7 Steps to Pierce Your Tongue Safely and Properly

Tongue piercing
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Tongues are one of the most popular body parts to pierce. They are relatively easy to pierce and heal quickly. However, it is important to take proper care of your tongue piercing to avoid infection or other complications.

Before you get your tongue pierced, it is important to do your research and find a reputable piercer. A good piercer will be able to answer all of your questions and ensure that your piercing is done safely and correctly.

Once you have found a reputable piercer, you will need to decide what type of tongue piercing you want. There are two main types of tongue piercings: the center tongue piercing and the side tongue piercing. The center tongue piercing is the most common type of tongue piercing and is placed in the middle of the tongue. The side tongue piercing is placed on the side of the tongue.

Gathering Essential Materials

Preparing for a tongue piercing requires careful selection of essential materials to ensure a safe and successful procedure. Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need:

Sterilized Equipment

– Curved barbell in the desired gauge and length
– Piercing needle in the appropriate size
– Disposable gloves
– Antibacterial wipes

Pain Management

– Ice pack
– Topical anesthetic cream or spray (optional)
– Pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen)

Aftercare Supplies

– Antimicrobial mouthwash
– Soft-bristled toothbrush
– Non-alcoholic mouthrinse
– Gauze or paper towels

Other Essentials

– Flashlight (for illuminating the piercing area)
– Mirror (for self-inspection)
– Comfortable chair or stool
– Friend or assistant (for support and assistance)

Item	Purpose
Curved barbell	The jewelry that will be inserted into the tongue
Piercing needle	The sharp instrument used to create the piercing
Disposable gloves	To prevent infection
Antibacterial wipes	To clean the piercing area
Ice pack	To reduce swelling and pain
Topical anesthetic	To numb the piercing area (optional)
Antimicrobial mouthwash	To prevent infection
Soft-bristled toothbrush	For gentle cleaning around the piercing
Non-alcoholic mouthrinse	To rinse away debris and freshen breath
Gauze or paper towels	For cleaning the piercing site
Flashlight	To provide illumination
Mirror	For self-inspection
Comfortable chair or stool	For support during the procedure
Friend or assistant	For emotional support and assistance

Preparing Your Tongue

Rinse Your Mouth

Rinse your mouth thoroughly with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. Use a non-abrasive mouthwash, as abrasive mouthwashes can damage your gums and teeth.

Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol can thin your blood, which can increase bleeding during piercing. Avoid consuming these substances for at least 24 hours before your appointment.

Eat a Light Meal

Eat a light meal before your piercing to keep your blood sugar levels stable and to avoid nausea or dizziness.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking can irritate your mouth and increase the risk of infection. Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours before and after your piercing.

Take a Deep Breath

Take a few deep breaths before your piercing to calm down and relax. This will help to reduce pain and anxiety.

Marking the Piercing Location

Precisely marking the piercing location is crucial for a safe and successful tongue piercing. Follow these detailed steps:

Preparing the Mouth:

Before marking, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to minimize bacteria. Allow it to sit for a few seconds before spitting it out.

Determining the Center:

Place a mirror in front of you and extend your tongue fully. Using a non-permanent marker, make a small dot at the tip of your tongue, indicating the center point.

Measuring the Depth:

Take a clean needle or piercing probe and gently insert it into the side of your tongue, directly under the marked dot. Push it in until it touches the top of your tongue, then measure the distance from the tip of your tongue to the point where the needle pierced your tongue’s upper surface.

Calculating the Piercing Location:

Subtract 2 millimeters (0.08 inches) from the measured depth. This will give you the distance from the tip of your tongue to the ideal piercing location.

Marking the Piercing Point:

Using the measured distance, mark a small dot on the center line of your tongue, the same distance from the tip as the calculated piercing location. This dot will indicate the precise point where the piercing will go through.

Once you have marked the piercing location, double-check its accuracy by measuring again before proceeding with the actual piercing.

Step	Action
1	Prepare the mouth with antiseptic mouthwash.
2	Mark the center point at the tip of the tongue.
3	Measure the depth from the tongue tip to the top of the tongue using a needle.
4	Subtract 2 millimeters from the measured depth.
5	Mark the piercing point on the center line of the tongue at the calculated distance from the tip.

Numbing the Tongue

Before piercing your tongue, it’s essential to numb it to minimize pain and discomfort. Here are some methods you can use:

1. Ice

Hold an ice cube against your tongue for several minutes to numb it. You can also suck on ice chips or a popsicle.

