Having a new mouth piercing can be an exciting experience. However, those who smoke may wonder if they can continue smoking as normal with a new oral piercing. The short answer is yes, you can smoke with a new mouth piercing, but extra care and precautions should be taken.
Can You Smoke Right After Getting a New Mouth Piercing?
It is not recommended to smoke right after getting a new mouth piercing. The piercing wound is still fresh and smoking can irritate it and slow the healing process. Smoking immediately after a new piercing increases the risk of infection since smoking introduces bacteria, chemicals, and debris into the open wound.
Most piercing shops and professional piercers recommend waiting at least two weeks after getting a new mouth piercing before smoking. This allows time for the initial swelling and tenderness to go down and for the piercing to begin healing.
Potential Risks of Smoking with a New Oral Piercing
There are some potential risks and complications associated with smoking immediately after getting a new mouth piercing:
- Increased risk of infection – Smoke can harbor bacteria that can infect the piercing wound.
- Delayed healing – Smoking can irritate the piercing, causing increased swelling, redness, and tenderness that slows the healing process.
- Debris buildup – Smoke and ash can collect around and inside the piercing, requiring more frequent cleaning.
- Tooth and gum damage – Heat and chemicals from smoke can damage teeth and gums around the piercing.
- Clogged piercing – Built-up residue from smoke can clog and block a new piercing.
- Tongue damage – Tongue piercings are at higher risk of burns or other injury from hot smoke.
Though smoking with a new mouth piercing won’t necessarily cause major complications, it does make the healing process longer and more difficult in most cases.
Tips for Smoking with a Healing Oral Piercing
If you choose to smoke during the healing of a new mouth piercing, here are some tips to help promote healing and minimize risks:
- Wait at least 2 weeks after getting pierced before smoking.
- Clean the piercing thoroughly with antimicrobial mouthwash before and after smoking.
- Rinse with water after smoking to help flush out debris.
- Avoid excessive smoking and take breaks between cigarettes.
- Be very gentle around the piercing when smoking to avoid irritating it.
- Watch for signs of infection like increasing pain, swelling, redness, or pus.
- See your piercer if you have concerns about irritation or the healing process.
Healing Timeline for Oral Piercings
Even with ideal aftercare, oral piercings take time to fully heal. Here are some general timelines for healing of common mouth piercings:
| Type of Oral Piercing | Healing Timeline |
|---|---|
| Tongue | 4-6 weeks |
| Lip | 6-8 weeks |
| Cheek | 6-8 weeks |
| Labret | 6-8 weeks |
Healing times can vary based on individual factors like oral hygiene, smoking, diet, talking, and more. It’s best to avoid smoking for at least the first 2 weeks of healing minimum.
Caring for a Healing Oral Piercing
To help a mouth piercing heal optimally, whether smoking or not, proper aftercare is key. Here are some tips for caring for a new oral piercing:
- Clean the piercing 2-3 times daily with an antimicrobial alcohol-free mouthwash.
- Rinse mouth with water after eating, drinking, or smoking.
- Avoid playing with or irritating the piercing with tongue or fingers.
- Eat a soft food diet for the first few days.
- Avoid sharing drinks or kissing during healing.
- Use a new toothbrush and keep the mouth very clean.
- See your piercer if any signs of infection develop.
With proper care, most mouth piercings will heal well even if smoking. But smoking does complicate and lengthen the process in most cases.
Risks of Long-Term Smoking with an Oral Piercing
Once an oral piercing has fully healed, smoking with it poses fewer immediate risks. However, long-term smoking with a mouth piercing can still lead to some oral health issues:
- Increased plaque and tartar buildup around the piercing site.
- Higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease near the piercing.
- Discoloration or darkening of the piercing metal from smoke.
- A bad taste in the mouth from accumulated cigarette residue.
- Delayed healing if the piercing becomes injured or infected.
Practicing good oral hygiene and cutting back on smoking can help reduce the risks. But those who smoke heavily long-term may develop more oral health issues with a piercing present.
Can Secondhand Smoke Impact a Healing Piercing?
Secondhand smoke can also irritate and delay healing of a new mouth piercing. Even if you aren’t smoking during the healing phase, being around others who are smoking can expose the piercing to bacteria, chemicals, and secondhand smoke.
Try to avoid heavy secondhand smoke exposure after a new oral piercing whenever possible. Ask friends and household members not to smoke around you while the piercing is healing. Also avoid smoky bars, parties, and other establishments.
Does the Type of Piercing Affect Smoking?
Some types of oral piercings may be more affected by smoking than others:
- Tongue piercings – Tongue piercings carry the highest risk of complications from smoking because the hot smoke directly contacts the piercing.
- Lip and labret piercings – These piercings can collect more residue around the entrance holes from smoke passing in and out of the mouth.
- Cheek piercings – Less smoke contact means cheek piercings may involve lower risks when smoking.
Regardless of placement, any oral piercing has the potential to become irritated or infected from smoking during healing. Proper aftercare is vital.
Smoking Alternatives after a New Piercing
Those who are unable or unwilling to quit smoking completely after a new mouth piercing may consider alternatives like:
- Nicotine gum or lozenges
- Nicotine patches
- Vaping with a vape pen (not directly inhaling into the mouth)
- Edible marijuana products
- Smokeless tobacco placed away from the piercing site
These alternatives can help you get nicotine or smoke discreetly without directly irritating the oral piercing. However, they also carry risks and side effects. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation support.
Conclusion
It is possible to smoke with a new or healing mouth piercing, but taking proper precautions is important. The best practice is to avoid smoking for at least the initial 2 weeks after getting pierced. Follow your piercer’s aftercare instructions closely and be gentle with the piercing. If smoking during healing, clean the piercing thoroughly before and after, and watch for signs of infection or irritation. With time and care, you can successfully smoke with an oral piercing, but be aware that smoking does complicate and prolong the healing process in most cases.