The tongue piercing is one of the most popular kinds of piercing, and one of the oldest around. This piercing is characterized by creating a perforation from one side of the tongue to the other. Before getting a new tongue piercing, it is important to gather enough knowledge about it.
Tongue Piercing Types
Explore some cool ideas, inspiration, and information about this piercing before getting one. If you are one of the adventurous souls who seek a new way to achieve great body art, this piercing will surely take you to a whole new level of the piercing.
Types of Tongue Piercings
There are multiple types of tongue (and mouth) piercings and considering the pros and cons, as well as the tongue piercing costs, are a good starting point for getting a tongue piercing. Below we have outlined a quick overview of the most common types of tongue piercings with in-depth reviews and images for you to make a well-informed decision.
Piercing | Description | Pain Level | Healing Time | Price |
Midline Tongue | Traditional tongue piercing, when the stud is placed in the middle of the tongue. | 4/10 | 4 – 8 weeks | $30 to $50 |
Tongue Web | Perforation of the frenulum (the thin tissue connecting the tongue and the floor of the mouth). | 3/10 | 8 – 10 weeks | $30 to $60 |
Snake Eyes | Double horizontal piercing, making two visible ends of a long jewelry on the tip of tongue look like snake eyes. | 4/10 | 6 – 9 weeks | $40 to $100 |
Venom | Two small piercings on both sides of the tongue located closer to the tip. | 4/10 | 4 – 8 weeks | $40 to $80 |
Frowny | Perforation of thin tissue (frenulum) between the lower lip and teeth. | 4/10 | 4 – 8 weeks | $30 to $70 |
Surface/Scoop | Piercing on the surface of the tongue, going across or along the tongue. | 4/10 | 1 – 2 weeks | $40 to $70 |
Multiple/ Double Tongue | Set of two or more separated tongue piercings, the location of which may vary. | 5/10 | 8 – 10 weeks | $40 to $100 |
Uvula | Perforation of a soft palate between the tonsils (uvula). | 5/10 | 2 – 4 weeks | $60 to $100 |
All the described types are inside mouth piercings, and here is the short explanation of each of them.
Midline tongue piercing
The midline tongue piercing is probably the most common and traditional type of tongue piercing. It is placed in the midline of the tongue. Typically, it is placed around 1.9 cm away from the tongue tip. This type of piercing commonly uses a straight barbell.
This type of piercing commonly uses a straight barbell.
Frenulum linguae piercing
The frenulum linguae piercing is a unique and hidden type of tongue piercing. It is a piercing where the perforation is placed on the frenulum underneath the tongue. It is only visible when the long is lifted up against the hard palate. This type of piercing may use a curved barbell and a circular barbell.
This type of piercing may use a curved barbell and a circular barbell.
Tongue web piercing
The tongue web piercing is a type of piercing where two perforations are placed on both sides of the tongue. It is also sometimes called double tongue piercing or venom piercing. Two tongue piercings placed side by side on the tongue.
This type of piercing utilizes straight barbells.
Vertical or horizontal tongue piercing
The vertical or horizontal tongue piercing is placed in the middle part of the tongue. Both of these are not commonly made due to their risky effects. It is not recommended since it can cause severe nerve damage in the tongue.
This type of piercing uses a long curved barbell.
Tongue tip piercing
Tongue Tip Piercing is also called as snake eyes piercing. It is a type of horizontal piercing which is placed in the tongue tip instead of the middle. This kind of piercing is also considered a surface piercing.
This piercing uses a long barbell that is inserted inside of the tongue tip. It appears to be a piercing with two jewelry but in reality, it only uses one jewelry.
Side tongue piercing
The side tongue piercing is a bit similar to the midline tongue piercing in terms of the jewelry used. In this piercing, the perforation is either placed on the left or the right side of the tongue.
Tongue Piercing Jewellery
Tongue Piercing Price
Tongue piercing will depend on which type of piercing you want to get, and the expertise and reputation of the piercer. Generally, the tongue piercing will cost around $30 to $40 plus the cost of the jewelry.
