Tongue Piercings
There is a history of ritual tongue piercing in both Aztec and Mayan cultures, but piercing the tongue to insert permanent ornamentation is a much newer phenomenon. The “modern” tongue piercing—a straight barbell passing through the center of the tongue—did not surface until the 1980s, when Elayne Angel at Gauntlet spearheaded its promotion and popularity.
Tongue piercings are usually done along the center of the tongue, placed approximately where the lingual frenulum (or “tongue webbing”) attaches the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. We don’t advise placing the piercing too close to the tip of the tongue, as this is more likely to cause trouble with speech and damage to the teeth. However, if the tongue is long enough and the webbing underneath isn't too tight, multiple tongue piercings can be done in a straight row. Side-by-side piercings can be done as well, although they can be—pardon the pun—a mouthful. While the piercing itself is not particularly difficult or painful, you should expect a good deal of swelling afterward; you may also find you have a slight lisp and difficulty speaking for the first two to four days, but this is temporary and will improve as the swelling decreases.
Initial jewelry is a straight barbell at least 12 gauge thick and long enough to account for swelling (usually ¾” to ⅞”). Because of this swelling, two different lengths of jewelry are needed: one initially and one to be worn after healing. With our jewelry, both ends unscrew from the center post, making changing jewelry easy (and inexpensive), as you only need to buy a new, shorter center post, and not an entirely new piece of jewelry. Likewise, you can purchase different ends for the top (and/or bottom) to add a bit of pizazz to your piercing.
Much has been made of the risk of damage to the gums and teeth from oral piercings, and tongue piercings in particular. (The American Dental Association officially came out in opposition to this practice in 1998.) While these risks are present and should be considered, the best way to minimize these risks is to downsize your piercing after healing—usually at about four weeks. Your teeth will thank you!
We do not perform the following tongue piercings as they are very detrimental:
- This piercing involves placing a horizontal bar through the tip of the tongue, which can cause severe damage to the tongue muscle and lead to speech impediments.
- This horizontal piercing through the tongue muscle can cause significant damage to the muscle tissue and lead to severe complications with healing and function.
Snake Eyes
Frog Eyes / Scoop
Starting at / $95
| Minimum Age: | 16 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Fee: | $40 | |||||
| Starter Jewelry: | $55 | |||||
| Heal Time: | 4 - 6 Weeks | |||||
| Downsize Time: | 6 Weeks | |||||
| Typical Jewelry Gauge: | 14G - 12G | |||||
| Paing Level: | THIS IS THE PAIN LEVEL | |||||
| Starting Total: | $95 | |||||
- Jewelry Options: The most common jewelry used ia a tongue piercing is a 14g straight barbell, at Relic Moon we prefer to use a M&M shaped disc on the bottom to allow room. The top can be a wide range or threaded tops we have available.
- Healing Time: Tongue piercings is typically around 4 to 6 weeks. During the initial healing phase, you may experience some swelling and tenderness. It's crucial to follow proper aftercare instructions to avoid complications.
- Procedure: This standard procedure is quick and is considered one of the less painful piercings due to the tongue's high blood circulation, which also aids in faster healing
Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth healing process and to prevent complications. Here are some key tips:
- Clean Regularly: Gently clean the piercing once a day with a saline solution or a piercing aftercare product recommended by your piercer.
- Avoid Irritants: Keep the area free from makeup, hair products, and other potential irritants. Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.
- Be Mindful: Avoid touching or playing with the jewelry to reduce the risk of infection and irritation.
- For detailed aftercare instructions, please click HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Common Concerns:
- Can Anyone Get a Tongue Piercing?: Tongue piercings depend on individual anatomy and placement. It is best to consult with your piercer to determine if this piercing will work for you.
- Why Should I Avoid Certain Foods?: Eating spicy, acidic, or hot foods can irritate the piercing and prolong healing. Stick to soft, bland foods during the initial healing phase.
- Is Swelling Normal?: Some swelling is normal in the first few days. Use cold packs and anti-inflammatories to manage swelling, and follow your piercer's aftercare advice to ensure proper healing.
- Does it hurt?:
- The pain from a tongue piercing is typically mild to moderate. The piercing itself is quick, but you may experience some discomfort or soreness during the first few days, especially while speaking or eating
- Will my speech be affected by a tongue piercing?:
- Yes, your speech may be temporarily affected during the first week or so as your tongue swells. However, once the swelling subsides and you adjust, your speech will return to normal
- Can a tongue piercing damage my teeth or gums?:
- Yes, long or improperly fitting jewelry can lead to damage, such as chipped teeth or receding gums. It's important to switch to a shorter barbell once the swelling goes down to reduce these risks
- Are there any activities I should avoid after getting a tongue piercing?:
- Yes, avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and engaging in oral sex until the piercing is fully healed to prevent infection. Also, avoid playing with the jewelry as it can irritate the piercing and slow healing
Tongue Piercing
Tongue Piercing
Tongue Piercing
