Tongue Piercing: Everything You Need to Know

Posted March 29, 2025

Tongue Piercing: Everything You Need to Know

A tongue piercing is quite a procedure that can have implications. Let’s understand the types of tongue piercings, their impact, and more.

Tongue piercings can be a strong form of self-expression, but it’s a big commitment. And if you get it without understanding all about it, it may make you regret it later.

These piercings look cool, but there’s a proper way to go about them if you don’t want to end up with issues like pain and discomfort.

If you have questions about whether tongue piercings can cause pain, speech changes, or long-term oral health issues, we hear you. This guide is your handbook on tongue piercings, explaining everything from their types to the aftercare of this aesthetic procedure.

So, if you want to be mentally prepared before going to a piercer regarding these piercings, how bad they may hurt, how you can take care of them, and more, keep reading. Let’s clear your queries before you head out to get your tongue pierced.

What Is a Tongue Piercing and Why Do People Get It?

A tongue piercing is a body modification where a small hole is made through your tongue to insert jewelry, like a barbell. The jewelry usually sits in the middle of the tongue, but its placement can vary based on your preference. The piercing process involves a quick puncture and a healing period that requires careful aftercare.

People get tongue piercings for various reasons, and it’s more than just making a fashion statement. Here are some reasons people get their tongues pierced:

Self-Expression

A tongue piercing is a way to stand out and show off your personality. People consider it body art that lets them express themselves in an authentic way.

Cultural or Spiritual Reasons

Tongue piercings have historical or spiritual meanings in some cultures. For example, certain indigenous tribes used tongue piercings in rituals to connect with their beliefs. While this might not be the reason for everyone, it’s a meaningful choice for some.

Aesthetic Appeal

Tongue piercings look cool. They can make your appearance edgy, and the jewelry options help you get a fun piercing. You can switch up your look whenever you want and keep looking cool.

Sensory Experience

Some people like the sensation of a tongue piercing. The jewelry can add a new dimension to everyday activities like eating or speaking, and some seem to enjoy that.

Rebellion or Individuality

Getting a tongue piercing is a way to break away from the norm for some. It’s a small rebellion that says, “I do things my way.”

Types of Tongue Piercings

Whatever reason you have to get your tongue pierced, know that there are many ways to go about it. You can play safe and get a standard piercing or try something more daring. Here are some types of tongue piercings you must know:

Standard Tongue Piercing

The most common type, a standard or midline tongue piercing, goes vertically through the center of your tongue. Your piercer positions a straight barbell through the middle, and each end secures with a small ball or disc. It’s straightforward, heals relatively quickly (about 4-6 weeks), and works well with most jewelry styles. This is the go-to option for first-timers because it’s versatile and low-maintenance. Also, a midline piercing can stay comfortable for years, provided you keep it clean and see your piercer if you notice any unusual pain or redness.

Venom Piercing

Venom piercing is for the bold. It involves two separate piercings placed side by side, usually toward the front of the tongue. It is named after the snake-like appearance it creates. While it looks edgy, it needs more precision during the piercing process and can take longer to heal.

Frenulum Piercing (Web Piercing)

If you want something less obvious, a frenulum piercing is a good pick. It goes through the thin piece of tissue (the frenulum that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth) underneath your tongue and is more subtle. This piercing heals well and is less likely to interfere with speech or eating.

Horizontal Tongue Piercing

A horizontal tongue piercing goes left to right through the tongue tissue rather than top to bottom. It is considered more complex because it passes through a broader tongue section. But before you opt for it, know it’s riskier because it can put pressure on the tongue and may not suit everyone.

Tongue Tip Piercing

As the name says, this piercing is done at the very tip of the tongue, so it’s more discreet. However, this style of piercing is prone to irritation because the tip of the tongue moves constantly, so it’s not the best choice for everyone.

Side Tongue Piercing

A side tongue piercing is placed off-center, either to the left or right of the midline. It’s a cool option if you want something different from the standard piercing but still want to keep it simple.

What Is the Tongue Piercing Procedure Like and How Painful Is It?

Getting a tongue piercing is quick if you go to an experienced piercer. Here’s what to expect when you go for a tongue piercing:

Consultation and Preparation

First, you’ll meet with a professional piercer to discuss your preference and assess your anatomy. They’ll check your tongue’s shape and size to make sure the piercing is safe and suitable for you. Once everything’s approved, they’ll mark the spot where the piercing will go.

Cleaning and Numbing

The piercer will clean your tongue thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection. Some piercers may offer a numbing solution, but this isn’t always necessary because the process is so quick that many people skip the numbing altogether.