Tongue Piercing Procedure, Pain, and Infection
A tongue piercing is painful but compared to other body piercing procedures, they can be less painful depending on your tolerance for pain. Compared to cartilage piercings like helix, nose, lip, tragus, and navel piercing, it is said to be the least painful type.
Before the procedure, it is important for you to eat tons of food because you may not be able to eat solid food for about 2-3 days. You can also bring some cold drinks and ice cubes to the piercing shop that can help reduce the swelling after the piercing. The tongue piercing procedure may vary depending on the type of piercing you want to get.
In the most common midline tongue piercing, you ought to clean the mouth by brushing and using a mouthwash. Once you are ready, the piercer will determine the best placement for the jewelry and place a mark on it. Next, he will measure the thickness of your tongue with a tool. This is a very crucial step as it helps the piercer get the best length of the jewelry.
Getting the correct length is a good precaution in avoiding swelling on the tongue. After that, the piercer will use forceps and a clamp to pull the tongue out and ensure it is in place. Then, the piercer will push the needle down through the marking. Lastly, the jewelry is placed and fastened in the new perforation.
After the procedure, there may be continuous bleeding for 1 to 2 days. The bleeding will still come and go in the first week. You will also experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in the pierced area. There may also be increased saliva production but it will lessen eventually.
Tongue Piercing Infection
It is possible to damage the tooth with tongue piercing because of the constant rubbing between the jewelry and teeth. The constant rubbing eventually wears out the teeth enamel. Tongue piercings may also cause nerve damage and oral infection.
Your piercing is infected if it becomes more painful, red, and develops swelling and yellow discharge. Your taste and speech can also be affected. All of these can be avoided by carefully selecting your piercer and following all necessary aftercare tips.
Tongue Piercing Aftercare
Tongue piercing can heal a lot faster than any other type of piercing provided that you follow all the necessary aftercare tips. It can take only around 4 to 6 weeks to completely heal.
This fast healing process is because of increased saliva production. Saliva has the ability to fight many infections and bacteria. Tongue split aftercare and tongue web piercing aftercare should be followed carefully.
Tongue Aftercare Instructions
The time it takes for your tongue piercing to heal usually varies. Usually, your jewelry will stay for at least three months. Sometimes your piercing will look as if it is already healed.
However, it is very important that you must be patient and wait until it is entirely healed before changing your jewelry. You should continue doing your aftercare routine. By cleaning your piercing properly, the risk of infection will be minimized.
Steps on Cleaning your Tongue Piercing
Cleaning your tongue piercing is a very important part of aftercare. We have broken it down for you below in easy-to-follow steps. Enjoy!
How to clean your Tongue Piercing
Time needed: 20 minutes
Rinse your mouth after every meal
Use an alcohol-free antimicrobial or antibacterial mouth rinse in rinsing your mouth. Do this for 30-60 seconds after meals.
Rinse your mouth with salt
Rinse your mouth with a mild sea salt mixture for a short time. Avoid cleaning too often since it can make your tongue white or yellowish.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth in order to minimize any bacteria.
Always wash your hands
Wash your hands with liquid antibacterial soap before touching your piercing.
Replace your toothbrush a few times
Replace your toothbrush and keep it clean to make sure that everything that goes into your mouth is sterile.
Use a sensitive toothpaste
Use a sensitive type of toothpaste since this is less irritating to your mouth.
Make sure the ends of your tongue piercing jewelry is tight
Check if the threaded ends of your jewelry are tight.
Suggested Aftercare Products for Tongue Piercing
The products you choose to care for your piercing is very important. Much of the time, the products you choose will determine how fast your piercing heals and how well-protected you are from infection. Here are a few of our favorite piercing aftercare products:
Colgate Slim Soft
[amazon fields=”B0167JW02I” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Best Toothbrush for Tongue Piercings” image_align=”center”]
Be sure to use a new toothbrush after having a tongue piercing. This can help in preventing the introduction of new bacteria into your mouth. If you keep on using your old toothbrush, then you can easily catch some bacteria.
Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that is designed to reach into limited areas. The best option is Colgate Slim Soft. It is recommended that you should brush the area around the piercing. Consider this as a part of your regular home care routine.
