Tongue Piercing: A Complete Guide to Everything You Need to Know

Tongue piercing is a popular and versatile form of body modification that involves inserting a piece of jewelry through the tongue. Tongue piercings can be done in different ways, such as vertically, horizontally, or at an angle, and can be placed anywhere on the tongue. Tongue piercings can also have different names, such as midline, venom, snake eyes, or frenulum piercings, depending on the location and style of the piercing.

Tongue piercings are a great way to express your personality and style, as they can be customized with various types of jewelry, colors, and designs. Tongue piercings can also enhance your oral sensations and pleasure, as well as make your smile more attractive and unique.

However, tongue piercings also come with some risks and challenges that you should be aware of before getting one. Tongue piercings can cause swelling, infection, pain, bleeding, nerve damage, tooth damage, speech difficulties, and allergic reactions. Tongue piercings also require proper aftercare and hygiene to heal well and prevent complications.

Types of Tongue Piercings

The most common type of tongue piercing is the midline piercing, which is a vertical piercing through the center of the tongue. This piercing is usually done with a 14 gauge (1.6 mm) straight barbell that measures 7/8 inch (22 mm) in length. The midline piercing is also known as the standard or classic tongue piercing.

Another type of tongue piercing is the venom piercing, which is a pair of vertical piercings on either side of the tongue. This piercing mimics the appearance of snake fangs and is also called snakebite or viper bite piercing. Venom piercings are usually done with two 14 gauge (1.6 mm) straight barbells that measure 5/8 inch (16 mm) in length.

A horizontal tongue piercing is a piercing that goes through the tongue from side to side instead of top to bottom. This piercing can be done anywhere on the tongue but is usually placed near the tip or the base. A horizontal tongue piercing is also known as a side-to-side or transverse lingual piercing. Horizontal tongue piercings are usually done with a 14 gauge (1.6 mm) curved barbell that measures 3/4 inch (19 mm) in length.

A snake eyes piercing is a type of horizontal tongue piercing that is done at the tip of the tongue. This piercing involves inserting a single barbell through both sides of the tongue, creating the illusion of two separate studs. A snake eyes piercing is also known as a front-to-back or tip-to-tip piercing. Snake eyes piercings are usually done with a 14 gauge (1.6 mm) straight barbell that measures 5/8 inch (16 mm) in length.

A frenulum piercing is a horizontal piercing of the web of skin under the tongue. This piercing is also known as a web or lingual frenulum piercing. Frenulum piercings are usually done with a 16 gauge (1.2 mm) curved barbell or ring that measures 3/8 inch (10 mm) in diameter.

Tongue Jewelry

The type of jewelry you choose for your tongue piercing depends on your personal preference, comfort level, and healing stage. There are many options for tongue jewelry, such as:

• Straight barbells: These are the most common type of jewelry for tongue piercings. They consist of a straight metal rod with two balls or beads on each end that screw on and off. Straight barbells come in different lengths, thicknesses, materials, and colors. They can also have different shapes or designs on the balls or beads, such as spikes, cones, stars, hearts, gems, logos, etc.
• Curved barbells: These are similar to straight barbells but have a slight curve to them. They are often used for horizontal tongue piercings, frenulum piercings, and some vertical tongue piercings. Curved barbells also come in different lengths, thicknesses, materials, and colors. They can also have different shapes or designs on the ends, such as balls, spikes, gems, etc.
• Rings: These are circular pieces of metal that go around the tongue. They are usually used for frenulum piercings or horizontal tongue piercings near the tip or the base of the tongue. Rings can be either seamless, captive bead, or segment rings. Rings also come in different diameters, thicknesses, materials, and colors. They can also have different adornments on them, such as beads, gems, charms, etc.
• Studs: These are small pieces of metal that have a flat or rounded end on one side and a screw-on ball or bead on the other side. They are usually used for snake eyes piercings or horizontal tongue piercings at the tip of the tongue. Studs also come in different lengths, thicknesses, materials, and colors. They can also have different shapes or designs on the ends, such as stars, hearts, gems, logos, etc.