The Piercing

The piercer will make a small hole through the center of your tongue using a sterilized needle. But don’t worry, as this part is over in seconds. You’ll feel a sharp pinch, but it’s brief. Once the needle is through, they’ll insert the jewelry and secure it in place.

Aftercare Instructions

Before you leave, the piercer will explain how to care for your new piercing. It may include cleaning routines, foods to avoid, and signs of infection to watch for.

Now, let’s talk about the pain. Yes, it hurts – but not as much as you may think. Most people describe it as a quick, sharp pinch, similar to biting your tongue. The discomfort is short-lived, and the adrenaline usually kicks in to help you through it. After the piercing, you may feel soreness or swelling, but this is normal and part of the healing process.

How Long Does it Take to Heal Tongue Piercings and What Is Its After Care?

Healing a tongue piercing takes time and patience – on average, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the initial healing process. But full healing can take up to 2 to 3 months. During this phase, your tongue will go through several stages of recovery, and you must do proper aftercare to avoid complications.

Tongue Piercing Healing Timeline

First Week: The first few days are the most challenging. Your tongue will swell, and you may experience discomfort or difficulty speaking. But this is normal and should subside within a week.
Weeks 2-4: The swelling will decrease within 2-4 weeks, and the piercing will start to feel more comfortable. However, you’ll still need to be careful with what you eat and how you clean the piercing.
Weeks 5-6: By this point, the piercing should feel much better as the hole will start to stabilize. But you must avoid irritating it.
Months 2-3: Full healing of a tongue piercing takes time. Even if it feels fine, you must continue following aftercare guidelines to make sure it heals completely.

Aftercare Tips

How well you care for the tongue piercing impacts its healing and your experience of this bodily modification, so be attentive to it. Here are some tips that’ll help you heal and feel better:

Rinse your mouth with a saline solution or an alcohol-free mouthwash after every meal to keep the piercing clean and prevent infection.
Eat soft, bland foods for the first week. Avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods that could irritate the piercing. Also, steer clear of alcohol and smoking, as they can slow down the healing process.
Do not play with the jewelry or touch the piercing with dirty hands. Doing so can introduce bacteria and delay healing.
Redness and excessive swelling can indicate an infection. If you notice any of these signs, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
After the initial swelling goes down, you’ll need to switch to a shorter barbell to prevent the jewelry from hitting your teeth or gums and causing damage.

Can Tongue Piercing Affect Speech, Taste, or Oral Health?

A tongue piercing can have some temporary effects on your speech, taste, and oral health, but most of these are short-lived. Here’s the lowdown on these impacts.

Speech

When you first get your tongue pierced, you may notice a slight lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain words. This is normal because your tongue is adjusting to the new jewelry. The swelling in the first few days can also make talking tricky. However, once the swelling goes down and you get used to the piercing, your speech will return to normal.

Taste

Your taste buds won’t be permanently affected by a tongue piercing. However, during the healing process, you may experience temporary changes in taste because of swelling or the aftercare products you’re using. For example, mouthwash or saline solutions can temporarily alter how food tastes.

Oral Health

This is where you need to pay the most attention because a tongue piercing can impact your oral health if not cared for properly. Here’s what to watch out for:

Tooth Damage: The jewelry can chip or crack your teeth if it hits them repeatedly. However using a shorter barbell after the initial healing period can help minimize this risk.
Gum Recession: Constant contact between the jewelry and your gums can cause them to recede over time – this is more common with improper placement or oversized jewelry.
Infection: Poor aftercare can cause infections, so you must always follow your piercer’s cleaning instructions and avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.

Final Thoughts

Getting a tongue piercing is a bold way to express yourself. Although there are some temporary adjustments – like a slight lisp or dietary changes – the process is simple, and the pain is manageable. With proper care, your piercing will heal smoothly, and any minor inconveniences will be worth it. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge, go for it. It’s not as scary as it seems, and the result is undeniably cool.

FAQs

Can I eat normally after getting a tongue piercing?

Not right away. For the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup. You should avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods that could irritate the piercing. Once the swelling goes down, you can gradually return to your normal diet.

How do I know if my tongue piercing is infected?

Excessive swelling, redness, pain, or unusual discharge are signs of infection. If you notice these symptoms, seek medical help. Proper cleaning and aftercare can prevent most infections.

Can I change the jewelry myself?

Wait until your piercing is fully healed before changing the jewelry, which usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. When you’re ready, consult your piercer for advice on the right size and type of jewelry to avoid complications.

Walk ins are more than welcome every day during business hours.

To schedule an appointment click here:

https://www.schedulicity.com/scheduling/SLTEDS

Stay Local Tattoo and Piercing

3865 Wadsworth Blvd,

Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Phone: (720) 242-9615

@staylocaltattoo