{"id":1701526,"date":"2026-01-26T14:26:53","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T11:26:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1701526"},"modified":"2026-01-26T14:26:53","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T11:26:53","slug":"the-case-for-and-against-tongue-piercings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1701526","title":{"rendered":"The Case for (And Against) Tongue Piercings"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><main id=\"main_1-0\" class=\"comp main layout-body--continuous-scroll mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><\/p>\n<article id=\"beauty-article--sc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-article--sc beauty-article mntl-article mntl-article--three-column sc-ad-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"loc article-header\">\n<div id=\"article-header_1-0\" class=\"comp article-header mntl-block article-top\">\n<h1 id=\"article-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-heading mntl-text-block\">The Case for (And Against) Tongue Piercings<\/h1>\n<p id=\"article-subheading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-subheading mntl-text-block\">You might want to rethink your dairy consumption.<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-meta_1-0\" class=\"comp article-meta mntl-article-meta mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"bylines_1-0\" class=\"comp bylines beauty-bylines mntl-bylines\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--author\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item mntl-attribution__item--has-date\"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">By<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"&lt;p&gt;Isabelle has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020. She has worked in digital media for over five years and is an expert on a range of topics, including tattoos, piercings, and culture. Her work can be seen across the web on Backstage Magazine, Merry Jane, Vulture, and more.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Isabelle Lichtenstein<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Isabelle Lichtenstein\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/isabella-f6f796fb158a42d1adfbfade48d07db0-1.webp\" title=\"isabella-f6f796fb158a42d1adfbfade48d07db0-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/isabella-f6f796fb158a42d1adfbfade48d07db0-1.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Isabelle Lichtenstein\" title=\"isabella-f6f796fb158a42d1adfbfade48d07db0-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nIsabelle Lichtenstein\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--x\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--linkedin\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\n<p>Isabelle has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020. She has worked in digital media for over five years and is an expert on a range of topics, including tattoos, piercings, and culture. Her work can be seen across the web on Backstage Magazine, Merry Jane, Vulture, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-date\">Published on January 26, 2026 09:26AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--beauty_wellness_reviewer\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"&lt;p&gt;Cozmo Faris is a professional piercer with more than 12 years of experience who teaches for the Association of Professional Piercers.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Cozmo Faris<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Headshot of tattoo artist Cozmo Faris.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cozmo-683x1024-cozmowhitest-96b803878a0d47198f42ae0d24356b53-1.webp\" title=\"cozmo-683x1024-cozmowhitest-96b803878a0d47198f42ae0d24356b53-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cozmo-683x1024-cozmowhitest-96b803878a0d47198f42ae0d24356b53-1.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Headshot of tattoo artist Cozmo Faris.\" title=\"cozmo-683x1024-cozmowhitest-96b803878a0d47198f42ae0d24356b53-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><br \/>\nCozmo Faris\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\n<p>Cozmo Faris is a professional piercer with more than 12 years of experience who teaches for the Association of Professional Piercers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nAbout Byrdie&#8217;s Beauty &amp; Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-postscript\">Professional Piercer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--fact_checker\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.\u00a0\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Anna Harris<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top mntl-author-tooltip__top--no-image\">\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><br \/>\nAnna Harris\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nAnna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.\u00a0\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nLEARN ABOUT BYRDIE&#8217;S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-left-rail\">\n<div id=\"beauty-sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-sticky-toc mntl-block js-sticky-container sticky-toc__wrapper\">\n<div id=\"sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp sticky-toc mntl-universal-sticky-toc mntl-sticky-toc mntl-block sticky-toc-widget\" data-desktop-bp=\"70em\">\n<div id=\"toc-wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp toc-wrapper mntl-toc mntl-block\" data-chop-mobile=\"true\" data-offset=\"60\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__inner_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__inner mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading mntl-block js-toc-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle__btn_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle__btn mntl-text-block js-mntl-toc-toggle text-label-300\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" data-collapsed-text=\"View All\" data-expanded-text=\"View Less\">View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__mobile-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__mobile-toggle mntl-block js-sticky-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-toc__list_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list mntl-toc__list-heading expert-content text-utility-300\">\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">What Is a Tongue Piercing?<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">What to Expect<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Pain<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Healing Time<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Aftercare<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Side Effects<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">How to Change<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Cost<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Jewelry<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">FAQs<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tongue-piercing-2-6771166b3ecf451199e0cc05ccc1b051-3.webp\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" alt=\"A person with a tongue piercing holding a lollipop near their mouth\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"tongue-piercing-2-6771166b3ecf451199e0cc05ccc1b051-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tongue-piercing-2-6771166b3ecf451199e0cc05ccc1b051-3.webp\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"A person with a tongue piercing holding a lollipop near their mouth\" title=\"tongue-piercing-2-6771166b3ecf451199e0cc05ccc1b051-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Death to Stock<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>The pain level for a tongue piercing is moderate, generally feeling like pressure rather than sharp pain.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Healing time can take anywhere from four to eight weeks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Proper aftercare, including sea salt rinses and avoiding certain foods, is crucial to prevent infections.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Whether you\u2019re considering the common single-stud tongue piercing or want something completely out there, a tongue piercing can be personalized in terms of placement, jewelry, and style. &#8220;Tongue piercings are a great way to add some decoration to your mouth, as they sit like a pearl inside a clam, and your options for jewelry are limitless,&#8221; says piercer Samantha Josephine. &#8220;Once your piercing has healed and you become used to it, it is a no-fuss piercing that you can enjoy for years.&#8221; We spoke to Josephine along with piercers Josephine and Jacquelyn Dohoney, and dermatologist, Erum Ilyas, MD, about all things tongue piercings, what they entail, and if you should get one. <strong>Keep reading for everything you need to know about tongue piercings.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Samantha Josephine is a Sydney, Australia-based body piercer.<\/li>\n<li>Josephine and Jacquelyn Dohoney are professional piercers at Big Deluxe Tattoo &amp; Piercing in Salt Lake City, Utah.<\/li>\n<li>Erum Ilyas, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of AmberNoon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--ffingredients beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-ffingredients\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Tongue Piercings<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p><strong>Placement:<\/strong> Tongue<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pricing:<\/strong> Anywhere from $35 to $100<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pain level:<\/strong> 4-6\/10<\/p>\n<p><strong>Healing time:<\/strong> A tongue piercing heals fairly quickly, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aftercare:<\/strong> To care for a tongue piercing, wash it two to three times daily with a sea salt rinse and avoid any activity that will cause additional swelling or irritation until it\u2019s fully healed\u2014around four to eight weeks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Is a Tongue Piercing? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A tongue piercing is any body modification that involves piercing a piece of jewelry through the tongue. There are multiple types of tongue piercings:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Midline piercing:<\/strong> The most common type of tongue piercing, it&#8217;s a vertical piercing involving a needle going straight through at one point from top to bottom in the center of the tongue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Venom piercing:<\/strong> A vertical piercing on each side of the tongue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Horizontal piercings: <\/strong>Your piercer will run the needle through the tongue from side to side instead of top to bottom:<\/li>\n<li><strong>Snake eyes piercing:<\/strong> A horizontal tongue piercing toward the top of the tongue that looks like a snake&#8217;s head (<em>Note: According to piercer Cozmo Faris, this is a very unsafe piercing that will most likely result in permanent muscle, nerve, and tooth damage<\/em>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Frenulum piercing:<\/strong> A horizontal piercing of the web of skin beneath the tongue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Surface piercing:<\/strong> The least common type of tongue piercing, it&#8217;s a horizontal piercing with a curved barbell.