue Causes: Dark, Tiny,Tip, Sides, Get Rid

Dark tongue refers to having small or tiny black dots on different parts of your tongue, i.e. tip of your tongue, sides, back, under or entire surface of your tongue. Their color varies from dark to light grey pigment.
In some cases, the dark patches usually starts from the sides and spreads to the center of your tongue. The appearance of the dark dots usually varies depending with the cause, some may be slightly bumpy or raised above the tongue surface.

Why do I have Black Spots on Tongue?

Here are some of the causes:

  1. Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a condition that occurs as a result of excessive melanin. Melanin is a natural occurring pigment that gives the skin, hair or fur the dark color. It can therefore cause darkening of your skin as well as part of your tongue or the whole tongue.
Hyperpigmentation may cause the dark dots to appear on the sides of your tongue, tip of your tongue, back or the whole tongue. You don’t need to worry when your dark dots as a result of hyperpigmentation. It is a condition that is harmless and does not cause any serious problem to your health.
However, some people especially women may not like this condition for cosmetic purposes. It can therefore be removed using various treatments including laser or other cosmetic surgeries, use of over the counter products that contains, kojic acid, hydroquinone or calcium among others. There are also various home remedies that can effectively fade away the dark spots.

  1. Oral fibroma

This condition also causes smooth and tiny black spots on tongue. The spots may be slightly elevated above the tongue surface. Oral fibroma is non-cancerous and they can develop on different parts of your mouth including inside the cheeks, on roof of your mouth and under the tongue.
This condition results from repeated trauma or injuries to the tongue that may be caused by habits like biting your tongue or taking very hot, spicy and salty foods or beverages for a long period of time. Some people believe that this condition is hereditary and you can inherit it from other members of your family.
Oral fibroma can be treated using surgery but this doesn’t guarantee you a permanent treatment if you don’t stop injuring your tongue frequently. It may also reoccur and can lead to other oral conditions or diseases. It is therefore good to take good care of your tongue including avoiding injuries.

  1. Tongue piercing
    black spots on tongue
    black spots on tongue

Tongue piercing is a trending fashion among some women and men but it may also come a long with some challenges including black dot on tongue around the piercing site. Dark dots usually occurs because the original pigment is lost at the piercing area.
Poor tongue piercing aftercare practices can also result to various infections like fungal that can leads to dark spots. It is therefore recommended to follow the instructions given strictly after piercing to avoid such conditions.
Black spots on tongue as a result of piercing usually disappears on its own upon healing of your piercing. Visit your doctor or your professional tongue piercer for treatment if the black spots fails to fade away upon healing of your tongue piercing.

  1. Oral cancer

Oral cancer is another condition that can causes black dots on your tongue. If you are diagnosed with oral cancer, you are likely to experience black spots on your tongue that doesn’t go away easily even after trying some of the home remedies treatments.
The black spots may develop on different parts of your tongue and mouth including the sides of our tongue and mouth, tip or back of your tongue or the entire tongue. It may be accompanied with other symptoms like bleeding especially when brushing your teeth and cleaning your tongue.
There are various habits that increases your chances of getting oral cancer like excessive smoking and alcohol consumption. The risk of getting this condition also increases if your family members has a history of oral cancer.

  1. Excessive intake of alcohol and smoking

Excessive intake of alcohol and tobacco smoking are the major causes of black tongue. It also increases the risk of developing fungal and bacterial infections on your tongue that also causes the black spots to appear on your tongue
To treat this condition, you have to quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. You should also visit your doctors for treatment of the existing dark dots. He or she may also advice you on the proper tongue hygiene that will help to get rid of your condition.

  1. Poor oral hygiene

Dark spots may also develop on your tongue due to poor oral hygiene of your tongue. Unhygienic tongue harbors various germs like bacteria and fungi that results to various infections that causes tiny black spots on tongue.
Cleaning the tongue properly using a brush or a tongue scraper helps to prevent new spots from developing on your tongue as well as healing the existing ones. When cleaning the tongue, ensure you brush the teeth twice a day and floss regularly.

  1. Pregnancy

In some cases, women may develop dark spots on the tongue during pregnancy or when taking birth control pills. Pregnancy and contraceptives causes hormonal changes in your body that may influence your endocrine system that may result to hyperpigmentation of your tongue. This condition normally resolves on its own after delivery or when you stop taking the contraceptives.

