Eating with a snake eyes piercing, which is a horizontal tongue piercing near the tip, requires special care, especially during the healing phase. The piercing can feel sensitive, and improper eating habits may irritate the area, prolong healing, or even cause complications. Here’s a detailed guide to help you eat comfortably and safely with your new piercing.
How to Eat With a Snake Eyes Piercing
1. Start with Soft Foods
- Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods during the initial healing phase (the first 1–2 weeks). This minimizes movement and irritation to the piercing.
- Recommended foods:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
- Smoothies (without seeds or chunks)
- Oatmeal or porridge
- Soups (make sure they’re lukewarm, not hot).
2. Cut Food Into Small Pieces
- Avoid biting directly into large or tough foods. Instead, cut them into smaller, manageable pieces.
- Chew with your back teeth to keep the piercing area undisturbed.
3. Avoid Spicy, Hot, and Acidic Foods
- Spicy and acidic foods can irritate the fresh piercing and cause pain or swelling.
- Hot foods can burn the sensitive area and delay healing.
- Wait until the piercing is fully healed (6–8 weeks) before reintroducing these foods into your diet.
4. Stay Away From Hard and Crunchy Foods
- Foods like chips, nuts, hard candies, or crusty bread can scrape against the piercing, causing irritation or damage.
- These can also leave residue around the jewelry, increasing the risk of infection.
5. Be Cautious With Dairy Products
- While yogurt and milk are generally safe, some dairy products like cheese or cream can leave a film in your mouth that may trap bacteria.
- Rinse your mouth with a saline solution or alcohol-free mouthwash after eating dairy to keep the area clean.
6. Avoid Sticky and Chewy Foods
- Chewy foods like gum, caramel, or sticky candies can tug at the jewelry and potentially dislodge it.
- These foods can also make it difficult to clean your mouth afterward.
7. Eat Slowly and Carefully
- Take your time while eating to avoid accidentally biting the jewelry.
- Be mindful of how you move your tongue during chewing to prevent unnecessary strain on the piercing.
8. Stay Hydrated
- Drinking plenty of water while eating helps flush out food particles and keeps the piercing clean.
- Rinse your mouth with water after every meal to reduce the risk of debris getting trapped around the jewelry.
Foods to Avoid During Healing
- Spicy Foods
- Can irritate the piercing and cause discomfort.
- Acidic Foods
- Citrus fruits, vinegar-based dressings, or tomatoes may sting the piercing site.
- Alcohol
- Alcoholic beverages can dry out and irritate the area, prolonging healing.
- Hot Drinks and Soups
- High temperatures can aggravate swelling and pain.
- Crunchy and Hard Foods
- Chips, crackers, and popcorn can cause micro-injuries or debris around the piercing.
After Eating: Cleaning Your Piercing
- Rinse with Saline Solution
- Use a saline rinse after every meal to remove food particles and bacteria.
- Use Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
- Swish an antiseptic mouthwash twice a day to keep your mouth clean without irritating the piercing.
- Brush Gently
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean your teeth and tongue without touching the jewelry directly.
Tips for Long-Term Eating Habits After Healing
- Be Mindful of Jewelry Movement
- Even after healing, avoid excessive movement of the jewelry while eating, as it may damage teeth or gums.
- Chew Carefully
- Keep chewing slow and deliberate to avoid biting the jewelry.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene
- Regular brushing and rinsing ensure your piercing remains clean and healthy.
When to Seek Help
If you experience any of the following while eating with your snake eyes piercing, contact your piercer or a healthcare professional:
- Persistent pain or swelling after eating.
- Bleeding from the piercing site.
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
- Signs of infection (redness, warmth, discharge, or fever).