The material of your tongue jewelry is also important to consider, as it can affect your comfort, healing, and health. The most common and recommended materials for tongue jewelry are:

• Stainless steel: This is a durable and affordable metal that is resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. Stainless steel is also hypoallergenic and easy to clean. However, some people may have a nickel allergy or sensitivity that can cause irritation or infection from stainless steel jewelry.
• Titanium: This is a lightweight and strong metal that is also resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. Titanium is also hypoallergenic and biocompatible, meaning it does not react with your body or cause allergic reactions. Titanium is also available in different colors and finishes that can add some flair to your tongue piercing.
• Gold: This is a precious metal that is also durable and resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. Gold is also hypoallergenic and biocompatible, as well as luxurious and elegant. However, gold is also expensive and can be scratched or bent easily. Gold jewelry should also be at least 14 karats to avoid any impurities or alloys that can cause irritation or infection.
• Bio-flex: This is a flexible and biocompatible plastic that can conform to your tongue shape and movement. Bio-flex is also hypoallergenic and easy to clean. However, bio-flex can also wear out or break over time and may not be as secure as metal jewelry.

Pros and Cons of Tongue Piercings

Tongue piercings have many advantages and disadvantages that you should weigh before getting one. Here are some of the pros and cons of tongue piercings:

Pros:

• Tongue piercings are unique and stylish, as they can be customized with various types of jewelry, colors, and designs.
• Tongue piercings are hidden when your mouth is closed but visible when it’s open, giving you control over when to show off your piercing.
• Tongue piercings can enhance your oral sensations and pleasure, as well as make your smile more attractive and unique.
• Tongue piercings heal relatively quickly compared to other piercings, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks.
• Tongue piercings are easy to change out once healed, giving you the option to switch up your look whenever you want.

Cons:

• Tongue piercings can cause swelling, infection, pain, bleeding, 

  nerve damage, tooth damage, speech difficulties, and allergic reactions. Tongue piercings also require proper aftercare and hygiene to heal well and prevent complications.

• Tongue piercings can be expensive and painful, depending on the type of piercing, the piercer, and your pain tolerance. Tongue piercings can cost anywhere from $35 to $100 for the piercing alone, plus the cost of jewelry. Tongue piercings can also cause a sharp or throbbing pain during and after the piercing, as well as a sore or swollen tongue for a few days or weeks.

Tongue piercings can be difficult to maintain and change out, especially during the healing process. Tongue piercings need to be cleaned regularly with a sea salt rinse and an alcohol-free mouthwash to prevent infection and promote healing. Tongue piercings also need to be checked for tightness and loosening of the jewelry, as well as adjusted for swelling and shrinking of the tongue. Tongue piercings can also be hard to change out by yourself, as you may need special tools or assistance to unscrew or insert the jewelry.

Cost and Pain Level of Tongue Piercings

The cost of a tongue piercing depends on several factors, such as:

• The type of tongue piercing: Some tongue piercings may be more complex or require more jewelry than others, which can affect the price.
• The location of the piercing studio: Some piercing studios may charge more or less depending on their location, reputation, quality, and demand.
• The experience and skill of the piercer: Some piercers may charge more or less depending on their level of training, certification, and expertise.
• The material and quality of the jewelry: Some jewelry may be more expensive or cheaper depending on the material, design, brand, and quality.

The average cost of a tongue piercing ranges from $35 to $100 for the piercing alone, not including the jewelry. The jewelry can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 or more depending on the type, material, and quality. You may also need to pay extra for aftercare products, such as sea salt solution and mouthwash.

The pain level of a tongue piercing also depends on several factors, such as:

• The type of tongue piercing: Some tongue piercings may be more painful or less painful than others depending on the location, angle, and depth of the piercing.
• The size and thickness of your tongue: Some tongues may be more sensitive or less sensitive than others depending on their size, thickness, and nerve distribution.
• Your pain tolerance: Some people may have a higher or lower pain threshold than others depending on their genetics, personality, mood, and experience.
• The technique and equipment of the piercer: Some piercers may use different techniques or equipment that can affect the pain level of the piercing. For example, some piercers may use a numbing agent (anesthetic), a hollow needle (cannula), or a piercing gun to perform the piercing.