  1. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy

If you are under cancer treatments like chemotherapy, you may experience black tongue and other symptoms that includes like nail pigmentation. You may use some of the home remedy treatments to restore your tongue back to its color after chemotherapy treatments.

  1. Trauma or injuries

Tongue injuries that results from tongue biting, very hot, spicy or salty foods may be another cause of black spots on your tongue. Injuries can also be a companied with other symptoms like irritation, inflammation or swelling.

  1. Allergy

Body allergic reactions to different allergens in food, medication and dental care products can cause black spots on tongue and other parts of your body including the skin. Taking over-the-counter medication like antihistamine can help to fix your condition. However, don’t hesitate to visit your doctor if the symptoms persists.

  1. Medication

Black dots can develop on your tongue when taking certain medicines like antibiotics. This condition occurs when the medicines interacts with your tongue. However, not all antibiotics causes black tongue. Those containing bismuth salicylate, asthma inhalers and anti-depressant are among the drugs that can cause this condition.

  1. Anemic condition

If you are having anemia, you are likely to experience dark dots on your tongue. The spots may be clustered on different parts on your tongue or scattered all over your tongue surface. This condition is commonly accompanied with a pale tongue.

  1. Hairy tongue

This is a condition that causes the whole tongue to develop black spots. It causes tiny black spots on tongue including the tip, side, center, back and under. Excessive smoking, alcohol consumption and intake of antibiotics are major causes of this condition.
It therefore causes the tongue to get infected by fungus that is also another cause of dark patches on your tongue. The patches may spread to the whole tongue turning it black when you fail to stop the use of tobacco and alcohol.

  1. Other causes

Apart from what we have discussed above, the other possible causes of black tongue includes excessive body dehydration, frequent use of mouthwash that contains harsh chemicals like peroxide, menthol or witch hazel, taking coffee or tea a lot and not being able to produce enough saliva in your mouth.

What does Black Spots under Tongue mean?

black dots on tongue
black dots on tongue

It is recommended to visit your doctor right away once you notice black spots under your tongue. All the causes that are discussed above can cause this condition. It could also be concerning a certain form of mouth cancer which is life threatening and requires immediate medical tension.
In most cases melanoma is among the major causes of dark spots under your tongue. Melanoma is a type of cancer that results from pigment cells that gives your skin the color. It can occur on any part of your body including under the tongue or sides of mouth. This condition is common among smokers.
The other common cause of dark dots under tongue filling some of your teeth with silver or amalgam. In the process of amalgamation, some silver particles are thrown at a high speed and may deposit itself on the lower part of your tongue.
Tongue piercing may also leave a dark spot under your tongue upon healing. Poor tongue piercing aftercare instructions may also lead to infections that causes dark patches under the tongue.

Reasons for Small or Tiny Black Spots on Tongue

As you had read earlier, small or tiny black or dark spots on tongue are caused by various things such as poor oral hygiene, hyperpigmentation, oral cancer, injuries or trauma, allergic reactions, medical conditions, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking among other causes.
They can appear on different parts of the tongue like on the side of the tongue, sides of the tongue, back, tip or on the entire tongue. In most cases tiny dark spots can be harmless although painful and may disappear with no or little treatment.
However, it is recommended to visit your doctor when the dark bumps becomes swollen, painful, inflamed or when they bleed. You will be diagnosed to determine the exact cause before being given prescription medicines to treat the condition.

Meaning of Dark Spots on Tip of Tongue

Smoking and drinking excessive alcohol among other things may cause black spots on the tip of your tongue. If you fail to stop the habit of smoking and chewing tobacco, the spots may spread to the sides and finally to the entire tongue.
The dark spots on the tip of your tongue will disappear when you quit smoking and start practicing good oral hygiene that involves scraping your tongue, brushing your teeth twice and flossing regularly. Taking roughages may also help to clear your stained tongue.