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What to Expect <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The way a tongue is pierced involves clamping the appendage with forceps to hold the tissue. Then, a needle\u2014typically a 14 gauge, says Dohoney\u2014is pushed through the tongue to create the actual piercing. \u201cSometimes we will use a larger needle if the client requests a larger gauge piece of jewelry, but 14 gauge is standard,\u201d says Dohoney. Then, the jewelry is pushed through behind the needle to complete the piercing process.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Pain <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> While the tongue may seem like a sensitive spot to pierce, thanks to its responsiveness to tastes and touch, it\u2019s actually a relatively low-pain placement choice. Because the needle is just going through connective tissue rather than cartilage or skin, there\u2019s less of a &#8220;pain&#8221; feeling, and it\u2019s considered fairly tolerable. In fact, Josephine says that \u201cthe clamps tend to be more uncomfortable than the piercing itself.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cIt\u2019s more like a weird pressure; it hurts more to bite your tongue,\u201d agrees Dohoney. \u201cA double vertical is a little more painful because it goes directly through the tongue muscle. A horizontal is the most painful because it\u2019s done in an area where the majority of the nerves are.\u201d You may also feel some soreness in the days after your piercing, especially considering the placement. You use your tongue on a daily basis, whether it be for eating or talking, so you\u2019ll certainly feel a bit of pain as your tongue heals while you use it.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Healing Time <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Fortunately, tongue piercings tend to heal quickly, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks, according to Dr. Ilyas. However, be advised that horizontal piercings will take longer than vertical ones.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;Most people heal in four [weeks],&#8221; says Dohoney. &#8220;A horizontal tongue piercing forces the jewelry through the tip of both muscles. With the constant movement of the two muscles that have been forcefully stuck together, it makes it incredibly difficult to heal.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> It\u2019s also common to see slight swelling about two days into the healing process. This may last until the tenth day or so, but it will eventually go down. Keep track of when the swelling is over, though, as you have to change out the jewelry when it does.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Aftercare <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Because the tongue is used so often on a day-to-day basis, and because it\u2019s easy to infect a tongue piercing, it\u2019s extremely important to follow proper aftercare procedures. \u201cIt is important that you remember that this is an open wound in your mouth during healing time,\u201d says Josephine. So talk to your piercer about what they recommend, even if you\u2019ve done your research.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Do <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> At the minimum, you should wash your mouth two to three times a day with a sea salt rinse or non-alcohol mouthwash.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Don&#8217;t <\/span><\/h3>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Do not smoke or use a straw during the healing process because the motion will drastically increase swelling.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid salty, spicy, hot, or sour foods, which can cause irritation.<\/li>\n<li>Steer clear of dairy, as it leaves a thick film on the tongue that may encourage bacterial growth, Josephine tells us.<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;The biggest thing is to stay away from any &#8216;extracurricular activity&#8217; like wet kissing or oral sex,&#8221; says Dohoney.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Side Effects <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cPain, tenderness, and drainage can be seen when the area is not properly cared for,\u201d says Dr. Ilyas. \u201cIn terms of complications, there are both short and long-term consequences.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Swelling:<\/strong> Swelling is when the area around your tongue piercing grows in size and doesn\u2019t go back down. This is a super common side effect of a tongue piercing due to the amount of daily activity a tongue goes through, no matter if it\u2019s freshly pierced or not. If you\u2019re not careful to take all recommended aftercare precautions, swelling is quite easy to cause.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Infection:<\/strong> Infections are when bacteria get into the piercing site and grow\u2014it\u2019s a symptom of a lack of proper aftercare. Infection symptoms normal for tongue piercings include swelling, tenderness, bleeding, and pain. It\u2019s normal to see slight swelling over the first week and notice some redness in the first day or two, but anything that seems abnormal on a tongue piercing is probably the sign of something worse. \u201cIf it\u2019s not cared for, you can get an infection, including yeast infections, also known as thrush,\u201d notes Dohoney.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dental erosion:<\/strong> Dental erosion is when the tooth is slowly worn away by the tongue piercing. You can easily damage your teeth thanks to constantly having a piece of metal rub against the inside of them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Teeth fractures:<\/strong> Research shows that there&#8217;s a strong correlation between enamel fractures and cracking and oral\/tongue piercings. It&#8217;s mostly caused by the piercing getting clamped in between the teeth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-keyfeatures\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Tongue piercings aren&#8217;t as painful as you might think\u2014but that doesn&#8217;t mean they&#8217;re completely pain free.<\/li>\n<li>Proper aftercare is incredibly important to avoid complications like infections and swelling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How to Change Out a Tongue Piercing <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cChanging tongue piercings to a shorter barbell is highly recommended once it heals,\u201d says Dohoney. \u201cIf you don\u2019t, you will have issues with chipping your teeth, biting the jewelry, gum recession behind the teeth, and even swallowing the jewelry.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Changing out a tongue piercing is completely possible, and in most cases, can be done by yourself at home. To do so, stick out your tongue, grab the two beads on either side of the barbell, and twist until one comes off. Then, pull the bar out and place your new piece of jewelry through the hole. Twist the new jewelry\u2019s beads until tight, and you\u2019re all set.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> However, it\u2019s a good idea to see your piercer for the first jewelry change, says Josephine, to be sure you\u2019re causing as little trauma to the still-healing wound as possible and to avoid any potential infection thanks to incompetence or accident. \u201cThe mouth is filled with virulent bacteria, so it is important to be cautious,\u201d agrees Dr. Ilyas.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Cost of a Tongue Piercing <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Like any piercing, the price of a tongue piercing will vary depending on your specific circumstances\u2014that includes your geographical location, the shop\/piercer you choose, the exact piercing, and more. In general, a tongue piercing will run from $35 to $100. Also, don\u2019t forget that piercings come with two charges: the actual piercing and the jewelry. Be prepared to pay a good price for quality jewelry\u2014something you definitely shouldn\u2019t skimp on.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_51-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Jewelry Used for a Tongue Piercing <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_52-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cThe most common jewelry used is a ball-shaped piercing, with cone and cylindrical being far less common,\u201d says Dr. Ilyas. A barbell is, at the basic level, a metal bar with a small bead affixed on both ends; typically one is removable and one isn\u2019t. A barbell is inserted in a tongue piercing by pushing it through behind the needle. For tongue piercings, barbells must be straight: &#8220;Any tongue piercing that would require a curved barbell just shouldn&#8217;t be done in the first place,&#8221; says Faris.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_54-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Regarding materials, Dohoney uses surgical-grade stainless steel barbells or implant-grade titanium barbells \u2014whichever clients prefer.\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_56-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Implant-grade stainless steel<\/strong>: The most common type of metal used to make jewelry for piercings is stainless steel, specifically implant-grade. There are very few problems with using stainless steel, and it comes in so many variations, so it\u2019s tolerated by most. However, those with a nickel allergy should avoid this metal, as it might irritate their skin.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Titanium: <\/strong>Titanium doesn\u2019t contain nickel so it won\u2019t cause any irritation to the piercing site or other allergic reaction. Titanium also comes in various colors and styles, is lightweight, and won\u2019t corrode.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_58-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Whatever you decide, know that choosing your jewelry material is incredibly important. Studies have shown there is a significant correlation between piercings and allergies to nickle and cobalt.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_60-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-faq--expanded beauty-sc-block-faq mntl-sc-block-faq mntl-block is-expanded\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__title mntl-text-block\">FAQ<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__content mntl-accordion \" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"1\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_1-0-section-0\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">How do I eat with a tongue piercing?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>After getting your tongue pierced, you&#8217;ll likely feel soreness. It&#8217;s best to avoid hard, crunchy foods and stick with liquids such as smoothies, yogurt, broths, and applesauce. Also, ensure your foods are cold\u2014hot foods can be irritating on a new piercing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"2\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_2-0-section-1\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">Do tongue piercings make your breath smell?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>Plaque buildup is responsible for foul breath, and having a tongue piercing can give plaque another area to build up on. To avoid this, regularly clean your tongue piercing with an antimicrobial or antibacterial mouth rinse.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"3\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_3-0-section-2\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">Will a tongue piercing close overnight?