2. Numbing Gel

Apply a topical numbing gel to your tongue as directed by the product instructions. These gels typically contain benzocaine or lidocaine.

3. Anesthetic Spray

Ask your piercer if they offer anesthetic spray. This spray temporarily numbs the tongue, making the piercing less painful.

4. Cloves

Cloves have natural numbing properties. You can chew on a clove or apply clove oil to your tongue with a cotton swab. However, be careful not to use too much clove oil, as it can irritate your tongue.

Method	Duration of Numbness	Pros	Cons
Ice	10-15 minutes	Easy to obtain and cost-free	Can be uncomfortable to hold against the tongue
Numbing Gel	10-30 minutes	Effective and easy to apply	May have a bitter taste
Anesthetic Spray	Immediate	Most effective and convenient	May be expensive and not always available
Cloves	10-15 minutes	Natural and effective	Can irritate the tongue if used excessively

Inserting the Piercing Needle

1. Hold the Tongue Straight

Grip the tongue with sterile gauze or a hemostat to keep it steady. Center the needle vertically through the middle of the tongue, ensuring it exits on the opposite side.

2. Position the Entry Point

Locate the frenulum, the small tissue band beneath the tongue’s tip. Piercing through the frenulum causes less pain and reduces the risk of nerve damage.

3. Mark the Exit Point

Once the entry point is established, guide the needle towards the desired exit point on the other side of the tongue. Use a mirror or have an assistant provide guidance for accuracy.

4. Piercing Through the Tongue

Insert the piercing needle with a swift, steady motion, following the marked path. Aim slightly downward to avoid piercing the roof of the mouth.

5. Double-Checking the Tongue Placement

After piercing the tongue, carefully examine the placement:

Criteria	Desired Outcome
Entry Point	Centered and symmetrical through the frenulum
Exit Point	Corresponds to the marked exit point
Angle	Slightly downward to avoid the palate
Depth	Needle tip exits the tongue without excessive protrusion

Threading the Jewelry

Once the piercing has been created, it’s time to thread the jewelry. For this, you will need:

Tongue piercing jewelry
A sterile needle
A pair of sterile forceps

Instructions:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Sterilize the needle and forceps by soaking them in boiling water for 5 minutes.
Hold the tongue piercing jewelry in one hand and the needle in the other.
Holding the jewelry parallel to the piercing, insert the needle through the inside of the tongue.
Once the needle is through the tongue, grab the jewelry with the forceps and pull it through the piercing.
Properly positioning the jewelry:
- Use a mirror to ensure the jewelry is centered and not rubbing against any teeth or gums.
- If the jewelry is too long, cut it to the appropriate size using a pair of sharp jewelry pliers.
- If the jewelry is too short, it may impede the tongue’s movement, which can lead to discomfort or injury.

Securing the Jewelry

Once your tongue piercing is healed, you’ll need to secure the jewelry to prevent it from falling out. There are two main ways to do this: with a ball closure ring (BCR) or with a barbell and retainer.

Ball Closure Rings (BCRs)

BCRs are the most common type of jewelry for tongue piercings. They’re made of a circular barbell with a small ball at each end. To insert a BCR, simply open the ball on one end, insert the barbell through your piercing, and close the ball. BCRs are very secure, and they’re easy to remove and insert.

Barbells and Retainers

Barbells are another option for securing your tongue piercing. They’re made of a straight barbell with a ball at each end. To insert a barbell, simply insert the barbell through your piercing and screw on the balls. Barbells are less secure than BCRs, but they’re also easier to remove and insert.

Retainers are a type of jewelry that can be used with barbells. They’re made of a small, U-shaped piece of metal that fits over the barbell. Retainers help to keep the barbell in place and prevent it from falling out. They’re a good option for people who want to keep their piercing hidden or who work in a job that requires them to wear a lot of safety gear.

Jewelry Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Ball Closure Rings (BCRs)	Secure Easy to remove and insert	Can be difficult to open and close
Barbells	Easy to remove and insert	Less secure than BCRs
Retainers	Help to keep the barbell in place Prevent the piercing from falling out	Can be uncomfortable to wear

Post-Piercing Care

Rinse with salt water

Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution (1/4 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) after eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth. This will help to keep the piercing clean and prevent infection.

Avoid touching the piercing

Avoid touching the piercing with your fingers or anything else. This can introduce bacteria and cause infection.

Keep the piercing dry

Keep the piercing dry as much as possible. This will help to prevent infection.

Eat soft foods

Eat soft foods for the first few days after getting your piercing. This will help to reduce pain and swelling.