How to Get Rid of Black Spots on Tongue

black patches on tongue
black patches on tongue

If the dark spots on your tongue is not caused by a serious condition, you can easily get rid of it by making some adjustment on your lifestyle and oral health.
However, this condition can also be caused by life threatening conditions like oral cancer and it is recommended to visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment especially when experiencing bleeding, inflammation, swelling or pain. The following treatment and remedies can help to fix your condition:

  • Improve your oral hygiene

Improper oral hygiene is the major cause of this tongue condition and it is therefore important to improve on it if you are intending to get rid of stains on your tongue.  Brushing or scraping your tongue at least once or twice a day helps to remove the dirty that harbors the fungi that causes the dark stains.
It is also important to brush your teeth twice daily and floss to remove and kill the bacteria that causes mouth infection. You may also use a mouthwash to kill the bacteria. Avoid mouthwashes that contains harsh chemicals.

  • Avoid smoking and excessive intake of alcohol

Smoking tobacco stains your tongue and teeth and encourages the formation of plaque that provides favorable condition for bacterial and fungal growth. Excessive intake of alcohol may also cause excessive dehydration of soft tissues in your mouth and therefore leading to plaque formation.

  • Drink plenty of water

Dehydration encourages formation of plaque or stains on your tongue and teeth. Ensure that you take 8 glasses of water or more to keep your body hydrated. Drinking water regularly also helps to clean your mouth.

  • Take sufficient and quality roughages

Add more and quality roughages to your diet. It helps in cleaning the black spots on tongue and hence keeping the plaque at bay. Incorporate sufficient fruits and raw vegetables in your diet.

  • Gargle garlic and coconut oil solution

Mash a garlic to make a paste, add some coconut oil and some water to make a solution. Gargle the solution in your mouth 3-4 times a day. Garlic and coconut oil has anti-fungal properties that fights the fungal infections in your mouth. Coconut oil also helps in detoxing and pulling off the stains.

  • Gargle with cinnamon and clove water

Cinnamon and cloves has antiseptic properties that helps in fighting various bacterial infections in your mouth that stains your tongue. This two ingredients also helps to restore some freshness in your breath. Mix equal amount cinnamon and clove in a glass of water. Boil it for 3 minutes and allow the solution to cool before gargling in your mouth.

  • Use Neem

Neem solution is bitter but effective for removing stains on your tongue. To use this remedy, you simply take 6 leaves of Neem tree and boil in a glass of water. Allow to mixture to cool and gargle it twice a day daily until the dark spots vanishes.

  • Visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment

It is advisable to visit your doctor right away for diagnosis and treatment when having dark spots on your tongue that are bleeding, swollen or inflamed. Your doctor will perform the test and prescribe some medicine to use.

References:

  1. Tongue problem basics: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tongue-problem-basics-sore-or-discolored-tongue-and-tongue-bumps?page=2
  2. Causes of black spots on the tongue: http://medicaltreasure.com/black-spots-on-tongue/
  3. Black spots on tongue: http://www.md-health.com/Black-Spots-On-Tongue.html
  4. Black sports on the tongue causes and treatment: http://www.wowremedies.com/black-spots-on-tongue-causes-and-treatment/
  5. Home remedies to get rid of stains from the tongue: http://www.ayushveda.com/magazine/home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-stains-from-the-tongue/

Red Spots on Tongue Causes: Patches, Tip, Back, Treatment

Having red spots on the tongue can be a worry especially when it is as a result of an infection. Before you develop that panic, it is better to visit your doctor for diagnosis to find out the exact cause of your problem.
Red spots can develop on different parts of your tongue including the tip of your tongue, side of the tongue, under the tongue or at the back. They may be small or big in size depending with the cause.
Spots can also appear under your tongue as a result of allergic reactions, cancer sores, injury or trauma, oral cancer, salivary duct stones or irritation to the tongue. Using some of the home remedies treatment can help to relieve the pain and other discomforts caused by this condition.

Why do I have Red Spots on my Tongue?

Common causes include the following:

  • Lie bumps or transient lingual papilitis

Both half of adults and children have experienced lie bumps on their tongue at some point in life. They are little red or white bumps that forms on the tongue when the papillae becomes irritated or swollen. The exact cause of this problem is not clearly established.
It is believed that lie bumps are related to hormonal changes in the body, stress, body allergic reactions to allergens or certain infections. They usually disappears on their own with little or no treatment. Lie bumps are quite contagious in children and may be accompanied with other symptoms like fever and swollen lymph nodes

  • Trauma or injury to the tongue

Trauma may cause painful red dots on tongue. Trauma or injury is caused by biting the tongue accidentally, burns from eating hot food and drinks, spicy foods or using a rough brush to tongue cleaner when cleaning the tongue. The red spots disappears upon healing of the injury. Trauma may also cause the tongue to become inflamed, swollen or painful.