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>Because tongue piercings have an &#8220;automatic healing&#8221; function, they are prone to closing quickly. For this reason, it&#8217;s important to avoid removing your piercing as it heals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block u-article-styles\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"citation-sources__text_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources__text mntl-text-block\">Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>Malcangi G, Patano A, Palmieri G, et al. Oral piercing: a pretty risk\u2014a scoping review of local and systemic complications of this current widespread fashion. <em>Int J Environ Res Public Health<\/em>. 2023;20(9):5744.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-post-content\">\n<div id=\"beauty-breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read more:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block text-label-300 breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Body<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Tattoos &amp; Piercings<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div id=\"recirc_1-0\" class=\"comp recirc mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h2 id=\"recirc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp recirc__heading mntl-text-block\">Related Stories<\/h2>\n<ul id=\"card-list-1_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list-1 card-list mntl-block l-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"card-list__item_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Three gold hoop earrings displayed on the petal of a flower\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/snug-piercing-1-7d111514405b4b67886f07158ef5569f-6.webp\" title=\"snug-piercing-1-7d111514405b4b67886f07158ef5569f-6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/snug-piercing-1-7d111514405b4b67886f07158ef5569f-6.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Three gold hoop earrings displayed on the petal of a flower\" title=\"snug-piercing-1-7d111514405b4b67886f07158ef5569f-6\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Snug Piercings Are the Sleeper Hit of Your Ear Stack\u2014Here&#8217;s What to Know About Pain Level and Healing Time<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_2-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Dylan Marino wears a slicked back bun hairstyle, ear piercings, earplugs, and black rectangular sunglasses while outside\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/imgi_1_582608717_18538729114004262_1170648309542737979_n-c82cbc19b7a04899aadfa4d0c6804d4b-1.webp\" title=\"imgi_1_582608717_18538729114004262_1170648309542737979_n-c82cbc19b7a04899aadfa4d0c6804d4b-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/imgi_1_582608717_18538729114004262_1170648309542737979_n-c82cbc19b7a04899aadfa4d0c6804d4b-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Dylan Marino wears a slicked back bun hairstyle, ear piercings, earplugs, and black rectangular sunglasses while outside\" title=\"imgi_1_582608717_18538729114004262_1170648309542737979_n-c82cbc19b7a04899aadfa4d0c6804d4b-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">I Have 40 Ear Piercings (Yes, Actually)\u2014But These 7 Hurt the Most<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_3-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Person with a nose ring posing with hair swept outdoors\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/nose-ring-2-059cb958c7eb4fa683f64ad6372f5b58-1.webp\" title=\"nose-ring-2-059cb958c7eb4fa683f64ad6372f5b58-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" 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src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/fkatwigs_conch-44cf3c5cb5d541dc9e9e7a6d613a4a1b-1.webp\" title=\"fkatwigs_conch-44cf3c5cb5d541dc9e9e7a6d613a4a1b-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/fkatwigs_conch-44cf3c5cb5d541dc9e9e7a6d613a4a1b-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Close up of the singer FKA Twigs with several piercings in her conch\" title=\"fkatwigs_conch-44cf3c5cb5d541dc9e9e7a6d613a4a1b-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Conch Piercings 101: What to Know Before You Pierce<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_5-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A woman's profile showing an ear piercing along with multiple nose piercings\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/piercinghealing-1d1e1a397b614505942912697a253b54-1.webp\" title=\"piercinghealing-1d1e1a397b614505942912697a253b54-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/piercinghealing-1d1e1a397b614505942912697a253b54-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A woman's profile showing an ear piercing along with multiple nose piercings\" title=\"piercinghealing-1d1e1a397b614505942912697a253b54-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">If Your Piercing Hole Closes, Here&#8217;s What Dermatologists Recommend<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_6-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A woman from the nose down with hoop piercings on each nostril and tooth gems\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/nostrilpiercings-c8958ab107bf416daa110ccacfc16006-1.webp\" title=\"nostrilpiercings-c8958ab107bf416daa110ccacfc16006-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/nostrilpiercings-c8958ab107bf416daa110ccacfc16006-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A woman from the nose down with hoop piercings on each nostril and tooth gems\" title=\"nostrilpiercings-c8958ab107bf416daa110ccacfc16006-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Nostril Piercings 101: Everything You Need to Know, According to Experts<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_7-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A swan tattoo placed on the back of someone's arm.\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/swanlede-d23d529a9c374d86bff73636c0e92814-2.webp\" title=\"swanlede-d23d529a9c374d86bff73636c0e92814-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/swanlede-d23d529a9c374d86bff73636c0e92814-2.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A swan tattoo placed on the back of someone's arm.\" title=\"swanlede-d23d529a9c374d86bff73636c0e92814-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Swan Tattoos Are the Elegant Trend Taking Over This Winter<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_8-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A young woman touches her head, piercings visible in her ears and nose\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/stocksy_txp2de8756buxh300_medium_3430887-2bfceea2dc224fd2add2025b88c6cc07-1.webp\" title=\"stocksy_txp2de8756buxh300_medium_3430887-2bfceea2dc224fd2add2025b88c6cc07-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/stocksy_txp2de8756buxh300_medium_3430887-2bfceea2dc224fd2add2025b88c6cc07-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A young woman touches her head, piercings visible in her ears and nose\" title=\"stocksy_txp2de8756buxh300_medium_3430887-2bfceea2dc224fd2add2025b88c6cc07-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">12 Ways to Get Rid of Piercing Bumps, According to Pros<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul id=\"card-list-2_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list-2 card-list mntl-block l-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"card-list__item_9-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Closeup of a person wearing a pink hat and gloves lips slightly parted\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lip-filler-2-fb931c40481145bba9f091d70f222789-10.webp\" title=\"lip-filler-2-fb931c40481145bba9f091d70f222789-10\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lip-filler-2-fb931c40481145bba9f091d70f222789-10.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Closeup of a person wearing a pink hat and gloves lips slightly parted\" title=\"lip-filler-2-fb931c40481145bba9f091d70f222789-10\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Lip Filler Aftercare: The 15 Tips That Actually Make a Difference<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_10-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Close-up of an ear with multiple earrings and a hand touching the side of the face\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/491441275_690826793602419_6176827257514487011_n-bac784bb10084a7d9b710dc93f7084f1-1.webp\" title=\"491441275_690826793602419_6176827257514487011_n-bac784bb10084a7d9b710dc93f7084f1-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/491441275_690826793602419_6176827257514487011_n-bac784bb10084a7d9b710dc93f7084f1-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Close-up of an ear with multiple earrings and a hand touching the side of the face\" title=\"491441275_690826793602419_6176827257514487011_n-bac784bb10084a7d9b710dc93f7084f1-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">9 Easiest Piercings That Heal Quickly, From Lobes to Lips<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_11-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"diagram of forward helix piercing on woman's ear\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/forward-helix-b77df9cf21b94870aaf0e22e59dfa699.webp\" title=\"forward-helix-b77df9cf21b94870aaf0e22e59dfa699\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/forward-helix-b77df9cf21b94870aaf0e22e59dfa699.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"diagram of forward helix piercing on woman's ear\" title=\"forward-helix-b77df9cf21b94870aaf0e22e59dfa699\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Thinking of Getting a Forward Helix Piercing? Here\u2019s Everything You Need to Know<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_12-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Close up of an ear with an industrial bar piercing\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/industrialpiercing-58a62fe5017b4765ac1a5eeff005502c.webp\" title=\"industrialpiercing-58a62fe5017b4765ac1a5eeff005502c\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/industrialpiercing-58a62fe5017b4765ac1a5eeff005502c.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Close up of an ear with an industrial bar piercing\" title=\"industrialpiercing-58a62fe5017b4765ac1a5eeff005502c\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Industrial Piercings: What Expect About Pain Level, Healing, and Aftercare<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_13-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"woman with nose hoop piercing\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/piercing-0e29ea823b4548c08ee5f0ffc6825b20.webp\" title=\"piercing-0e29ea823b4548c08ee5f0ffc6825b20\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/piercing-0e29ea823b4548c08ee5f0ffc6825b20.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"woman with nose hoop piercing\" title=\"piercing-0e29ea823b4548c08ee5f0ffc6825b20\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">How to Use Sea Salt Soaks on a New Piercing, According to Dermatologists<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_14-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Kehlani Parrish, Zoe Kravitz, and Miryam Lumpini highlighting tattoo placement and design\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr_tattooplacement_leadrecirc-66cd4f3f92c7463f9b5723b98fae2fbd-1.webp\" title=\"byr_tattooplacement_leadrecirc-66cd4f3f92c7463f9b5723b98fae2fbd-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr_tattooplacement_leadrecirc-66cd4f3f92c7463f9b5723b98fae2fbd-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Kehlani Parrish, Zoe Kravitz, and Miryam Lumpini highlighting tattoo placement and design\" title=\"byr_tattooplacement_leadrecirc-66cd4f3f92c7463f9b5723b98fae2fbd-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Tattoo Placement 101: The Ultimate Guide, From Pain Level to Healing Time<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_15-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A woman with a tattoo sleeve\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tattooingoverscars-466266d968f949419cb7ed2bcbff16cd.webp\" title=\"tattooingoverscars-466266d968f949419cb7ed2bcbff16cd\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tattooingoverscars-466266d968f949419cb7ed2bcbff16cd.