Getting body piercings is a fun fashion statement to make, but at the same time you need to make sure you avoid the risks of body piercing, too. Nothing takes the fun out of a new piercing like a painful infection and a trip to the Emergency Room!

It is extremely important to make sure the body artist that’s doing the piercing will not put you at risk in the process. Here are a few safety tips to make sure getting that new tongue ring doesn’t lead to health risks for you!

Make sure the body artist is licensed. It is mandatory that they have their license posted at their studio, but you may also want to look in the phone book for someone who is openly advertising or someone that your friends recommend as doing a good job. A shop that is in a busy area of town is a good sign and so is a busy shop . Basically, follow the flow of traffic to artists that are trustworthy.

Make sure they are using sterile equipment. If they are licensed they understand this, but anyone should be willing to answer your questions. Don’t let them push you towards a decision – ask questions until you are satisfied that they know what they are doing and will do their work responsibly. This is a great time to make sure the piercer tells you about the risks of body piercing.

Finally, make sure you follow all instructions about how to keep the new piercing clean. For belly button rings, watch carefully for any signs of swelling or infection as the umbilical area is closely connected to your vital organs and an infection could get dangerous quickly. For tongue piercings, keep the mouth cleaner than usual – use non-alcoholic mouth rinse after every meal and be careful to use your tongue as little as you can. Bacteria on the tongue can cause more than just bad breath – it can lead to a nasty infection!

By following these safety guidelines you should be able to get your piercing safely while greatly reducing the risks of body piercing. Peace of mind makes it far easier to enjoy your piercing afterward.