Labret Piercing

The Labret is a piercing through the lower lip.
Placement is important since a too-short bar can actually sink into the lip. In addition, on some people the jewelry can rub on the gum, causing it to recede.
When a ring is intended to be worn in this piercing it is commonly done at a slight angle to keep the ring from rubbing on the teeth.
Avoid the inferior labial artery that supplies in blood all the muscle around the mouth. That's visible with a powerful light.
Two labrets on each side of the lip are commonly refered to as "Snakebites", when captive bead rings are worn. Three Labrets is occasionally refered to as "Spider Bites."

Labret piercings usually heal in approximately 2 to 3 months.
PRODUCTS YOU CAN USE: Saline solution! Saline is the key to a quick healing – it balances piercings so you can heal faster! The easiest and most accurate way to acquire saline is in the form of SALINE SOLUTION FOR CONTACT LENSES.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR PIERCING: Saline Soak: Heat a small amount of saline in a small clean plastic cup in the microwave. Place this solution in a position that will soak the piercing. For instance, hold the cup over your navel or nipple and lie back or use cotton balls, gauze, or a clean paper towel for hard to get piercings. Leave the warm saline solution there until it is cold, then rinse the piercing with fresh saline solution. Do this AT LEAST once per day.
Saline Rinse: Soften any “crusties” on the jewelry and the surrounding skin without turning the jewelry (soaking does a tremendous job – see above). Gently clean any lymph (crusties) away from the piercing using a clean Q-tip and additional saline without turning the jewelry. Do this a few times a day, when activity may cause the ring to turn (exercise, etc.), and anytime the jewelry feels “sticky” or uncomfortable until your piercing is healed.
NEVER move the jewelry back and forth through the piercing – it does way more harm than good.
Labret piercings require special care. Care for the external part of lip is stated above. Below is the recommended care for the oral part.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED: 1. Biotene® or sea salt (non-iodized) to rinse your mouth. 2. Ice for tongue piercings (it may help a little for lips too).
WHAT TO DO: Rinse your mouth with Biotene® or sea salt (1/4 tsp. Per cup of water) after you eat or drink, but primarily after meals, for the first 4 to 6 weeks.

If your piercing is sore and/or swollen, some Alive® (naproxen sodium) or Advil® (ibuprofen) may help – please only use over-the-counter drugs according to their instructions and with your physician’s approval. Rinse the piercing with saline to keep it balanced and help heal faster. Do not play with it! If you leave them alone, they will heal fast. Alternate sides if you have fishtail labret jewelry for at least a couple hours every day (or at night while sleeping) to prevent the inside lip tissue from “growing” to one side. Avoid hot and spicy food and hot drinks which will scald or increase swelling. Yogurt, bread, beer, and wine will not harm your tongue piercing, though the latter two may cause you to become drunk. NO KISSING OR SEXUAL CONTACT until it is completely healed. Keep in mind your piercing is an opening to your blood stream.