Tongue piercing what you want to know

Tongue piercings are fun and trendy, but they also require care and attention. By preparing ahead of time, you can take good care of your new piercing, which will aid the healing process, ensuring that your piercing will please you for years to come.

Below, we've detailed some of the most important things you should know about a hard piercing before jumping into a salon chair.  

If you still have concerns, questions, or are ready to take the next step, contact us through our website, by phone, or visit one of our highly rated piercing parlors today. 

Tongue Piercing Basics

Because this piercing is inside the mouth, there are unique challenges to addressing any differences in the healing process compared to other piercings. You will never realize how much you use your tongue until you get it pierced.

Piercing can affect:

• Speaking
• chewing
• Swallowing
• Kissing
• And much more …

The only way to get your tongue pierced is with a needle, and you can use different types of jewelry that range in price from budget to luxury.

Types of tongue piercing

Because there are different types of tongue piercings, you need to know what type of piercing you want before getting it. 

Types of tongue piercings include:

• Median tongue piercing is the type of piercing that most people think of when they think of a tongue piercing. This oral piercing takes place in the center of your tongue, in the midline.

• A side tongue piercing is also a midline tongue piercing, but done on one side. Some people choose the side where they don't chew much food.

• Snake Eye Piercing – Snake eye piercing makes a barbell piercing at the end of the tongue. The bar is inside the tongue, and the ends stick out, resembling snake eyes.
• Horizontal or vertical tongue piercing is another piercing that uses a barbell to connect two studs, the direction can run horizontally or vertically through the tongue in the middle. Many piercers are reluctant to get this piercing due to the health risks involved.

• Tongue frenulum piercing (tongue web piercing) - the piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the lower part of the mouth is called the frenulum. This piercing can heal quickly, but can also become dislodged due to rejection, causing the piercing to become dislodged. Not all bridles are suitable for piercings.

Your piercer can recommend the best type of piercing and jewelry for your mouth shape. Feel free to ask questions.

Tongue Piercing Procedure - What to Expect

When you decide to get a piercing, most piercers will follow these steps:

• Your piercer will ask you to use an antiseptic mouthwash first.

• You can take measurements to make sure that the jewelry fits correctly on your tongue.

• Clamps can be used to hold the tongue in place. 

• You will feel some pain as the needle goes through quickly, but you will feel the most discomfort during the healing period.

It is important to know well how to care for your piercing in the next few weeks. Otherwise, you may run into complications. Any good piercer will provide you with both written and verbal "aftercare" instructions and advice on how to help your new piercing heal properly. 

Piercing

You can also use an alcohol-free mouthwash and water mouthwash after meals.

The total healing time for a tongue piercing is 4 to 6 months. During this time, it is very important to properly care for your piercing and watch for any signs of irritation. Biting the bar should always be avoided. Once your piercing is completely healed, you can choose a smaller size at the salon if you like.

Y:

• clean normally
• Use mouthwash within 60 seconds.
• toothpick
• Practice Good Oral Health
• Eat as usual and then rinse with water.

Not recommended: 

• do not use salt water rinse
• Touch your piercing
• Use too much mouthwash
• Use hydrogen peroxide
• Use a tongue scraper
• Engage in French kissing or oral sex

When you make the decision to get a piercing, you make the decision to take care of it. After a few weeks, it will heal completely and you can return to your normal life.

Relief during healing

If you need help with swelling or pain, use ice cubes and ibuprofen as needed.  

Good foods to eat during this time:

• cold foods
• Soups
• Cocktails
• Soft meat
• Fish
• anything easy to chew without spices

Foods to avoid include:

• Hot drinks (such as coffee)
• Sour fruits (pineapple, etc.)
• Beer, Wine, Any yeast-based drinks
• Sticky or very chewy foods
• Spicy food

Please note that some level of swelling is normal, but it should not be excessive and you should be aware of and watch for signs of irritation.

Tongue Piercing Risks

Every time you cut or pierce the skin, there is a risk of infection. This is even more true for those open sores that occur in the mouth.

Therefore, it is especially important to watch for any early signs of irritation.

The good news is that tongue piercings usually heal fairly quickly due to the good blood supply to the tongue. And following care instructions significantly reduces the risk of infection.

However, be sure to tell your piercer if you experience any of the following:

• Numbness or throbbing
• Excessive swelling to the point that it seems like the blood flow is blocked or the jewelry is stuck
• Labored breathing
• Chills, nausea, vomiting, or fever (don't assume you have the flu)
• Dark brown, yellow, or green pus that may have an odor
• Blisters, burning or redness
• Speech disorders, tearing or paralysis
• Throat swelling

Tongue piercing and oral health

While a properly done piercing shouldn't cause speech or dental problems, some inappropriate jewelry can chafe your teeth and gums. This can lead to gum recession, chipped teeth, speech disorders, and other problems.

It is important to find an experienced piercer who knows where to place the piercing to avoid these problems. It also reduces the risk of blood vessel puncture.

Fashion and language

Tongue piercing is a fun way to express your sense of style. There are many ways to get your tongue pierced, and rods come in a variety of decorative shapes. By being aware of the potential health risks, you can be sure that your new piercing is safe.

Final thoughts 

Despite the risk of infection, mouth piercings heal quickly. As long as you properly care for your piercing and don't take risks, you should be fine. 

When you're ready for a tongue piercing, be sure to go to a reputable salon with experienced piercers like Pierced. Our talented piercers are knowledgeable and ready to answer your questions. At our centers, you will be taken care of by a team that cares and knows how to help you get the most out of your piercing, minimize pain, help you choose the right jewelry, and more! 

Follow the care instructions carefully and you will soon enjoy your new look!