A labret is a form of body piercing on the lower lip. As is the case with any oral piercing, a labret can cause bacteria and plaque to build up in the mouth. This can lead to dental complications, such as gingivitis, according to The Open Dentistry Journal. Another cause of a labret smelling is infection. Having your labret piercing done by a professional and following proper aftercare can help to minimize these risks.
Step 1
Rinse the labret and entire mouth four to five times per day using a saline solution. Use a cotton ball soaked in the saline solution to clean the outside of the labret piercing. The Association of Professional Piercers states that you can also use anti-bacterial mouthwash that is alcohol free. Upon waking, after eating and before bed are the best times to rinse.
Step 2
Wash your hands with an anti-bacterial soap before turning or changing your labret. During the healing period, turn the labret at least one daily. After the healing period, change your labret weekly. This minimizes the risk of plaque building up on the labret.
Step 3
Soak the labret jewelry in denture cleaner at least once per week to control plaque. Follow the directions on the denture cleaning packet. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly before allowing it to dry.
Step 4
Change the jewelry at the end of the healing period, remove the piercing jewelry and throw it away. Piercing jewelry has a longer post than daily wear jewelry. This longer post harbors more plaque and bacteria than a shorter post and can lead to the labret stinking.
Tips and Warnings
- If you must dry the labret, don’t use cloth towels. These harbor bacteria that can lead to infection and/or a smelly labret. Instead, use a paper towel or napkin to dry the piercing.
- The healing time for a labret piercing is two to three months, according to the Center for Young Women’s Health. During this time, the chance of infection is at its greatest. If you notice signs of infection, such as pain and redness around the piercing, contact a doctor immediately.
Things You'll Need
- Saline solution
- Cotton balls
- Mouthwash
- Anti-bacterial soap
- Denture cleaner
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