:: Tongue Piercing FAQ ::

Does it hurt?

Although it looks pretty scary, tongue piercing is one of the easiest for most people as far as pain goes. The first couple days of healing can be pretty uncomfortable until the swelling goes down. Speaking and eating normally can also be awkward while it is swollen, but the actual procedure is usually not too hard.

What happens if I pull my tongue back during the piercing?

This really doesn't happen. Even if you try to move, your piercer will be holding your tongue with a pair of forceps (clamps) which keep you from moving it. When you are working with an experienced piercer, there is very little you can do to mess up your piercing.

Will it effect my talking and eating?

Initially, yes. You will probably be swollen anywhere from 2 days to a week. During this time you may not be comfortable eating solid, crunchy or hot foods. Stick to softer things that you don't have to chew too much. Or try tearing off bits and putting them back between your molars--much easier to chew and swallow that way. This is a great excuse to eat ice cream and sport shakes.

Speech-wise, you will have some readjusting to do in the first week or so, while you are swollen. If you speak a little more slowly and carefully, you should be fine. If you've ever tried talking in class with gum in your mouth, you know the drill. And don't stand too close to anybody--you may spit a lot at first!

Do I have to buy a whole new barbell in 4 weeks?

Nope, but you could. Your initial barbell will be a little long to allow for swelling. Once all the swelling is gone and you are fully healed (about 4 weeks), you can get a barbell that fits closer if you want to. (That makes it easier to talk and to hide it.)

With our barbells, both balls unscrew, so if you want a shorter one, you only have to buy a new middle (shaft). New 12g or 10g shafts are $14. You can also get different color or material balls if you want (gemstones, etc.).

Can I damage my teeth or gums?

You can. The best way to minimize the risk is to get a shorter barbell after the first month. Most of the trouble comes from mis-sized jewelry (extra long barbells rubbing your gums, biting the barbell). And also, donÕt play with the jewelry! The more you bite it or rub it on your teeth, the more chance of chipping them or eroding your gums. If you know you will play with it, try plastic balls. At least they will break before your teeth do.

Can I lose my sense of taste?

No. You have hundreds of taste buds, not one or two. And these are replaced every few days. (Ever had hot chocolate that was too hot, and made your tongue funny for a day or so?) Besides, if you remember grade school science, most of your tasting is done with the edges of the tongue. If you use Listerine to rinse, though, you may notice things taste different for a while. It's just very strong.

Can I change the jewelry myself?

Yup, easily. You just unscrew one end, pull it out, and slide the new one in. Simple. This piercing is also very easy to stretch, often by just inserting the next thicker size every couple of months. (Try drinking something hot first.) You just want to make sure not to leave the piercing empty. Even after just ten or twenty minutes, it can be tricky to get the post back in. (Again, try drinking something hot to loosen it up.)

Will I be able to hide it from work/school/family?

Once it is healed, no problem. We have clear plastic retainers which you can wear after the first month or so. But during the first couple days, while it is difficult to talk normally, you may have some trouble. You can get it pierced with a flesh-colored disc (instead of a ball) on top, which does help. But your best bet is just not to laugh or shout in front of the person youÕre hiding it from, and cover your mouth when you yawn.

Could my tongue be too short?

There aren't very many people whose tongues are too short to pierce. Usually we just have to pierce them closer (but not too close!) to the tip. It is possible to have a normal length tongue with a very tight webbing underneath, so you can't stick your tongue out at all. In this case, the webbing itself can be pierced with a thick, small diameter ring. Or the webbing can be cut, giving the tongue more movement and length. Email us if you want more info on this procedure.

What about kissing and oral sex?

You want to wait out the four weeks! We know you want to try out your new stuff, but remember you have an open wound in your mouth, so you could be exchanging blood in addition to saliva (and whatever else). If you are already sharing fluids with your partner, you could still pick up bacteria from them. If you are going to kiss them anyway, at least have them rinse their mouth beforehand, and rinse yours after. Make sure oral sex is fluid-safe, even if you donÕt normally use protection with your partner. Their body's normal bacteria is still foreign to your body, and could cause an infection. Be sure to use condoms or dental dams (or non-porous plastic wrap). After you are healed, you can go crazy again.