  • Canker sores

Cancer sores are also known as aphthous ulcers. They causes painful sores with white or yellowish center with a red base. Apart from red spots on tongue, they can develop on any other area of your mouth including side of the cheeks, on the gums, roof of the mouth and under or on the surface of the tongue.
The good news is that, this condition may heal on its own without medication within 1 to 2 weeks. However, you may use over-the-counter medicines to relieve the discomfort. Severe infection may cause fever and swollen lymph nodes, you may be required to visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

  • Allergy

Body allergic reaction to different allergens found in food, medications and chemicals can cause red bumps on tongue. An allergic reaction is always accompanied with other symptoms like swollen mouth sides, lips and tongue, inflammation or sore throat, dizziness, difficulties in breathing or vomiting. This normally happens after some time of encountering an allergen.

  • Oral thrush

Oral thrush is also known as oral candidiasis, it is a yeast infection that causes red spots to appear on the tongue. You are likely to experience this condition under the following circumstances: when you have taken antibiotics recently, having weak body immune system, practicing improper oral hygiene, wearing un-fit dentures or when suffering from diabetes.
Oral thrush can easily be treated by using over the counter antifungal medicines such as tablets, gels or liquids that are applied directly on the sores. You should not hesitate to see your doctors when the symptoms persists or when experiencing excessive inflammation in the mouth.

  • Inflamed or enlarged papillae

Inflamed papillae can also cause red spots on tongue.  This can be caused by taking hot drinks and food. An inflamed tongue is characterized by swelling and pain and can be relieved by taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

  • scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is an infection that is caused by streptococcal bacteria. This infection causes red spots on tongue and sore throat. It can also be accompanied with other symptoms like high fever, sore throat, headache and nausea among others.
It is also likely to affect other parts of your body including the upper parts of your chest, lips, inside your mouth and even the lower parts of the tongue. This infection can easily be treated using antibiotics. However, if the symptoms persist don’t hesitate to visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

  • oral cancer

Oral cancer can also affect different parts of your mouth including the front area of tongue. When in its early stages, it causes painless bumps on different parts on the mouth including the tongue which does not go away easily.
Oral cancer is also accompanied with other symptoms such as numbness of any part of the mouth, pain while chewing and swallowing food and drinks, bumps in the mouth that are resistance to some of the home remedies treatment and some pain while speaking or moving the tongue.

  • Viral infections

Viral infections such as oral herpes or herpes simplex virus causes a cluster of red and painful bumps on the various parts of the mouth including the mouth, lips or tongue. Bumps as a result of viral infection usually develops after having unprotected or oral sex with an infected person.
They usually occurs within a period of 7 to 10 days. Taking antiviral medicines does not help to treat this condition but it helps to relieve the symptoms and fastens the healing process. Herpes can also affect other parts of your body including the genitals.

  • Vitamin and mineral deficiency

Lack or inadequate vitamins B-12 in your diet can cause red spots on tongue. Taking a diet that is rich in vitamin B-12 can help to fix this condition. Ensure that your diet contains liver, fortified cereals, red meat, skimmed milk, cheese, eggs, fortified soy products, mackerel fish, shell fish and crustaceans.
Iron deficiency results to pernicious anemia which may also cause red spots on back of tongue and other parts. This condition also causes other symptoms that includes weight loss, heartburn, nausea, and depression among others. Take iron and vitamin supplements to get rid of this condition.

  • Kawasaki disease

This is an infection that commonly affects children who are below the age of 5 years old. It affects the blood vessels which leads to red dots on tongue. The other parts of the body that can be affected includes the mouth, lymph nodes and the skin.
This infection is characterized by fever, purple and swollen feet soles and palms, enlarged lymph nodes, dry skin, white coated tongues and rashes on different parts of the body including stomach, chest or genitals. Take your kid to a health care provider for treatment right away after observing the mentioned symptoms.

  • Digestive disorders

There are various digestive disorders that may cause red bumps to appear on your tongue. Acid reflux is the common digestive condition that results to red bumps on the tongue when it is regurgitated from the stomach to the tongue surface. You can experience other symptoms like heartburn, hiccups or bloating.