The average pain level of a tongue piercing ranges from 4 to 6 out of 10 on a pain scale. However, this is subjective and varies from person to person. Some people may feel a sharp or throbbing pain during and after the piercing, while others may feel only a slight pinch or pressure. The pain usually lasts for a few seconds during the piercing and then subsides gradually over time. The tongue may also feel sore or swollen for a few days or weeks after the piercing.

Healing Time and Aftercare Tips for Tongue Piercings

The healing time of a tongue piercing depends on several factors, such as:

• The type of tongue piercing: Some tongue piercings may heal faster or slower than others depending on the location, angle, and depth of the piercing.
• The size and thickness of your tongue: Some tongues may heal faster or slower than others depending on their size, thickness, and blood supply.
• Your immune system and general health: Some people may heal faster or slower than others depending on their immune system, general health, and any medical conditions or medications that may affect healing.
• Your aftercare and hygiene: Some people may heal faster or slower than others depending on how well they care for their tongue piercing and prevent infection and irritation.

The average healing time of a tongue piercing ranges from four to eight weeks. However, this is only an estimate and your tongue piercing may heal sooner or later than this. You should always follow your piercer’s instructions and advice on how to care for your tongue piercing and when to change out your jewelry.

The aftercare and hygiene of a tongue piercing are very important to ensure a smooth and fast healing process. Here are some tips on how to care for your tongue piercing:

• Rinse your mouth with a sea salt solution or an alcohol-free mouthwash after every meal, snack, drink, or smoke. This will help remove any food particles, bacteria, or debris that may cause infection or irritation. You can make your own sea salt solution by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of warm distilled water. You can also buy ready-made sea salt solutions or alcohol-free mouthwashes from your piercer or a pharmacy.
• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild toothpaste. This will help keep your mouth clean and prevent plaque buildup that may harm your teeth or gums. You should also floss daily and use a tongue scraper to gently remove any coating from your tongue. However, avoid touching or scraping your piercing site with your toothbrush, floss, or tongue scraper.
• Avoid eating spicy, acidic, salty, crunchy, sticky, or hard foods that may irritate or damage your tongue piercing. Instead, eat soft, bland, and easy-to-chew foods that will not get stuck in your jewelry. Some examples are yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, ice cream, etc. You should also avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, or hot beverages that may dehydrate or burn your tongue. Instead, drink plenty of water, juice, milk, or herbal tea to keep your mouth moist and hydrated.
• Avoid smoking, chewing gum, sucking on candy, or biting your nails that may introduce bacteria or cause friction to your tongue piercing. You should also avoid kissing or oral sex that may transmit infections or cause irritation to your tongue piercing. You should wait until your tongue piercing is fully healed before engaging in any oral activities.
• Avoid playing with your jewelry or moving it around in your mouth that may cause trauma or delay healing to your tongue piercing. You should also avoid changing out your jewelry by yourself until your piercer tells you it is safe to do so. You should only use sterile, new, and high-quality jewelry that is suitable for your tongue piercing.

How to Change Out Your Tongue Jewelry

Once your tongue piercing is fully healed, you may want to change out your jewelry for a different style, color, or size. However, you should always be careful and gentle when changing out your tongue jewelry, as you may damage your tongue or cause infection if you do it incorrectly. Here are some steps on how to change out your tongue jewelry safely and easily:

• Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water and dry them with a clean towel. This will prevent any germs or dirt from getting into your piercing site.
• Rinse your mouth with a sea salt solution or an alcohol-free mouthwash. This will clean your mouth and tongue and reduce any swelling or irritation.
• Position yourself in front of a mirror with good lighting. This will help you see what you are doing and avoid any mistakes or accidents.
• Unscrew the top ball or bead of your current jewelry by twisting it counter-clockwise with your fingers. You may need to use a piece of paper towel or cloth to get a better grip. Be careful not to drop or swallow any part of your jewelry.
• Gently slide out the barbell or ring from your tongue and place it on a clean surface. You may feel some resistance or discomfort as you remove the jewelry, but this is normal and should not be painful.
• Insert your new jewelry through the piercing hole from the bottom up. You may need to use a lubricant such as water or saliva to help it slide in smoothly. Make sure the jewelry is the right size, length, and thickness for your tongue piercing.
• Screw on the top ball or bead of your new jewelry by twisting it clockwise with your fingers. Make sure it is secure and snug but not too tight or loose.
• Rinse your mouth again with a sea salt solution or an alcohol-free mouthwash. This will remove any residue or bacteria from your new jewelry and soothe your tongue.
• Check your tongue piercing regularly for any signs of infection, irritation, or rejection. If you notice any problems, contact your piercer or doctor for advice.