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A woman with a tattoo sleeve\" title=\"tattooingoverscars-466266d968f949419cb7ed2bcbff16cd\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The Truth About Tattooing Over Scars, According to Experts <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_16-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Ginger root and sliced ginger arranged artistically\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ginger-1-d42df699c9d642aa83908b2b09e30ad5-7.webp\" title=\"ginger-1-d42df699c9d642aa83908b2b09e30ad5-7\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ginger-1-d42df699c9d642aa83908b2b09e30ad5-7.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Ginger root and sliced ginger arranged artistically\" title=\"ginger-1-d42df699c9d642aa83908b2b09e30ad5-7\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The Benefits of Using Ginger for Skin, According to Dermatologists<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/main><\/p>\n<article id=\"beauty-article--sc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-article--sc beauty-article mntl-article mntl-article--three-column sc-ad-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"loc article-header\">\n<div id=\"article-header_1-0\" class=\"comp article-header mntl-block article-top\">\n<h1 id=\"article-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-heading mntl-text-block\">The Case for (And Against) Tongue Piercings<\/h1>\n<p id=\"article-subheading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-subheading mntl-text-block\">You might want to rethink your dairy consumption.<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-meta_1-0\" class=\"comp article-meta mntl-article-meta mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"bylines_1-0\" class=\"comp bylines beauty-bylines mntl-bylines\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--author\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item mntl-attribution__item--has-date\"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">By<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"&lt;p&gt;Isabelle has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020. She has worked in digital media for over five years and is an expert on a range of topics, including tattoos, piercings, and culture. Her work can be seen across the web on Backstage Magazine, Merry Jane, Vulture, and more.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Isabelle Lichtenstein<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Isabelle Lichtenstein\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/isabella-f6f796fb158a42d1adfbfade48d07db0-1.webp\" title=\"isabella-f6f796fb158a42d1adfbfade48d07db0-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/isabella-f6f796fb158a42d1adfbfade48d07db0-1.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Isabelle Lichtenstein\" title=\"isabella-f6f796fb158a42d1adfbfade48d07db0-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nIsabelle Lichtenstein\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--x\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--linkedin\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\n<p>Isabelle has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020. She has worked in digital media for over five years and is an expert on a range of topics, including tattoos, piercings, and culture. Her work can be seen across the web on Backstage Magazine, Merry Jane, Vulture, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-date\">Published on January 26, 2026 09:26AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--beauty_wellness_reviewer\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"&lt;p&gt;Cozmo Faris is a professional piercer with more than 12 years of experience who teaches for the Association of Professional Piercers.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Cozmo Faris<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Headshot of tattoo artist Cozmo Faris.\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cozmo-683x1024-cozmowhitest-96b803878a0d47198f42ae0d24356b53-1.webp\" title=\"cozmo-683x1024-cozmowhitest-96b803878a0d47198f42ae0d24356b53-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cozmo-683x1024-cozmowhitest-96b803878a0d47198f42ae0d24356b53-1.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Headshot of tattoo artist Cozmo Faris.\" title=\"cozmo-683x1024-cozmowhitest-96b803878a0d47198f42ae0d24356b53-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><br \/>\nCozmo Faris\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\n<p>Cozmo Faris is a professional piercer with more than 12 years of experience who teaches for the Association of Professional Piercers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nAbout Byrdie&#8217;s Beauty &amp; Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-postscript\">Professional Piercer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--fact_checker\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.\u00a0\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Anna Harris<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top mntl-author-tooltip__top--no-image\">\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><br \/>\nAnna Harris\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nAnna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.\u00a0\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nLEARN ABOUT BYRDIE&#8217;S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-left-rail\">\n<div id=\"beauty-sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-sticky-toc mntl-block js-sticky-container sticky-toc__wrapper\">\n<div id=\"sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp sticky-toc mntl-universal-sticky-toc mntl-sticky-toc mntl-block sticky-toc-widget\" data-desktop-bp=\"70em\">\n<div id=\"toc-wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp toc-wrapper mntl-toc mntl-block\" data-chop-mobile=\"true\" data-offset=\"60\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__inner_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__inner mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading mntl-block js-toc-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle__btn_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle__btn mntl-text-block js-mntl-toc-toggle text-label-300\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" data-collapsed-text=\"View All\" data-expanded-text=\"View Less\">View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__mobile-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__mobile-toggle mntl-block js-sticky-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-toc__list_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list mntl-toc__list-heading expert-content text-utility-300\">\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">What Is a Tongue Piercing?<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">What to Expect<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Pain<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Healing Time<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Aftercare<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Side Effects<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">How to Change<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Cost<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Jewelry<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">FAQs<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tongue-piercing-2-6771166b3ecf451199e0cc05ccc1b051-3.webp\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" alt=\"A person with a tongue piercing holding a lollipop near their mouth\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"tongue-piercing-2-6771166b3ecf451199e0cc05ccc1b051-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tongue-piercing-2-6771166b3ecf451199e0cc05ccc1b051-3.webp\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"A person with a tongue piercing holding a lollipop near their mouth\" title=\"tongue-piercing-2-6771166b3ecf451199e0cc05ccc1b051-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Death to Stock<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>The pain level for a tongue piercing is moderate, generally feeling like pressure rather than sharp pain.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Healing time can take anywhere from four to eight weeks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Proper aftercare, including sea salt rinses and avoiding certain foods, is crucial to prevent infections.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Whether you\u2019re considering the common single-stud tongue piercing or want something completely out there, a tongue piercing can be personalized in terms of placement, jewelry, and style. &#8220;Tongue piercings are a great way to add some decoration to your mouth, as they sit like a pearl inside a clam, and your options for jewelry are limitless,&#8221; says piercer Samantha Josephine. &#8220;Once your piercing has healed and you become used to it, it is a no-fuss piercing that you can enjoy for years.&#8221; We spoke to Josephine along with piercers Josephine and Jacquelyn Dohoney, and dermatologist, Erum Ilyas, MD, about all things tongue piercings, what they entail, and if you should get one. <strong>Keep reading for everything you need to know about tongue piercings.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Samantha Josephine is a Sydney, Australia-based body piercer.<\/li>\n<li>Josephine and Jacquelyn Dohoney are professional piercers at Big Deluxe Tattoo &amp; Piercing in Salt Lake City, Utah.<\/li>\n<li>Erum Ilyas, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of AmberNoon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--ffingredients beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-ffingredients\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Tongue Piercings<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p><strong>Placement:<\/strong> Tongue<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pricing:<\/strong> Anywhere from $35 to $100<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pain level:<\/strong> 4-6\/10<\/p>\n<p><strong>Healing time:<\/strong> A tongue piercing heals fairly quickly, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aftercare:<\/strong> To care for a tongue piercing, wash it two to three times daily with a sea salt rinse and avoid any activity that will cause additional swelling or irritation until it\u2019s fully healed\u2014around four to eight weeks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Is a Tongue Piercing? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A tongue piercing is any body modification that involves piercing a piece of jewelry through the tongue. There are multiple types of tongue piercings:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Midline piercing:<\/strong> The most common type of tongue piercing, it&#8217;s a vertical piercing involving a needle going straight through at one point from top to bottom in the center of the tongue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Venom piercing:<\/strong> A vertical piercing on each side of the tongue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Horizontal piercings: <\/strong>Your piercer will run the needle through the tongue from side to side instead of top to bottom:<\/li>\n<li><strong>Snake eyes piercing:<\/strong> A horizontal tongue piercing toward the top of the tongue that looks like a snake&#8217;s head (<em>Note: According to piercer Cozmo Faris, this is a very unsafe piercing that will most likely result in permanent muscle, nerve, and tooth damage<\/em>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Frenulum piercing:<\/strong> A horizontal piercing of the web of skin beneath the tongue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Surface piercing:<\/strong> The least common type of tongue piercing, it&#8217;s a horizontal piercing with a curved barbell.