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You do not need to remove your jewelry when you brush your teeth. In fact, if you remove it, you run the risk of irritating your tongue or having the piercing close up. Tongue piercings heal much quicker than many other piercings, so don't risk removing jewelry at first. Besides, fresh piercings make your tongue too tender to touch. Tongue piercings heal within 6 to 8 weeks on average. After that point, you can remove the piercing whenever you want. Try taking it out when you eat or brush your teeth to help keep it clean. Toothbrushes collect bacteria over time, so getting a new brush reduces the chances of infection. Look for slim toothbrushes designed to reach small spaces. Slimmer soft-bristled brushes are useful for brushing both your teeth and your piercing. Stop at your local drug store or general store to get a new toothbrush. Brushes are inexpensive compared to the cost of discomfort and medical treatment for an infection. Starting at the back of your mouth, position your toothbrush with the bristles facing the roots of your teeth. Take care of the inside portion of each tooth first. Work from the back to the front and repeat with your other row of teeth. Avoid the piercing for now, especially if you just had it put in. New piercings make your tongue very sensitive. Try to avoid it as best you can by holding the toothbrush at an angle. The swelling goes away after 7 to 10 days. Instead of using a back and forth motion, move in small circles. This cleans your teeth effectively without damaging the enamel or hitting your piercing. Continue doing this for a few minutes to ensure you remove all plaque and debris. Brush the inside, outside, and top of each tooth to keep your smile healthy. As you brush, roll or sweep the toothbrush down from the tops of your teeth to direct the debris into your mouth. Don't rush! Rushing is tempting, but quick brushing may leave debris that can wear down your teeth or get into your piercing. For great teeth, reach for your toothbrush about half an hour after every meal. This is especially important while your piercing heals, since it clears away plaque and food particles that can lead to an infection. However, stay hygienic by making it a part of your routine even after your mouth goes back to normal. Acidic foods wear down your teeth if you brush right away after eating. Some examples of acidic food include grains, sugar, fish, some meat, and sweetened drinks. Drinking water after eating or brushing before you eat are ways to protect your teeth. Frequent brushing is a great way to keep your teeth in shape and avoid some tense visits to the dentist. Keep in mind, though, that brushing too hard or too frequently can wear down enamel. After brushing, floss the space between your teeth as you normally do. Take extra care while working on the areas close to the hole in your tongue. Knocking your hand against it could be painful.
Leave jewelry in place until the piercing heals. Use a new toothbrush when you first get your piercing. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to avoid bumping the piercing. Brush your teeth using circular motions for 2 to 3 minutes. Brush your teeth 3 times a day after eating.