  • Circumvallate papillae

Red pumps at the back of your tongue that tends to be bigger in size than those that appears at the tip are known as circumvallate papillae. This type of tongue bumps are always there at the back of the tongue and may become prominent or swollen when you are having an infection, sore throat or trauma to the tongue.

  • Geographic tongue

Geographic tongue is also known as benign migratory or oral erythema migrans.  It is a condition that results to irregular red patches with a white line to appear on the surface of the tongue. It causes sensitivity of the tongue to certain food and drinks.
The red patches usually disappears within 1-4 weeks and may also re-appears on a different part of the tongue. This condition may heal on its own within some time. Seek medical treatment when this condition becomes persistence over a long period of time.

  • Strawberry tongue

Strawberry tongue is also a condition that causes red spots on tongue. This condition causes the tongue to change the color from its normal pink to red. It causes the taste buds to become swollen or inflamed.

  • Other causes includes the following: Hand, foot and mouth disease, strep throat, excessive body heat, asthma, excessive smoking, eczema and ulcers.

Bumps on the tongue may disappear on their own with little or no treatment when the cause is not very serious. However, don’t hesitate to visit your doctor when the bumps becomes swollen, inflamed, excessively painful or when you don’t understand the cause of your problem. You are also supposed to be diagnosed and treated for painless bumps that does not go away easily.

What does Red Spots on Back of Tongue mean?

There are various reasons that can cause red bumps to appear on back of tongue. Although most of the bumps may not be serious but it is a good idea to identify the cause of the spots and seek the necessary treatment.
Some of the red spots can easily be eliminated by making some adjustments on your lifestyle while those that are as a result of serious conditions may require medical treatment. Here are some causes of this tongue problem:

  1. Inflamed papillae

The tongue surface contains small bumps called papillae and when inflamed they can become swollen and generally show up as red spots on the tongue. Inflammation of the papillae can result from various conditions like trauma or injury to the tongue which may result from biting the tongue, eating very hot food or drinks and very salty, sugary or spicy foods.

  1. Circumvallate papillae

Circumvallate papillae are those bumps that appears on the extreme end of your tongue, they are bigger in size as compared to those that appears on the tip. These bumps becomes red and more prominent when having sore throat or other throat infections.
Other causes
There is also a number of things that can cause red spots on back of tongue. The common causes includes allergies, trauma or injury, cold sores, scarlet fever, Kawasaki disease, syphilis, oral cancer, canker sores, leukoplakia and hand, foot and mouth disease among others.
Some of the red spots on tongue can become inflamed, swollen or painful. There are various home remedies treatment that can help to relieve the discomfort. They includes the following:

  • Gargle salt water in your mouth twice or thrice a day. It helps to reduce inflammation and the size of the bumps. Salt solution also prevents the infection from spreading to other parts of your tongue.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene of your mouth and tongue by brushing your teeth after every meal and floss regularly to prevent bacterial infection on the tongue.
  • Avoid eating food that may irritate your taste buds such as hot, very salty or sugary, spicy, and fatty. They mare worsen your condition.
  • Clean your mouth daily using medical proven mouthwash to keep away bacterial infections.
  • Chewing mint leaves before going to bed can help to reduce the size of the bumps while preventing new ones from developing.
  • Apply a cold compress to your tongue by putting ice chips directly to the bumps. It helps to reduce inflammation and other discomforts.
  • Taking vitamin and iron supplements may also help to get rid of bumps that are caused by nutritional deficiencies.
  • Use over-the-counter products such as topical creams and ibuprofen to relieve the pain and other discomforts.
  • A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are also effective for treating the bumps. Mix to form a paste and apply directly to the affected part.
  • The size of the pimples can be reduced by applying magnesia milk to the bumps twice a day.

However, when the bumps resist home remedies treatment, persists for a long time or becomes excessively painful. It is a good idea to visit your doctor for diagnosing and treatment. Some of the red spots on tongue are caused by serious medical conditions that requires prescription medicines.