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What to Expect <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The way a tongue is pierced involves clamping the appendage with forceps to hold the tissue. Then, a needle\u2014typically a 14 gauge, says Dohoney\u2014is pushed through the tongue to create the actual piercing. \u201cSometimes we will use a larger needle if the client requests a larger gauge piece of jewelry, but 14 gauge is standard,\u201d says Dohoney. Then, the jewelry is pushed through behind the needle to complete the piercing process.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Pain <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> While the tongue may seem like a sensitive spot to pierce, thanks to its responsiveness to tastes and touch, it\u2019s actually a relatively low-pain placement choice. Because the needle is just going through connective tissue rather than cartilage or skin, there\u2019s less of a &#8220;pain&#8221; feeling, and it\u2019s considered fairly tolerable. In fact, Josephine says that \u201cthe clamps tend to be more uncomfortable than the piercing itself.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cIt\u2019s more like a weird pressure; it hurts more to bite your tongue,\u201d agrees Dohoney. \u201cA double vertical is a little more painful because it goes directly through the tongue muscle. A horizontal is the most painful because it\u2019s done in an area where the majority of the nerves are.\u201d You may also feel some soreness in the days after your piercing, especially considering the placement. You use your tongue on a daily basis, whether it be for eating or talking, so you\u2019ll certainly feel a bit of pain as your tongue heals while you use it.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Healing Time <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Fortunately, tongue piercings tend to heal quickly, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks, according to Dr. Ilyas. However, be advised that horizontal piercings will take longer than vertical ones.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;Most people heal in four [weeks],&#8221; says Dohoney. &#8220;A horizontal tongue piercing forces the jewelry through the tip of both muscles. With the constant movement of the two muscles that have been forcefully stuck together, it makes it incredibly difficult to heal.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> It\u2019s also common to see slight swelling about two days into the healing process. This may last until the tenth day or so, but it will eventually go down. Keep track of when the swelling is over, though, as you have to change out the jewelry when it does.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Aftercare <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Because the tongue is used so often on a day-to-day basis, and because it\u2019s easy to infect a tongue piercing, it\u2019s extremely important to follow proper aftercare procedures. \u201cIt is important that you remember that this is an open wound in your mouth during healing time,\u201d says Josephine. So talk to your piercer about what they recommend, even if you\u2019ve done your research.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Do <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> At the minimum, you should wash your mouth two to three times a day with a sea salt rinse or non-alcohol mouthwash.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Don&#8217;t <\/span><\/h3>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Do not smoke or use a straw during the healing process because the motion will drastically increase swelling.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid salty, spicy, hot, or sour foods, which can cause irritation.<\/li>\n<li>Steer clear of dairy, as it leaves a thick film on the tongue that may encourage bacterial growth, Josephine tells us.<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;The biggest thing is to stay away from any &#8216;extracurricular activity&#8217; like wet kissing or oral sex,&#8221; says Dohoney.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Side Effects <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cPain, tenderness, and drainage can be seen when the area is not properly cared for,\u201d says Dr. Ilyas. \u201cIn terms of complications, there are both short and long-term consequences.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Swelling:<\/strong> Swelling is when the area around your tongue piercing grows in size and doesn\u2019t go back down. This is a super common side effect of a tongue piercing due to the amount of daily activity a tongue goes through, no matter if it\u2019s freshly pierced or not. If you\u2019re not careful to take all recommended aftercare precautions, swelling is quite easy to cause.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Infection:<\/strong> Infections are when bacteria get into the piercing site and grow\u2014it\u2019s a symptom of a lack of proper aftercare. Infection symptoms normal for tongue piercings include swelling, tenderness, bleeding, and pain. It\u2019s normal to see slight swelling over the first week and notice some redness in the first day or two, but anything that seems abnormal on a tongue piercing is probably the sign of something worse. \u201cIf it\u2019s not cared for, you can get an infection, including yeast infections, also known as thrush,\u201d notes Dohoney.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dental erosion:<\/strong> Dental erosion is when the tooth is slowly worn away by the tongue piercing. You can easily damage your teeth thanks to constantly having a piece of metal rub against the inside of them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Teeth fractures:<\/strong> Research shows that there&#8217;s a strong correlation between enamel fractures and cracking and oral\/tongue piercings. It&#8217;s mostly caused by the piercing getting clamped in between the teeth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-keyfeatures\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Tongue piercings aren&#8217;t as painful as you might think\u2014but that doesn&#8217;t mean they&#8217;re completely pain free.<\/li>\n<li>Proper aftercare is incredibly important to avoid complications like infections and swelling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How to Change Out a Tongue Piercing <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cChanging tongue piercings to a shorter barbell is highly recommended once it heals,\u201d says Dohoney. \u201cIf you don\u2019t, you will have issues with chipping your teeth, biting the jewelry, gum recession behind the teeth, and even swallowing the jewelry.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Changing out a tongue piercing is completely possible, and in most cases, can be done by yourself at home. To do so, stick out your tongue, grab the two beads on either side of the barbell, and twist until one comes off. Then, pull the bar out and place your new piece of jewelry through the hole. Twist the new jewelry\u2019s beads until tight, and you\u2019re all set.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> However, it\u2019s a good idea to see your piercer for the first jewelry change, says Josephine, to be sure you\u2019re causing as little trauma to the still-healing wound as possible and to avoid any potential infection thanks to incompetence or accident. \u201cThe mouth is filled with virulent bacteria, so it is important to be cautious,\u201d agrees Dr. Ilyas.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Cost of a Tongue Piercing <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Like any piercing, the price of a tongue piercing will vary depending on your specific circumstances\u2014that includes your geographical location, the shop\/piercer you choose, the exact piercing, and more. In general, a tongue piercing will run from $35 to $100. Also, don\u2019t forget that piercings come with two charges: the actual piercing and the jewelry. Be prepared to pay a good price for quality jewelry\u2014something you definitely shouldn\u2019t skimp on.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_51-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Jewelry Used for a Tongue Piercing <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_52-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cThe most common jewelry used is a ball-shaped piercing, with cone and cylindrical being far less common,\u201d says Dr. Ilyas. A barbell is, at the basic level, a metal bar with a small bead affixed on both ends; typically one is removable and one isn\u2019t. A barbell is inserted in a tongue piercing by pushing it through behind the needle. For tongue piercings, barbells must be straight: &#8220;Any tongue piercing that would require a curved barbell just shouldn&#8217;t be done in the first place,&#8221; says Faris.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_54-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Regarding materials, Dohoney uses surgical-grade stainless steel barbells or implant-grade titanium barbells \u2014whichever clients prefer.\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_56-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Implant-grade stainless steel<\/strong>: The most common type of metal used to make jewelry for piercings is stainless steel, specifically implant-grade. There are very few problems with using stainless steel, and it comes in so many variations, so it\u2019s tolerated by most. However, those with a nickel allergy should avoid this metal, as it might irritate their skin.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Titanium: <\/strong>Titanium doesn\u2019t contain nickel so it won\u2019t cause any irritation to the piercing site or other allergic reaction. Titanium also comes in various colors and styles, is lightweight, and won\u2019t corrode.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_58-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Whatever you decide, know that choosing your jewelry material is incredibly important. Studies have shown there is a significant correlation between piercings and allergies to nickle and cobalt.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_60-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-faq--expanded beauty-sc-block-faq mntl-sc-block-faq mntl-block is-expanded\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__title mntl-text-block\">FAQ<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__content mntl-accordion \" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"1\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_1-0-section-0\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">How do I eat with a tongue piercing?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>After getting your tongue pierced, you&#8217;ll likely feel soreness. It&#8217;s best to avoid hard, crunchy foods and stick with liquids such as smoothies, yogurt, broths, and applesauce. Also, ensure your foods are cold\u2014hot foods can be irritating on a new piercing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"2\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_2-0-section-1\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">Do tongue piercings make your breath smell?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>Plaque buildup is responsible for foul breath, and having a tongue piercing can give plaque another area to build up on. To avoid this, regularly clean your tongue piercing with an antimicrobial or antibacterial mouth rinse.