What Can You Eat After Getting Your Tongue Done?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

An estimated 10-20% of the population with body piercings have an oral piercing, highlighting a significant need for proper aftercare information. When considering what can you eat after getting your tongue done, selecting the right foods is crucial for minimizing pain, reducing swelling, and preventing infection during the sensitive healing period.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of safe foods and beverages to consume following a tongue piercing. It details a week-by-week progression, from the initial liquid diet to gradually reintroducing solid foods. The article also covers foods to avoid, hydration tips, and the critical importance of a proper diet for a healthy recovery.

Key Points

Start with Cold and Soft Foods: For the first few days, a diet of cold liquids, smoothies, and soft foods like yogurt helps minimize swelling and discomfort.
Chew Carefully: To prevent biting your jewelry and damaging teeth, take small bites and chew slowly using your molars.
Avoid Irritating Foods: Steer clear of hot, spicy, acidic, and crunchy foods, which can irritate the piercing site and prolong healing.
Rinse After Eating: Use an alcohol-free mouthwash or sterile saline rinse after every meal to remove food particles and prevent infection.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of cold water is essential for hydration and soothing your tongue during the healing process.
Be Patient: A full recovery can take several weeks, so gradually reintroduce solid foods and wait until the initial swelling is gone before switching to a shorter post.

Your Post-Piercing Meal Plan: Week by Week

Days 1–3: The Liquid and Soft Food Phase

The first few days after getting your tongue pierced are the most sensitive due to swelling and tenderness. A liquid or very soft food diet is highly recommended to prevent unnecessary irritation and pain.

Cold liquids: Popsicles, ice chips, and chilled water are excellent for reducing swelling and providing pain relief.
Smoothies and shakes: Create nutritious smoothies using yogurt, protein powder, and non-citrus fruits like bananas or berries. Avoid using straws, as the suction can cause complications.
Soups and broths: Cool, clear broths and creamy, blended soups (not hot) are a great source of nutrients and hydration.
Soft foods: Start with foods that require no chewing, such as pudding, gelatin, and applesauce.

Days 4–7: Gradually Reintroducing Softer Foods

As the initial swelling begins to subside, you can carefully introduce slightly more textured foods. Continue to chew slowly and deliberately to avoid accidentally biting your jewelry.

Mashed foods: Mashed potatoes (cooled), mashed bananas, or avocado are good choices.
Eggs: Scrambled eggs are soft and packed with protein for healing.
Cooked pasta and rice: Ensure they are cooked until very soft and cut into small pieces to reduce chewing effort.
Soft cheeses: Cheeses that melt easily, like feta or cottage cheese, can be incorporated.

Week 2 and Beyond: A Cautious Return to Normal

By the second week, most of the swelling should be gone, and you can begin eating a wider variety of foods. Remember to proceed with caution and listen to your body. Spicy and acidic foods should still be avoided or introduced very slowly.

Lean protein: Flaked fish, soft chicken, or tofu can be cut into very small pieces.
Soft bread: Avoid crusty breads initially, opting for softer buns or bread slices.
Hydration: Continue drinking plenty of water to flush out food debris and bacteria, which is essential for preventing infection.

Comparison: Safe vs. Problematic Foods


Safe Foods (Good for Healing)	Problematic Foods (Avoid During Healing)
Yogurt (plain, probiotic)	Hot, spicy foods (irritate the wound)
Smoothies & milkshakes	Sticky foods (oatmeal, peanut butter, mashed potatoes)
Soft scrambled eggs	Hard, crunchy foods (toast, nuts, chips)
Mashed potatoes & gravy	Acidic foods (citrus fruits, tomatoes, alcohol)
Cool, clear broth	Chewy foods (steak, jerky, bagels)
Ice chips & popsicles	Foods with small particles (popcorn, seeds)
Water & non-acidic juices	Alcohol, excessive caffeine (can thin blood)

Best Practices for Eating with a New Tongue Piercing

Following these guidelines will help ensure your piercing heals properly and without complications.

Eat slowly and carefully: Take small bites and place food directly on your back molars to minimize tongue movement.
Rinse after every meal: Use a non-alcoholic, antibacterial mouthwash or a sterile saline solution after every snack and meal to clear food particles.
Stay cool: Avoid hot foods and drinks for at least the first week, as heat can increase swelling.
Check your jewelry: With clean hands, regularly ensure the balls on your barbell are tight, as chewing can cause them to loosen.
Embrace hydration: Drinking plenty of cool water is one of the best ways to soothe your tongue and aid the healing process.

Conclusion

Navigating your diet after a tongue piercing requires careful planning and a slow, gradual approach to solid foods. The initial days rely on soft, cool items like smoothies, broth, and yogurt, while the following weeks allow for a cautious expansion into softer, chewable foods. By avoiding irritants such as spicy, hot, and crunchy foods and maintaining excellent oral hygiene, you can significantly reduce the risk of infection and ensure a smooth healing process. Remember that patience is key. Your piercer will eventually downsize your jewelry once the initial swelling subsides, but until then, focusing on a safe diet is the best way to protect your new piercing and get back to your normal routine quickly.

For more information on proper oral piercing aftercare and safety, refer to the Association of Professional Piercers guidelines(https://safepiercing.org/oral-aftercare/).

Frequently Asked Questions

You should stick to a soft food diet for at least the first one to two weeks, or longer if swelling and discomfort persist. A full recovery to a normal diet may take up to four weeks or more.

Dairy products like milk and yogurt should be avoided in the first few days, as some piercers believe they can promote bacterial growth and increase the risk of a yeast infection.

Cold water is the best option. Non-acidic juices (like apple juice) and cool tea are also acceptable. Avoid alcohol, excessive caffeine, and acidic juices, as they can cause irritation.

Using a straw creates suction, which can disrupt the healing process, increase swelling, and potentially cause bleeding.

Yes, ice cream and other cold foods like popsicles are excellent for soothing the tongue and helping to reduce swelling during the initial healing period.

If food gets lodged around your jewelry, use a sterile saline solution or an alcohol-free mouthwash to gently rinse your mouth. Avoid picking at the area with your fingers.

Once the initial swelling has completely subsided and your piercer has confirmed it's safe, you can slowly reintroduce tougher foods. This typically happens after the jewelry has been downsized, around 2 to 3 weeks post-piercing.