Find a sterile establishment. A tongue piercing should only be done by a professional who has a clean and sterile practice. Infection is the major risk when it comes to tongue rings, and it is imperative to find a place that uses sterile needles. Check with your local health department to make sure the establishment you are thinking about has complied with all health regulations and passed all inspections.
Rinse your mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash. Once you are home, begin taking care not to get the wound infected. An over the counter mouthwash can help deter bacterial growth, but make sure you pick one that is not alcohol based. The alcohol will irritate the wound and cause you a tremendous amount of pain. Also, do not clean with wound with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they are poisonous if ingested.
Remove your tongue ring occasionally to check its cleanliness. How often you take the ring out is a matter of preference and how dirty it seems in your mouth. The ring can accumulate food particles in cracks and crevices and the metal, acrylic or plastic can begin to stain through drinking beverages like coffee, tea and soft drinks. If you notice the ring looking discolored or dingy, take it out to clean.
Clean the ring using dish soap and water along with a sponge or soft-bristled scrub brush such as a toothbrush to remove any particles. Once the ring is clean, you can soak it in alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to kill any bacteria that may be lurking on the surface. Thoroughly wash the cleaning solution from the ring before placing it back into your mouth to avoid toxicity.
Keep the ring in as often as possible. If the ring is left out for long periods the hole will begin to close up and you will not be able to get the ring back in without injury. If the hole closes, you will need to have your tongue pierced again before you can wear the tongue ring.