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"3\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_3-0-section-2\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">Will a tongue piercing close overnight?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>Because tongue piercings have an &#8220;automatic healing&#8221; function, they are prone to closing quickly. For this reason, it&#8217;s important to avoid removing your piercing as it heals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block u-article-styles\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"citation-sources__text_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources__text mntl-text-block\">Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>Malcangi G, Patano A, Palmieri G, et al. Oral piercing: a pretty risk\u2014a scoping review of local and systemic complications of this current widespread fashion. <em>Int J Environ Res Public Health<\/em>. 2023;20(9):5744.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-post-content\">\n<div id=\"beauty-breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read more:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block text-label-300 breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Body<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Tattoos &amp; Piercings<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tongue-piercing-2-6771166b3ecf451199e0cc05ccc1b051-3.webp\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" alt=\"A person with a tongue piercing holding a lollipop near their mouth\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"tongue-piercing-2-6771166b3ecf451199e0cc05ccc1b051-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tongue-piercing-2-6771166b3ecf451199e0cc05ccc1b051-3.webp\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"A person with a tongue piercing holding a lollipop near their mouth\" title=\"tongue-piercing-2-6771166b3ecf451199e0cc05ccc1b051-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Death to Stock<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>The pain level for a tongue piercing is moderate, generally feeling like pressure rather than sharp pain.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Healing time can take anywhere from four to eight weeks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Proper aftercare, including sea salt rinses and avoiding certain foods, is crucial to prevent infections.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Whether you\u2019re considering the common single-stud tongue piercing or want something completely out there, a tongue piercing can be personalized in terms of placement, jewelry, and style. &#8220;Tongue piercings are a great way to add some decoration to your mouth, as they sit like a pearl inside a clam, and your options for jewelry are limitless,&#8221; says piercer Samantha Josephine. &#8220;Once your piercing has healed and you become used to it, it is a no-fuss piercing that you can enjoy for years.&#8221; We spoke to Josephine along with piercers Josephine and Jacquelyn Dohoney, and dermatologist, Erum Ilyas, MD, about all things tongue piercings, what they entail, and if you should get one. <strong>Keep reading for everything you need to know about tongue piercings.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Samantha Josephine is a Sydney, Australia-based body piercer.<\/li>\n<li>Josephine and Jacquelyn Dohoney are professional piercers at Big Deluxe Tattoo &amp; Piercing in Salt Lake City, Utah.<\/li>\n<li>Erum Ilyas, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of AmberNoon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--ffingredients beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-ffingredients\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Tongue Piercings<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p><strong>Placement:<\/strong> Tongue<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pricing:<\/strong> Anywhere from $35 to $100<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pain level:<\/strong> 4-6\/10<\/p>\n<p><strong>Healing time:<\/strong> A tongue piercing heals fairly quickly, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aftercare:<\/strong> To care for a tongue piercing, wash it two to three times daily with a sea salt rinse and avoid any activity that will cause additional swelling or irritation until it\u2019s fully healed\u2014around four to eight weeks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Is a Tongue Piercing? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A tongue piercing is any body modification that involves piercing a piece of jewelry through the tongue. There are multiple types of tongue piercings:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Midline piercing:<\/strong> The most common type of tongue piercing, it&#8217;s a vertical piercing involving a needle going straight through at one point from top to bottom in the center of the tongue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Venom piercing:<\/strong> A vertical piercing on each side of the tongue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Horizontal piercings: <\/strong>Your piercer will run the needle through the tongue from side to side instead of top to bottom:<\/li>\n<li><strong>Snake eyes piercing:<\/strong> A horizontal tongue piercing toward the top of the tongue that looks like a snake&#8217;s head (<em>Note: According to piercer Cozmo Faris, this is a very unsafe piercing that will most likely result in permanent muscle, nerve, and tooth damage<\/em>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Frenulum piercing:<\/strong> A horizontal piercing of the web of skin beneath the tongue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Surface piercing:<\/strong> The least common type of tongue piercing, it&#8217;s a horizontal piercing with a curved barbell.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What to Expect <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The way a tongue is pierced involves clamping the appendage with forceps to hold the tissue. Then, a needle\u2014typically a 14 gauge, says Dohoney\u2014is pushed through the tongue to create the actual piercing. \u201cSometimes we will use a larger needle if the client requests a larger gauge piece of jewelry, but 14 gauge is standard,\u201d says Dohoney. Then, the jewelry is pushed through behind the needle to complete the piercing process.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Pain <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> While the tongue may seem like a sensitive spot to pierce, thanks to its responsiveness to tastes and touch, it\u2019s actually a relatively low-pain placement choice. Because the needle is just going through connective tissue rather than cartilage or skin, there\u2019s less of a &#8220;pain&#8221; feeling, and it\u2019s considered fairly tolerable. In fact, Josephine says that \u201cthe clamps tend to be more uncomfortable than the piercing itself.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cIt\u2019s more like a weird pressure; it hurts more to bite your tongue,\u201d agrees Dohoney. \u201cA double vertical is a little more painful because it goes directly through the tongue muscle. A horizontal is the most painful because it\u2019s done in an area where the majority of the nerves are.\u201d You may also feel some soreness in the days after your piercing, especially considering the placement. You use your tongue on a daily basis, whether it be for eating or talking, so you\u2019ll certainly feel a bit of pain as your tongue heals while you use it.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Healing Time <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Fortunately, tongue piercings tend to heal quickly, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks, according to Dr. Ilyas. However, be advised that horizontal piercings will take longer than vertical ones.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;Most people heal in four [weeks],&#8221; says Dohoney. &#8220;A horizontal tongue piercing forces the jewelry through the tip of both muscles. With the constant movement of the two muscles that have been forcefully stuck together, it makes it incredibly difficult to heal.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> It\u2019s also common to see slight swelling about two days into the healing process. This may last until the tenth day or so, but it will eventually go down. Keep track of when the swelling is over, though, as you have to change out the jewelry when it does.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Aftercare <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Because the tongue is used so often on a day-to-day basis, and because it\u2019s easy to infect a tongue piercing, it\u2019s extremely important to follow proper aftercare procedures. \u201cIt is important that you remember that this is an open wound in your mouth during healing time,\u201d says Josephine. So talk to your piercer about what they recommend, even if you\u2019ve done your research.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Do <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> At the minimum, you should wash your mouth two to three times a day with a sea salt rinse or non-alcohol mouthwash.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Don&#8217;t <\/span><\/h3>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Do not smoke or use a straw during the healing process because the motion will drastically increase swelling.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid salty, spicy, hot, or sour foods, which can cause irritation.<\/li>\n<li>Steer clear of dairy, as it leaves a thick film on the tongue that may encourage bacterial growth, Josephine tells us.<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;The biggest thing is to stay away from any &#8216;extracurricular activity&#8217; like wet kissing or oral sex,&#8221; says Dohoney.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Side Effects <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cPain, tenderness, and drainage can be seen when the area is not properly cared for,\u201d says Dr. Ilyas. \u201cIn terms of complications, there are both short and long-term consequences.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Swelling:<\/strong> Swelling is when the area around your tongue piercing grows in size and doesn\u2019t go back down. This is a super common side effect of a tongue piercing due to the amount of daily activity a tongue goes through, no matter if it\u2019s freshly pierced or not. If you\u2019re not careful to take all recommended aftercare precautions, swelling is quite easy to cause.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Infection:<\/strong> Infections are when bacteria get into the piercing site and grow\u2014it\u2019s a symptom of a lack of proper aftercare. Infection symptoms normal for tongue piercings include swelling, tenderness, bleeding, and pain. It\u2019s normal to see slight swelling over the first week and notice some redness in the first day or two, but anything that seems abnormal on a tongue piercing is probably the sign of something worse. \u201cIf it\u2019s not cared for, you can get an infection, including yeast infections, also known as thrush,\u201d notes Dohoney.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dental erosion:<\/strong> Dental erosion is when the tooth is slowly worn away by the tongue piercing. You can easily damage your teeth thanks to constantly having a piece of metal rub against the inside of them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Teeth fractures:<\/strong> Research shows that there&#8217;s a strong correlation between enamel fractures and cracking and oral\/tongue piercings. It&#8217;s mostly caused by the piercing getting clamped in between the teeth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-keyfeatures\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Tongue piercings aren&#8217;t as painful as you might think\u2014but that doesn&#8217;t mean they&#8217;re completely pain free.