Piercing Information Library

Tongue Piercing

Description and Location:
A tongue piercing is usually fitted with a long barbell which passes through the tongue vertically from top to bottom, through the centre of the tongue. To avoid cutting through the fraenum, it is positioned slightly to one side underneath the tongue.

Types of Suitable Jewellery:
A barbell of minimum 1.6mm gauge is fitted in the initial piercing. It must have a generous amount of spare length to allow for any amount of swelling. It is advisable to return to the piercing operative between 7-21 days after the piercing in order to have the barbell shortened, returning again at regular intervals to have progressively shorter barbells fitted.
The length of a barbell plays an important role in keeping the tongue piercing healthy. For example, too short a piece of jewellery can form small oval dents in the top surface of the tongue. On the other hand, too long a barbell can split the tongue and cause tooth and other complications. BCRs worn near the tip of the tongue run the increased risk of tooth and gum damage.

Healing Time:
Minimum of two months.

Extra Care Considerations:
Swelling is the primary concern with tongue piercings. Regular sucking of ice cubes can help keep this under control. Tightening of the threaded balls is essential to ensure that they do not become detached and inhaled.

Tongue Tied:
This is the term used to describe the condition in people who have no space between the underside of their tongue and the floor of the mouth. In many cases piercing the tongue before having had corrective surgery is not possible.