Proper piercing aftercare is essential for keeping your new piercing healthy and free from complications like infection, irritation, or migration. At Mantra Tattoo and Piercing in Denver, our team takes your safety and healing seriously. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about piercing care, including cleaning techniques, healing expectations, and what to avoid.

Best Cleaning Solutions for Piercing Aftercare

We strongly recommend using piercing aftercare solution such as packaged sterile saline with no additives. It should be labeled for use as a wound wash. If that’s not available in your region, a sea salt solution can be a gentle alternative. Dissolve 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt into one cup (250ml) of warm distilled or bottled water. Avoid over-concentrating your solution—it can irritate or dry out your piercing.

Can I clean my piercing with alcohol?

No. Can I clean my piercing with alcohol? This is never recommended. Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and harsh products can damage healing tissue and delay recovery. Stick with sterile saline only.

Can I use contact solution to clean my piercing?

No. Can I use contact solution to clean my piercing? Contact solutions are not meant for wound care and can disrupt healing. Always use a sterile piercing aftercare solution for safe and effective cleansing.

How to Clean a Piercing Properly

1. WASH your hands thoroughly before cleaning or touching your piercing.
2. Apply sterile saline or the sea salt mixture using gauze or by direct spray.
3. Avoid rotating the jewelry—this can delay healing.
4. RINSE thoroughly after using soap (if recommended by your piercer).
5. DRY with clean disposable paper products. Towels can snag or harbor bacteria.

This applies whether you’re doing ear piercing aftercare, belly button piercing aftercare, tongue piercing aftercare, or lip piercing aftercare.

How to Clean Oral Piercings Properly

For oral piercings, such as tongue, labret, or cheek piercings, proper piercing aftercare is essential to avoid irritation or infection.

1. Rinse your mouth 4–5 times daily with an alcohol-free antimicrobial or saline rinse, especially after meals and before bed.
2. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash as it can irritate and slow healing.
3. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean your teeth, tongue, and jewelry, preventing plaque buildup.
4. Eat soft, cool foods during the first few days and avoid spicy, acidic, or hot-temperature foods.
5. Minimize talking or playing with jewelry to avoid irritation and allow smooth healing.

What’s Normal During Healing

During the early days, it’s normal to experience:

• Swelling
• Bruising or tenderness
• Light bleeding
• Whitish-yellow fluid that forms crust (not pus)

As tissue heals, jewelry may feel tighter. Although your piercing may appear healed on the outside, healing happens from the inside out. 

How long does a piercing take to heal? 

Stay patient and consistent with your piercing aftercare until the piercing has fully stabilized.

What To Do During Healing

General Care Tips

1. Wash your hands before touching your new piercing.
2. Avoid twisting or moving jewelry unnecessarily.
3. Maintain clean bedding and wear breathable clothing.
4. Take showers rather than baths to avoid bacteria.

General Oral Piercing Aftercare

1. Rinse 4–5 times daily with alcohol-free mouthwash or saline, especially after meals.
2. Eat soft foods and avoid excessive talking to reduce swelling.
3. Dissolve ice chips in your mouth and sleep elevated to ease swelling.

For more details, check out our Getting a Piercing FAQs and what to do before your piercing appointment.

What To Avoid After Getting a New Piercing

Products to Avoid

• Hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, ointments, and products with Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK).
• Over-cleaning, which can irritate healing tissue.
• Friction and trauma caused by tight clothing or rough play.

Activities to Avoid

• Can you swim with new piercings? Not unless sealed with waterproof bandages.
• Makeup, lotions, and sprays near healing piercings.
• Oral contact and intense sexual activity until fully healed.

Can you use saline wipes for piercings? Only if clearly labeled for wound care.

Jewelry Tips and Long-Term Piercing Care

Leave jewelry in place throughout the healing period—even healed piercings can close quickly.

When to downsize:

Once swelling subsides, especially for oral piercings, have your piercer replace the jewelry with a shorter post.

Changing styles:

Always consult a professional before switching jewelry. Curious about how to clean a piercing or how to clean nipple rings? Use saline and soft disposable materials only.

When to change earrings:

Wondering how long after ear piercing can you change earrings? Wait until the piercing is completely healed or speak to your piercer.

Suspected infections:

Never remove jewelry without professional advice, as this can trap infections inside.

Piercing Care by Area

Ear, Cartilage & Facial:

Use clean pillowcases or the t-shirt trick to avoid pressure while sleeping. Regularly sanitize phones and glasses, and follow proper nose piercing aftercare and septum piercing aftercare guidelines to prevent irritation. You can also explore options for nose piercing aftercare products to support your healing.

Navel & Surface:

Protect these piercings using a vented eye patch or bandage wrap to avoid irritation from clothing. For extra guidance on sensitive areas, read about our nipple piercing Denver services and check out our numbing cream blog.

Nipples:

A snug cotton shirt or sports bra can help reduce movement and irritation during healing. Following a thorough nipple piercing aftercare routine will support proper healing and comfort.

Oral & Genital:

For genital piercings, hygiene and protection are key. Always use barriers like condoms and dental dams. Oral piercings require gentle brushing and rinsing after meals. To learn more about special circumstances, refer to our Piercings and Pregnancy blog.

FAQs About Mantra Tattoo & Piercing

Where are you located?

We’re at 1428 S Broadway, Denver, CO and open 7 days a week.

Are your piercers certified?

Yes! We follow safe piercing practices and industry-leading hygiene standards.

Do you offer help with jewelry selection or changes?

Absolutely. Whether it’s downsizing or upgrading your style, we’ll help you pick the right piece and ensure a clean transition.