<\/li>\n<li>Proper aftercare is incredibly important to avoid complications like infections and swelling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How to Change Out a Tongue Piercing <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cChanging tongue piercings to a shorter barbell is highly recommended once it heals,\u201d says Dohoney. \u201cIf you don\u2019t, you will have issues with chipping your teeth, biting the jewelry, gum recession behind the teeth, and even swallowing the jewelry.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Changing out a tongue piercing is completely possible, and in most cases, can be done by yourself at home. To do so, stick out your tongue, grab the two beads on either side of the barbell, and twist until one comes off. Then, pull the bar out and place your new piece of jewelry through the hole. Twist the new jewelry\u2019s beads until tight, and you\u2019re all set.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> However, it\u2019s a good idea to see your piercer for the first jewelry change, says Josephine, to be sure you\u2019re causing as little trauma to the still-healing wound as possible and to avoid any potential infection thanks to incompetence or accident. \u201cThe mouth is filled with virulent bacteria, so it is important to be cautious,\u201d agrees Dr. Ilyas.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Cost of a Tongue Piercing <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Like any piercing, the price of a tongue piercing will vary depending on your specific circumstances\u2014that includes your geographical location, the shop\/piercer you choose, the exact piercing, and more. In general, a tongue piercing will run from $35 to $100. Also, don\u2019t forget that piercings come with two charges: the actual piercing and the jewelry. Be prepared to pay a good price for quality jewelry\u2014something you definitely shouldn\u2019t skimp on.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_51-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Jewelry Used for a Tongue Piercing <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_52-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cThe most common jewelry used is a ball-shaped piercing, with cone and cylindrical being far less common,\u201d says Dr. Ilyas. A barbell is, at the basic level, a metal bar with a small bead affixed on both ends; typically one is removable and one isn\u2019t. A barbell is inserted in a tongue piercing by pushing it through behind the needle. For tongue piercings, barbells must be straight: &#8220;Any tongue piercing that would require a curved barbell just shouldn&#8217;t be done in the first place,&#8221; says Faris.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_54-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Regarding materials, Dohoney uses surgical-grade stainless steel barbells or implant-grade titanium barbells \u2014whichever clients prefer.\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_56-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Implant-grade stainless steel<\/strong>: The most common type of metal used to make jewelry for piercings is stainless steel, specifically implant-grade. There are very few problems with using stainless steel, and it comes in so many variations, so it\u2019s tolerated by most. However, those with a nickel allergy should avoid this metal, as it might irritate their skin.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Titanium: <\/strong>Titanium doesn\u2019t contain nickel so it won\u2019t cause any irritation to the piercing site or other allergic reaction. Titanium also comes in various colors and styles, is lightweight, and won\u2019t corrode.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_58-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Whatever you decide, know that choosing your jewelry material is incredibly important. Studies have shown there is a significant correlation between piercings and allergies to nickle and cobalt.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_60-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-faq--expanded beauty-sc-block-faq mntl-sc-block-faq mntl-block is-expanded\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__title mntl-text-block\">FAQ<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__content mntl-accordion \" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"1\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_1-0-section-0\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">How do I eat with a tongue piercing?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>After getting your tongue pierced, you&#8217;ll likely feel soreness. It&#8217;s best to avoid hard, crunchy foods and stick with liquids such as smoothies, yogurt, broths, and applesauce. Also, ensure your foods are cold\u2014hot foods can be irritating on a new piercing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"2\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_2-0-section-1\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">Do tongue piercings make your breath smell?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>Plaque buildup is responsible for foul breath, and having a tongue piercing can give plaque another area to build up on. To avoid this, regularly clean your tongue piercing with an antimicrobial or antibacterial mouth rinse.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"3\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_3-0-section-2\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">Will a tongue piercing close overnight?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>Because tongue piercings have an &#8220;automatic healing&#8221; function, they are prone to closing quickly. For this reason, it&#8217;s important to avoid removing your piercing as it heals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block u-article-styles\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"citation-sources__text_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources__text mntl-text-block\">Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>Malcangi G, Patano A, Palmieri G, et al. Oral piercing: a pretty risk\u2014a scoping review of local and systemic complications of this current widespread fashion. <em>Int J Environ Res Public Health<\/em>. 2023;20(9):5744.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>The pain level for a tongue piercing is moderate, generally feeling like pressure rather than sharp pain.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Healing time can take anywhere from four to eight weeks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Proper aftercare, including sea salt rinses and avoiding certain foods, is crucial to prevent infections.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Whether you\u2019re considering the common single-stud tongue piercing or want something completely out there, a tongue piercing can be personalized in terms of placement, jewelry, and style. &#8220;Tongue piercings are a great way to add some decoration to your mouth, as they sit like a pearl inside a clam, and your options for jewelry are limitless,&#8221; says piercer Samantha Josephine. &#8220;Once your piercing has healed and you become used to it, it is a no-fuss piercing that you can enjoy for years.&#8221; We spoke to Josephine along with piercers Josephine and Jacquelyn Dohoney, and dermatologist, Erum Ilyas, MD, about all things tongue piercings, what they entail, and if you should get one. <strong>Keep reading for everything you need to know about tongue piercings.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Samantha Josephine is a Sydney, Australia-based body piercer.<\/li>\n<li>Josephine and Jacquelyn Dohoney are professional piercers at Big Deluxe Tattoo &amp; Piercing in Salt Lake City, Utah.<\/li>\n<li>Erum Ilyas, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of AmberNoon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--ffingredients beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-ffingredients\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Tongue Piercings<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<p><strong>Placement:<\/strong> Tongue<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pricing:<\/strong> Anywhere from $35 to $100<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pain level:<\/strong> 4-6\/10<\/p>\n<p><strong>Healing time:<\/strong> A tongue piercing heals fairly quickly, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aftercare:<\/strong> To care for a tongue piercing, wash it two to three times daily with a sea salt rinse and avoid any activity that will cause additional swelling or irritation until it\u2019s fully healed\u2014around four to eight weeks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Is a Tongue Piercing? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> A tongue piercing is any body modification that involves piercing a piece of jewelry through the tongue. There are multiple types of tongue piercings:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Midline piercing:<\/strong> The most common type of tongue piercing, it&#8217;s a vertical piercing involving a needle going straight through at one point from top to bottom in the center of the tongue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Venom piercing:<\/strong> A vertical piercing on each side of the tongue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Horizontal piercings: <\/strong>Your piercer will run the needle through the tongue from side to side instead of top to bottom:<\/li>\n<li><strong>Snake eyes piercing:<\/strong> A horizontal tongue piercing toward the top of the tongue that looks like a snake&#8217;s head (<em>Note: According to piercer Cozmo Faris, this is a very unsafe piercing that will most likely result in permanent muscle, nerve, and tooth damage<\/em>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Frenulum piercing:<\/strong> A horizontal piercing of the web of skin beneath the tongue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Surface piercing:<\/strong> The least common type of tongue piercing, it&#8217;s a horizontal piercing with a curved barbell.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What to Expect <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The way a tongue is pierced involves clamping the appendage with forceps to hold the tissue. Then, a needle\u2014typically a 14 gauge, says Dohoney\u2014is pushed through the tongue to create the actual piercing. \u201cSometimes we will use a larger needle if the client requests a larger gauge piece of jewelry, but 14 gauge is standard,\u201d says Dohoney. Then, the jewelry is pushed through behind the needle to complete the piercing process.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Pain <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> While the tongue may seem like a sensitive spot to pierce, thanks to its responsiveness to tastes and touch, it\u2019s actually a relatively low-pain placement choice. Because the needle is just going through connective tissue rather than cartilage or skin, there\u2019s less of a &#8220;pain&#8221; feeling, and it\u2019s considered fairly tolerable. In fact, Josephine says that \u201cthe clamps tend to be more uncomfortable than the piercing itself.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cIt\u2019s more like a weird pressure; it hurts more to bite your tongue,\u201d agrees Dohoney. \u201cA double vertical is a little more painful because it goes directly through the tongue muscle. A horizontal is the most painful because it\u2019s done in an area where the majority of the nerves are.