What are these Small Red Dots on the Tongue

Small red spots on the tongue can be caused by injury, allergic reactions, nutritional deficiencies, specific medical conditions, smoking, cancer sores, scarlet fever, stomatitis, herpes, burning tongue syndrome, inflamed papillae, oral thrush, Kawasaki diseased, oral cancer or leukoplakia.
They are characterized by various symptoms like painful or painless, burning sensation or inflammation of the tongue especially when taking hot food or drinks. You may also experience some difficulties when chewing or swallowing food, speaking or when laughing.
The other symptoms may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat or nausea especially when the red spots on tongue are caused by an infection.
Most of the bumps may disappear on their own with little or no treatment. However, sometimes they may become excessively painful, swollen, inflamed or persistence and may require a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. You should also check for painless and persistence bumps as they may result from serious health conditions.

What are Red Dots on Tongue and Sore Throat a Symptom of?

Sexually transmitted infections or diseases also causes red spots on tongue and sore throat. Syphilis is the common infection that causes this problem and it usually starts with tiny, painless sores that easily goes away after some time.
After the initial stage, it will be followed by a rash or more sores that will also disappear after some time. The sores may develop on other parts of the body like vulva, vagina, and tip of the penis, cervix or lips. The sores will appear on the mouth and tongue during the secondary stage.
When syphilis is discovered in its early stages, it can easily be treated using antibiotics. However, it can lead to various body complications or death when left untreated. Weakened body immune system due to HIV and Aids can also trigger other infections to cause bumps on the tongue.

does Red Dots on Tongue that are not Painful mean Cancer?

Red spots on tongue that are not painful may be as a results of serious conditions like oral cancer. It can affect different parts of your mouth including sides of mouth, lips, part of your front tongue including the under surface.
Mouth cancer does not cause any pain during its early stages. It starts by developing small or tiny dots on any part of the mouth including the tongue. You can easily confuse them with mouth cold sore but the only difference is that, they are persistence and don’t go away easily.
Mouth cancer is usually characterized by other symptoms that includes persistent sore on the tongue that bleeds easily, numbness or tenderness of any part of your tongue, sore throat, flat cells on the surface of the mouth and problems when chewing or swallowing food.
Most of the red dots on tongue normally heals within a period of two weeks. However, you should get worried with those that persist for more than two weeks. Visit your doctor to determine the exact cause of painless bumps on tongue. If it is caused by cancer, there are various treatments that may be offered that includes surgery, drug therapy, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
There are also other causes that can result to painless red spots on tongue that includes smoking, excessive alcohol consumption or geographic tongue. Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol responsibly can help to fix this condition.

White Spots on Tongue Causes: Back, Side, Treatment

White spots on your tongue that heals on their own within two weeks are absolutely harmless to your health. However, those that last more than two weeks may be caused by a serious underlying condition that can be life threatening and requires a doctors diagnosis and treatment.
The appearance of white spots on your tongue usually varies depending with the cause. They may be scattered all over your tongue or clustered at the same location. The size also varies, they may appear on the surface of the tongue or slightly raised above the surface.
White spots may also develop at the tip of your tongue, sides, back or the whole tongue. They can be accompanied with other symptoms like inflammation or swellings.

Why do I have a white Spot on my Tongue?

The most common causes include the following:

  1. Oral thrush

Oral thrush is also referred to as candidiasis or yeast infection. This condition may develop on different parts of your mouth including the tongue. It causes white patches on the various parts of your mouth like inside the cheeks and on the tongue.
This condition commonly affects children, elderly people and those individuals with low body immunity. Other body conditions like diabetes, asthma or lung infections also increases your risk of getting oral thrush. Taking antibiotics for a long time may also increase your chances of developing oral thrush. They kill useful bacteria from your mouth.

  1. Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a condition that develops when your tongue is irritated due to various factors like tobacco smoking and taking very hot, spicy and salty foods. This condition causes your mouth cells to grow excessively which may lead to white spots on tongue.
Most of people who are suffering from cancer has encountered leukoplakia. It is therefore recommended to visit a physician to determine the exactly what causes white bumps on tongue. Cancer is easily treated when identified early.

  1. Oral lichen planus

This is a condition that causes various raised white strips on your tongue that resembles a lace. The exact cause of this condition is still unknown but it usually disappears on its own after a certain time. Some studies have linked it to poor oral hygiene, tobacco smoking or other tongue irritants found in food.

