:: Tongue ::

Tongue piercings are arguably the most popular piercing around at the moment, and consequently the source of the most questions and misinformation. Contrary to popular rumor, your tongue will not go numb, bleed forever, fall out or never close if it is pierced properly. You will also not get cancer from the jewelry, or have to quit smoking forever (although cutting back during healing is helpful). Inhaling jewelry and puncturing lungs is also an extremely rare occurrence. (Of the thousands of tongues we have pierced, we have never even heard of a case.)

As far as we are aware, permanent tongue piercing has little historical precedent, although the devotees of some Hindu ecstatic cults have been known to insert decorative arrows through their mouth tissue while in possessed trance states. These are only for ritual purposes, however, and are not worn as permanent jewelry. The Mayans may also have practiced temporary ritual piercing. The modern tongue piercing, consisting of a barbell through the center of the tongue, came into being within the past 20 years, and has lately skyrocketed to fashion necessity status. Tongue piercings are generally placed vertically at the center of the tongue, in front of the lingual frenulum or "webbing" which attaches the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. Alternately, pairs of "snake bite" piercings could be done on either side of center, giving the appearance of fangs. Generally it is wise not to pierce the very tip of the tongue with a ring, as it is more likely to cause trouble with tearing, lisping, and damage to the teeth.

Initial jewelry is generally a 12g or 10g straight barbell, although some size queens may opt for an 8g. We do not pierce tongues thinner than 12g because the thinner jewelry is more likely to cause tearing, cutting or scarring around the hole as it moves, particularly in piercees who smoke, chew gum or play with the piercing. (This accounts for the enlarged slice-shaped holes around some people's piercings.) Rings are not recommended for initial piercings since they can be difficult with the swelling, and are much more likely to cause tooth damage. The length of the barbell will be longer initially (usually 3/4" - 7/8") to allow for swelling, and can be downsized after the healing time (about 4 weeks). With our jewelry, both barbell balls unscrew, so it is possible to replace just the shaft of the barbell when downsizing. Likewise, the balls can be bought separately if you want different color or shape ends later. Tongues are often very easy to stretch, so enlarging the hole is also an option after healing. Like all stretching, this should be done gradually--no faster than one size a month, preferably slower.

Tongue piercings can cause damage both to teeth and gum tissue, particularly if they are played with or clicked/rubbed on teeth. Steel is harder than skin or tooth enamel, so if you pit the two against each other, the barbell is sure to win. If this is a continuing problem, plastic balls are an option after healing. If you need to hide the piercing once it is healed, a clear acrylic retainer will fill the hole but not stick out on the top, or "no-c-um" dental plastic ends will give a more subtle appearance to your barbell.

You do not necessarily need to remove your jewelry for routine dental visits. Although your dentist may not like your modifications, we have it on the authority of several dentists that the pierced tongue is not in their way any more than a non-pierced tongue would be. And, especially in the first month or two, leaving the jewelry out for even short periods of time can mean the end of your piercing.

For healing times and aftercare, please see those sections of our web site.