\u201d You may also feel some soreness in the days after your piercing, especially considering the placement. You use your tongue on a daily basis, whether it be for eating or talking, so you\u2019ll certainly feel a bit of pain as your tongue heals while you use it.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Healing Time <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Fortunately, tongue piercings tend to heal quickly, taking anywhere from four to eight weeks, according to Dr. Ilyas. However, be advised that horizontal piercings will take longer than vertical ones.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;Most people heal in four [weeks],&#8221; says Dohoney. &#8220;A horizontal tongue piercing forces the jewelry through the tip of both muscles. With the constant movement of the two muscles that have been forcefully stuck together, it makes it incredibly difficult to heal.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> It\u2019s also common to see slight swelling about two days into the healing process. This may last until the tenth day or so, but it will eventually go down. Keep track of when the swelling is over, though, as you have to change out the jewelry when it does.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Aftercare <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Because the tongue is used so often on a day-to-day basis, and because it\u2019s easy to infect a tongue piercing, it\u2019s extremely important to follow proper aftercare procedures. \u201cIt is important that you remember that this is an open wound in your mouth during healing time,\u201d says Josephine. So talk to your piercer about what they recommend, even if you\u2019ve done your research.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Do <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> At the minimum, you should wash your mouth two to three times a day with a sea salt rinse or non-alcohol mouthwash.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Don&#8217;t <\/span><\/h3>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li>Do not smoke or use a straw during the healing process because the motion will drastically increase swelling.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid salty, spicy, hot, or sour foods, which can cause irritation.<\/li>\n<li>Steer clear of dairy, as it leaves a thick film on the tongue that may encourage bacterial growth, Josephine tells us.<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;The biggest thing is to stay away from any &#8216;extracurricular activity&#8217; like wet kissing or oral sex,&#8221; says Dohoney.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Side Effects <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cPain, tenderness, and drainage can be seen when the area is not properly cared for,\u201d says Dr. Ilyas. \u201cIn terms of complications, there are both short and long-term consequences.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Swelling:<\/strong> Swelling is when the area around your tongue piercing grows in size and doesn\u2019t go back down. This is a super common side effect of a tongue piercing due to the amount of daily activity a tongue goes through, no matter if it\u2019s freshly pierced or not. If you\u2019re not careful to take all recommended aftercare precautions, swelling is quite easy to cause.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Infection:<\/strong> Infections are when bacteria get into the piercing site and grow\u2014it\u2019s a symptom of a lack of proper aftercare. Infection symptoms normal for tongue piercings include swelling, tenderness, bleeding, and pain. It\u2019s normal to see slight swelling over the first week and notice some redness in the first day or two, but anything that seems abnormal on a tongue piercing is probably the sign of something worse. \u201cIf it\u2019s not cared for, you can get an infection, including yeast infections, also known as thrush,\u201d notes Dohoney.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dental erosion:<\/strong> Dental erosion is when the tooth is slowly worn away by the tongue piercing. You can easily damage your teeth thanks to constantly having a piece of metal rub against the inside of them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Teeth fractures:<\/strong> Research shows that there&#8217;s a strong correlation between enamel fractures and cracking and oral\/tongue piercings. It&#8217;s mostly caused by the piercing getting clamped in between the teeth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-keyfeatures\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Tongue piercings aren&#8217;t as painful as you might think\u2014but that doesn&#8217;t mean they&#8217;re completely pain free.<\/li>\n<li>Proper aftercare is incredibly important to avoid complications like infections and swelling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How to Change Out a Tongue Piercing <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cChanging tongue piercings to a shorter barbell is highly recommended once it heals,\u201d says Dohoney. \u201cIf you don\u2019t, you will have issues with chipping your teeth, biting the jewelry, gum recession behind the teeth, and even swallowing the jewelry.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Changing out a tongue piercing is completely possible, and in most cases, can be done by yourself at home. To do so, stick out your tongue, grab the two beads on either side of the barbell, and twist until one comes off. Then, pull the bar out and place your new piece of jewelry through the hole. Twist the new jewelry\u2019s beads until tight, and you\u2019re all set.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> However, it\u2019s a good idea to see your piercer for the first jewelry change, says Josephine, to be sure you\u2019re causing as little trauma to the still-healing wound as possible and to avoid any potential infection thanks to incompetence or accident. \u201cThe mouth is filled with virulent bacteria, so it is important to be cautious,\u201d agrees Dr. Ilyas.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_48-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Cost of a Tongue Piercing <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Like any piercing, the price of a tongue piercing will vary depending on your specific circumstances\u2014that includes your geographical location, the shop\/piercer you choose, the exact piercing, and more. In general, a tongue piercing will run from $35 to $100. Also, don\u2019t forget that piercings come with two charges: the actual piercing and the jewelry. Be prepared to pay a good price for quality jewelry\u2014something you definitely shouldn\u2019t skimp on.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_51-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Jewelry Used for a Tongue Piercing <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_52-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cThe most common jewelry used is a ball-shaped piercing, with cone and cylindrical being far less common,\u201d says Dr. Ilyas. A barbell is, at the basic level, a metal bar with a small bead affixed on both ends; typically one is removable and one isn\u2019t. A barbell is inserted in a tongue piercing by pushing it through behind the needle. For tongue piercings, barbells must be straight: &#8220;Any tongue piercing that would require a curved barbell just shouldn&#8217;t be done in the first place,&#8221; says Faris.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_54-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Regarding materials, Dohoney uses surgical-grade stainless steel barbells or implant-grade titanium barbells \u2014whichever clients prefer.\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_56-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Implant-grade stainless steel<\/strong>: The most common type of metal used to make jewelry for piercings is stainless steel, specifically implant-grade. There are very few problems with using stainless steel, and it comes in so many variations, so it\u2019s tolerated by most. However, those with a nickel allergy should avoid this metal, as it might irritate their skin.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Titanium: <\/strong>Titanium doesn\u2019t contain nickel so it won\u2019t cause any irritation to the piercing site or other allergic reaction. Titanium also comes in various colors and styles, is lightweight, and won\u2019t corrode.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_58-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Whatever you decide, know that choosing your jewelry material is incredibly important. Studies have shown there is a significant correlation between piercings and allergies to nickle and cobalt.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_60-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-faq--expanded beauty-sc-block-faq mntl-sc-block-faq mntl-block is-expanded\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__title mntl-text-block\">FAQ<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__content mntl-accordion \" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"1\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_1-0-section-0\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">How do I eat with a tongue piercing?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>After getting your tongue pierced, you&#8217;ll likely feel soreness. It&#8217;s best to avoid hard, crunchy foods and stick with liquids such as smoothies, yogurt, broths, and applesauce. Also, ensure your foods are cold\u2014hot foods can be irritating on a new piercing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"2\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_2-0-section-1\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">Do tongue piercings make your breath smell?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>Plaque buildup is responsible for foul breath, and having a tongue piercing can give plaque another area to build up on. To avoid this, regularly clean your tongue piercing with an antimicrobial or antibacterial mouth rinse.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"3\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_3-0-section-2\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">Will a tongue piercing close overnight?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>Because tongue piercings have an &#8220;automatic healing&#8221; function, they are prone to closing quickly. For this reason, it&#8217;s important to avoid removing your piercing as it heals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/tongue-piercing-11892310<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Case for (And Against) Tongue Piercings You might want to rethink your dairy consumption. By Isabelle Lichtenstein Isabelle Lichtenstein Isabelle has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020. She has worked in digital media for over five years and is an expert on a range of topics, including tattoos, piercings, and culture. Her work can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1701527,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83,226],"class_list":["post-1701526","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1701526","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1701526"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1701526\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1701527"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1701526"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1701526"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1701526"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}