  1. Mouth cancer

There are various types of cancer that can cause white dots on your tongue. The most common one is known as squamous cell carcinoma. The white patches usually develops at the tip or sides of your tongue. Apart from being white, the lumps may also appear grey, pink or red in color and bleeds easily especially when touched.
Oral tongue cancer can also develop on other parts of your tongue including the back area. It can be difficult to identify them in their initial stages as they can be painless as they develop. It is recommended to visit a doctor when you are suspicious with your spots. It can easily be treated either by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

  1. HIV and STDs

HIV and STDs is also among what causes white spots on tongue and sore throat. These are infections that are transmitted sexually from infected partner to the other.  The major STIs that causes white patches on tongue includes HIV and Syphilis.
Syphilis usually stars as a small sore that will come and disappear after a short time. They are followed with more sores that will also disappear after some days. It is easy to treat syphilis during the initial stages. However, when left untreated, can cause damage to the brain, tissues and even result to death.
In its initial stages, it also causes white patches on different parts of your mouth including the tongue and roof of your mouth. You may also experience other symptoms like muscle pains, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, headache and flue like symptoms. This condition can be treated using antibiotics.

  1. Canker sores

Canker sores can be the reason as to why you are experiencing white spots on tongue. The white spots are usually surrounded by red streak at the base. The white bumps can appear on the whole tongue or in clusters of small or large bumps.
There are a number of things that can cause canker sores in your mouth. They include: virus or bacterial infections, allergies, trauma or injuries, low body immune system, tobacco smoking or nutritional deficiencies.

  1. Tongue piercing

Tongue piercing can cause a white spot to appear near the pierced site. This normally occurs when your piercing is infected. It is commonly accompanied with other symptoms like inflammation, bleeding, presence of discharge, redness or difficulties in chewing and swallowing food.

  1. Tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption

White spots on tongue is common among individuals who smoke and consume alcohol excessively. The white spots may also appear on the mucous membrane of cheeks and tongue. This occurs due to regular irritation of your tongue and mouth from smoking and alcohol consumption.
To get rid of this condition, you have to quit smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Practice good oral hygiene to get rid of the present spots by scraping and brushing your tongue regularly. You also have to clean your entire mouth by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly.

  1. Digestive track disorders

Disorders affecting gastrointestinal functions may cause some white patches to appear on your tongue. Some of the disorders causes regurgitation of stomach acid to your mouth that causes irritations to your tongue.

  1. Stomatitis

This is a condition that causes inflammation of all structures that are found in your mouth including the tongue, cheeks, gums, palate, lips and roof of mouth among others. This condition is the common cause of white spots on baby tongue.

  1. Dehydration

Dehydration or inadequate water into your body also causes temporal white spots on your mouth including the tongue. This condition normally disappears few minutes after taking water. Therefore, you need to keep your body hydrated by taking at least eight glasses of water a day.

  1. Mouth infections

There are various bacterial mouth infections like streptococcus pyogenic that causes white or red spots on tongue. This infection is usually accompanied with other symptoms like sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes and white patches on the tonsils among others.

  1. Other causes of white spots on tongue

Apart from the above causes, there are also other things that can cause white patches to develop on your tongue and other parts of your mouth. They include: poor oral hygiene, reaction to certain medications, illnesses, environmental irritants, spicy foods, common cold and spleen disorders.

What does White Spots on Side of Tongue mean?

White spots, patches or dots that occurs on the sides of your tongue are symptomatic to a certain condition. They may cause some pain while others are absolutely painless. Some people have a wrong believe that painless patches or dots on the tongue are harmless. That may not be true.
It is true that some of painless patches on side of your tongue can result from less serious conditions like dehydration or minor injuries to the tongue. There are also other serious body conditions like oral cancer that causes painless white bumps on the tongue in its initial stages and you are not supposed to ignore such spots.
As you read earlier, white spots on tongue can result from various conditions like canker sores, oral thrush, irritations from spicy food and dental appliances, trauma or injuries from tongue biting, mouth infections, allergic reactions from foods and medications and digestive track disorders among other condition.
The appearance and size of white spots on the sides of your tongue may also vary from small to large. Some also be painful while others are painless depending with the underlying cause. You need to be careful and identify any other symptom that may accompany the patches.
Some of the patches may heal on their own within a period of two weeks while others may persist for a long time. It is therefore recommended to visit your health care provider to determine the exact cause of your condition and prescribe the required medicines to treat the condition.

What are Small, Little Dots on Tongue a Symptom of?