The Best Products for Tongue Piercings 

If you are looking for high-quality, affordable, and stylish products for your tongue piercing, look no further than RebelBod.com . RebelBod.com is an online store that offers a wide range of body jewelry for all types of piercings, including tongue piercings. RebelBod.com has everything you need for your tongue piercing, such as:

• Straight barbells: Rebel Bod has a variety of straight barbells for tongue piercings in different materials, colors, and designs. You can choose from stainless steel, titanium, gold-plated, bio-flex, acrylic, glow-in-the-dark, and more. You can also choose from different shapes and designs on the balls or beads, such as spikes, cones, stars, hearts, gems, logos, etc.
• Curved barbells: Rebel Bod also has a selection of curved barbells for tongue piercings in different materials, 

  colors, and designs. You can choose from stainless steel, titanium, gold-plated, bio-flex, acrylic, glow-in-the-dark, and more. You can also choose from different shapes and designs on the ends, such as balls, spikes, gems, etc.

• Rings: Rebel Bod also has a variety of rings for tongue piercings in different materials, colors, and designs. You can choose from stainless steel, titanium, gold-plated, bio-flex, acrylic, glow-in-the-dark, and more. You can also choose from different types of rings, such as seamless, captive bead, or segment rings. You can also choose from different adornments on the rings, such as beads, gems, charms, etc.

• Studs: Rebel Bod also has a selection of studs for tongue piercings in different materials, colors, and designs. You can choose from stainless steel, titanium, gold-plated, bio-flex, acrylic, glow-in-the-dark, and more. You can also choose from different shapes and designs on the ends, such as stars, hearts, gems, logos, etc.

Rebel Bod also offers other products for tongue piercings such as:

• Tongue retainers: These are clear or flesh-colored pieces of jewelry that are used to hide or disguise your tongue piercing. They are usually made of bio-flex or acrylic and have a flat or rounded end that blends in with your tongue. Tongue retainers are useful for situations where you need to conceal your tongue piercing for work, school, sports, medical procedures, etc.
• Tongue forceps: These are tools that are used to hold your tongue steady and prevent it from moving during the piercing process. They are usually made of stainless steel and have a curved or straight shape that fits around your tongue. Tongue forceps are essential for a safe and accurate tongue piercing.
• Aftercare products: These are products that are used to clean and care for your tongue piercing during the healing process. They include sea salt solutions or sprays that help rinse your mouth and prevent infection; alcohol-free mouthwashes that help sanitize your mouth and reduce swelling; and antibacterial soaps that help wash your hands before touching your piercing.

RebelBod.com have a wide range of jewelry types, sizes, colors, and designs to suit your preference and style. You can browse the collection of jewelry for tongue piercing here: https://rebelbod.com/collections/tongue-rings

You can also find more information on body piercing types here: https://rebelbod.com/collections/body-piercing-types

And more information on body jewelry types here: https://rebelbod.com/collections/body-jewelry-type

If you are looking for high-quality, affordable, and stylish jewelry for your piercing, you should check out RebelBod.com. RebelBod.com is an online store that specializes in body jewelry for all types of piercings. RebelBod.com have a wide range of jewelry types, sizes, materials, colors, and designs for your lobe piercing. Whether you want simple studs, fun hoops, cool rings, sleek barbells, bold plugs, or trendy tunnels, RebelBod.com has it all.

RebelBod.com offers jewelry that is made of hypoallergenic, non-porous, smooth, and easy to clean materials, such as titanium, surgical steel, gold, and glass. RebelBod.com also have jewelry that is made of acrylic, wood, stone, and silicone for healed piercing. RebelBod.com have jewelry that suits your skin tone, hair color, eye color, or outfit and jewelry that complements your personality and preferences.

RebelBod.com is your one-stop shop for all your body piercing jewelry needs. Visit RebelBod.com today and browse the amazing collection of jewelry for your body piercing!