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Biotene Fresh Mint Mouthwash
[amazon fields=”B002KAOAZ4″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Mouthwash for Tongue Piercings” image_align=”center”]
Biotene mouthwash is the most highly recommended anti-microbial mouthwash for your tongue piercing. This is very effective in minimizing bacteria and at the same time, this is very gentle on oral tissue. Although, you can use alcohol-free mouthwash, however, most piercers trust the effectiveness of Biotene mouthwash.
Incorporating mouthwash into your tongue piercing aftercare routine is as simple as rinsing your mouth several times daily. Nevertheless, you should not use it for more than 5 times a day since it can cause discoloration in your mouth as well as on the piercing area. Always ensure that you are using an alcohol-free mouthwash since alcohol can lead to irritation and discoloration of your acrylic piercing jewelry.
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Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
[amazon fields=”B00H3R10DO” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Handsoap for Piercing Aftercare” image_align=”center”]
Clean your hands with a liquid antibacterial soap such as Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap. This hand soap includes a moisturizer. It has the ability to kill 99.9 percent of germs. Before you touch your piercing or jewelry, be sure to wash your hands with this antibacterial soap.
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Colgate Sensitive Maximum Strength Whitening Toothpaste
[amazon fields=”B01LTHYWB0″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Best Toothpaste for Tongue Piercings” image_align=”center”]
During the healing process, you should only use a sensitive toothpaste such as Colgate Sensitive Whitening Toothpaste. Use this twice a day to provide you with sensitivity protection throughout the day. With its maximum stain removal formula, the natural whiteness of your teeth will be restored.
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Aftercare Tongue Piercing Tips
- After the procedure and even days later, drink lots of cold water to help lessen the swelling.
- Sucking ice cubes can also help in reducing the swelling in your tongue.
- Tongue piercing aftercare food and drinks you can try are cold milkshakes, juice, and ice cream.
- Always clean the mouth with saline water.
- Avoid using water with dissolved iodized salt as they can slow down the healing process of your split tongue aftercare.
- After every meal, gargle a disinfectant mouthwash.
- Use a soft toothbrush to clean the jewelry.
- Tongue piercing aftercare eating will be in small bites.
- Tongue piercing removal aftercare will be applied once you have removed your jewelry.
Tongue Piercing Commonly Asked Questions
When you choose to get a tongue piercing, there are several questions you might have. Luckily, we have found that many of our readers have the same commonly asked questions. We have compiled a list of these inquiries here for you.
Do you have to avoid certain foods when you have a tongue piercing?
While your tongue piercing is healing, it is normally recommended that you only opt for soft foods. Beyond that time, there aren’t many requirements. Extremely hot or cold foods are known to be irritants, though.
How long does it take for a tongue piercing to heal?
As long as you follow a strict aftercare regimen, you should have a relatively easy healing process. Most people’s tongue piercings heal within six to eight weeks of getting them.
How do you clean a healed tongue piercing?
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the area is a great rule of thumb to use. This way, you get the area completely cleaned but don’t irritate it. This also works great for any other mouth piercings, such as a venom piercing.
Tongue Piercing Final Thoughts
Now that you have learned everything you need to know about tongue piercing, do not forget to look to a piercing shop that specializes in oral piercing to achieve maximum safety and hygiene. Look online and chat with your friends to get the best suggestions.
In the end, your safety and comfort should be your priority. Get that cool tongue piercing from any of our piercing shops. Do you have more questions, leave them in the comments below!
Hello! My name is Emily and I obsessed with piercings (and tattoos) since I was a little girl of 6 years old. I was fortunate enough to make my passion my work after meeting my amazing husband Jeffrey who owned his own tattoo shop. I just recently finished my internships at some of America’s most famous piercing shops and a dream to start something together was born. After falling in love with each other (and each other’s piercings and tattoos) we decided to expand his tattoo shop and I got to manage my own piercing shop in the same space! I’ve never been so happy being able to share my love for piercings through my shop and this blog I started back in 2013. We love to share models and inspiration, so feel free to email me your suggestions, pictures or if you just want to say hi!