There are various mouth infections and other conditions that can cause small, little dots on your tongue. Some of the dots may be harmless and usually disappears on their own while others that are caused by serious conditions may require treatment to heal.
The common little white dots on tongue are caused by thrush. This is an overgrowth of fungus into your mouth that results to oral thrush. This condition results to small dots or bumps to develop on various part of your mouth including the tongue, inside cheeks or gums.
There are various conditions that encourages the growth of fungus into your mouth like low immune system, diabetes and lung infections among other conditions. Children and elderly people are prone to this condition.
Canker sores is another condition that causes small and painful white spots on tongue. The other parts of your mouth that can be affected includes: inside the cheeks, gum line, lips and throat.
Canker sores can result from nutritional deficiencies and trauma or injuries to the tongue from accidental biting. This condition is not contagious and usually resolves on its own within a certain period of time.
Small or little white or red dots on tongue can also result from transient lingual papillitis. Most of us have experienced lie bumps at some point in our life. This condition results from inflamed or irritated papillae that become slightly swollen.
The exact cause of this condition is not clearly defined but it is believed to result from hormonal changes, spicy and very hot food and beverages and allergic reactions among other conditions. The bumps usually clear on their own without treatment after a few days.

Can you get White Spots on Back of your Tongue

Sometimes it is normal to have white bumps at the back of your tongue as a result of swollen circumvallate papillae. This are bumps that are normal and naturally belong to the surface of your back tongue
Sexually transmitted infections might be another cause of white bumps at the back of your tongue. STIs like syphilis and HIV is among the common infections that causes various symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, white bumps at the back of your tongue and some lesions on other parts of your mouth.

How to Treat White Spots on Tongue

Treating white spots on your tongue depends with the cause. Less serious conditions can easily be treated by the use of home remedies while those that result from more serious conditions requires a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment.  Here are some of the treatments that you can employ to get rid of this condition.

  • Improve your oral hygiene

Improving your oral hygiene will help to reduce the amount of white patches on your tongue as well as preventing new ones from developing. It involves brushing your teeth and tongue after taking every meal and before going to bed. You should also floss your teeth regularly to remove food particles that sick between your teeth.
Gargle antiseptic mouthwash into your mouth daily and spit it out. It helps to kill bacteria and other pathogenic microorganism that causes different mouth infections. It also gives you a fresh breath.

  • Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol consumption

Smoking tobacco causes inflammation of the taste buds as well as staining your tongue. Bacteria and other microorganisms can get trapped into your stained tongue to cause infections that result to white patches and other problems to your tongue.
Smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage other parts of your mouth like. Smoking is also a risk factor to various diseases including oral cancer.
You also have to avoid excessive consumption of alcohol. It causes inflammation of taste buds as well as causing excessive dehydration of your body that is another cause of white patches on the tongue.

  • Take enough water to avoid dehydration

Keeping yourself hydrated helps to avoid white spots on tongue that results from dehydration. Keep a glass of water at hand, once you feel thirsty, it means that your body is already dehydrated.
The amount of water you are supposed to take per day depends with your body weight, the activities you are doing and climate of your area. It is therefore recommended to take at least 8 glasses of water per day.

  • Remove the white spots

There are several tips you can use to remove the white coating on your tongue. They include brushing your tongue with a tooth brush, using a tongue scraper to scrape off the white coatings, using an antiseptic mouthwash to kill the bacteria or washing your tongue with clean water.

  • Limit intake of salty and spicy foods

Salty and spicy food and beverages causes inflammation of the tongue and hence resulting to white patches. When you limit its intake, your tongue will restore back its normal healthy color.

  • Use vegetable glycerin

Vegetable glycerin is an effective home remedy treatment for white spots on tongue. It helps to moisturize a dehydrated mouth. It also restores a fresh breath into your mouth. You simply place few drops to the surface of your tongue and rinse your mouth thoroughly using water and spit it out.

  • Try oil pulling

This is an effective remedy that was used from ancient time to get rid of white patches on tongue. It helps in treating oral thrush by eliminating the yeast. Before performing your routine dental cleaning, put 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil on the surface of your tongue. Swish around the mouth and spit it out.

  • Visit your doctor for treatment

There are various infections or disorders that requires to be diagnosed before treatment. It is therefore recommended to visit your doctor when having persistent white spots on your tongue and other parts of your mouth.