Avoid alcohol and smoking

Avoid alcohol and smoking for the first few days after getting your piercing. These substances can irritate the piercing and slow down healing.

Get regular checkups

See your piercer for regular checkups to make sure that the piercing is healing properly.

Other tips

Here are some other tips for caring for your tongue piercing:

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth.
Floss your teeth gently.
Avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol.
See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

See a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

Symptom	What it could mean
Pain	Infection, irritation, or rejection
Swelling	Infection or irritation
Redness	Infection or irritation
Pus	Infection
Fever	Infection

Healing Timeline and Expectations

Days 1-3

Expect significant swelling and pain. Your tongue will be sore and difficult to move. Stick to soft, cold foods and avoid hot, spicy, or acidic drinks.

Days 4-7

Swelling and pain gradually subside. You may start to experience some bleeding and discharge from the piercing site. Keep the piercing clean and avoid touching it with your hands.

Weeks 2-4

The piercing site begins to heal. Swelling and pain should be minimal. You can start to eat regular foods but still avoid hard or chewy items.

Month 1-2

The piercing is mostly healed but may still be tender. Continue to clean the piercing site and avoid irritating it.

Month 3 and Beyond

The piercing should be fully healed. You can resume all normal activities without restriction.

Common Complications

While tongue piercings are generally safe, some complications can occur, including:

Infection: Keep the piercing site clean to prevent infection.
Swelling: Swelling is common in the first few days and can cause discomfort.
Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal, but excessive bleeding should be checked by a doctor.
Damage to teeth or gums: Tongue piercings can damage teeth or gums if not properly placed or cared for.
Allergic reaction: Some people may develop an allergic reaction to the metal in the piercing jewelry.

Professional Aftercare Instructions

Follow these instructions from a reputable piercing professional:

Day	Action
1-3	Rinse with saltwater (1/4 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) every 2-3 hours.
4-7	Continue saltwater rinses 3-4 times daily.
Week 1	Reduce saltwater rinses to 2-3 times daily.
Months 1-3	Rinse with saltwater once a day or as needed.

Aftercare Instructions for Optimal Recovery

1. Oral Hygiene

Rinse your mouth with a non-alcoholic mouthwash several times a day. Avoid brushing or flossing around the piercing for the first few days.

2. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Both alcohol and smoking can irritate the piercing and delay healing.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and prevent dehydration.

4. Avoid Spicy and Salty Foods

These foods can irritate the wound.

5. Eat Soft Foods

For the first few days, stick to soft foods that are easy to chew without putting pressure on the piercing.

6. Sleep on a Clean Pillowcase

Change your pillowcase daily to prevent bacteria from accumulating near the piercing.

7. Monitor the Piercing

Observe the piercing regularly for any signs of swelling, redness, or discharge.

8. Seek Professional Help If Needed

If you experience any pain, discomfort, or other issues, contact your piercer or a medical professional.

9. Avoid Playing with the Piercing

Constantly touching or moving the piercing can irritate it and delay healing.

10. Healing Timeline and Potential Complications

Piercing size, aftercare, and individual physiology can affect healing time. Typically, tongue piercings take 2-3 weeks to heal initially and 6-8 weeks or more for complete healing. If not cared for properly, complications such as infection, swelling, or tissue damage can occur.

Complication	Symptoms
Infection	Persistent pain, swelling, redness, foul discharge
Swelling	Temporary swelling that may restrict movement or speech
Tissue Damage	Receding gums, tooth damage if piercing is too tight

How to Pierce Your Tongue

Piercing your tongue can be a fun and unique way to express yourself. However, it’s important to do it safely and properly to avoid any complications.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to pierce your tongue:

Gather your materials. You will need a tongue piercing kit, which includes a piercing needle, jewelry, and instructions. You will also need a mirror, a cup of water, and a bandage.
Clean your hands and the piercing area. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then, use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean the piercing area.
Mark the piercing location. Use the piercing needle to mark the spot where you want to pierce your tongue. Be sure to mark it in the center of your tongue.
Insert the piercing needle. Hold the piercing needle perpendicular to your tongue and insert it through the marked spot. Be sure to insert it slowly and carefully to avoid any pain or bleeding.
Insert the jewelry. Once the piercing needle is through your tongue, insert the jewelry into the piercing. Be sure to screw the ball on tightly to secure the jewelry in place.
Rinse your mouth. Use a cup of water to rinse your mouth and remove any blood or saliva.
Apply a bandage. Place a bandage over the piercing to help it heal. Be sure to change the bandage regularly to keep the piercing clean.