With various areas of your body that can be pierced, knowing which areas will best suit your preferences and style is always an ideal choice! A very popular form of piercings that has grown in the last couple of years is different tongue piercings.
There are different styles of tongue piercing, and various jewelry styles are commonly paired with this kind of piercing. If you’ve thought about getting a new piercing on your tongue, there are some points you might consider!
The following article will give you everything you need about various tongue piercings and which one you should choose! We will discuss the following.
What Is a Tongue Piercing?
A tongue piercing can be described as any modification to the body that involves piercing a piece of jewelry with the tongue. There are many kinds of tongue piercings.
👍🏽 Midline piercing: The most popular type of tongue piercing is a vertical piercing that involves the needle running straight at a single point between the top and bottom of your tongue, in the middle of your tongue.
👍🏽 Venom perforation: Vertical tongue piercings on both sides of your tongue.
👍🏽 Horizontal piercings: You will pass the needle through the tongue, from side to side, not from top to bottom.
👍🏽 Snake-eyes Piercing: A horizontal tongue piercing towards the top of the tongue, shaped like a snake’s head (Note: Per the piercers, this is an extremely risky piercing and is likely to cause permanent nerve, muscle, and tooth injury). If you want to know in detail what it is, what risks are involved, and what its procedure is, read our blog on
Snake Eye Piercing Process Safety Tips Pros and Cons
👍🏽 Frenulum piercing is a horizontal piercing of the skin below the tongue.
👍🏽 Surface piercing: The most commonly used tongue piercing method. It’s horizontal and uses an angled barbell.
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Venom Piercing
A venom piercing can be described as piercing two tongues -one on each side of your tongue. While not as robust, it’s often referred to as a frog eye piercing because the balls of the necklace look like frog eyes when you speak.
How does this piercing process work?
The piercer will inspect your tongue to determine your suitability for the procedure. Afterward, you’ll select the jewelry you want and sign certain forms, including an authorization form.
Although the next steps could vary slightly based on the piercer used, the majority of oral piercings are similar to the following steps:
- You’ll receive an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse your mouth to decrease the bacteria in your mouth.
- The piercer marks each barbell’s entrance and exit points using markers that are safe for use on the body.
- Small forceps keep your tongue straight to allow the needle to move.
- A sterilized, hollow needle is placed on the lower part of the tongue to the first marking. The barbell is then pulled through, and the barbell is screwed in.
- Piercier will repeat this process on the opposite side of your tongue.
- Then, rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash, and the tooth piercer will clean away any blood.
Following the initial piercing, your tongue will grow larger and become painful. As you heal, it is recommended that you avoid sticky and spicy foods such as chewing gum, as they could get caught in piercing jewelry. You should also avoid smoking or kissing because they could introduce bacteria to your wound.
If you want to clean your venom piercing, rinse a saltwater solution over your mouth twice daily. Make sure no food is trapped around your piercing. Frequently use mouthwash to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Also, don’t touch the piercing as it heals.
Disadvantage?
The disadvantage is that you will need to recover from two piercings, not one, and more metal will occupy the space inside your mouth. The benefits of using a stapler, keep me in mind and let me describe what a staple bar is. Use a stapler, then open it, pull the staples out, then flip it upside down.
See the way it creates the “U” shape?
It’s an example of a staple bar that is slightly larger at the bottom. These bars are often used to pierce the surface because their 90-degree bend is quicker than a curved barbell. Now, we can get this out of the way.
The perforation is made across the tongue if we do a venom piercing with the staple bar. This means there is less chance of healing to occur.
This could limit the motion of the tongue but leave the tongue’s underside entirely. You can use various gemstones to ornament the internally threaded jewelry. If you have swelling issues, you can employ spacers to help make the piercing more comfortable.
Are Venom piercings safe?
Yes, venom piercings can be generally safe if done by a skilled and trained person in a clean and safe setting. But, like any other piercing, some risks could result in swelling, infection, or issues with healing.
A proper aftercare regimen and adherence to the recommended guidelines are essential to minimize the risk. Always consult a doctor before getting any tattoo. To get a detailed insight on aftercare advice and the risks associated with it, check our blog on
Venom Tongue Piercings – Types, Aftercare, and Risks
2. Have You Heard of The Phrase “Tongue-Tied”?
The membrane of the frenulum linguae is the main reason behind this. Tongue tie piercings are a distinct type of tongue piercing.
It’s almost absent for some, while it’s very dominant in others. When people try to expand their tongues, they roll rather than extend out. For certain people, the frenulum can restrict certain movements.
However, they can achieve it, sometimes at an angle. For others, the frenulum can almost reach the end of their tongue.
At this point, you’re almost certain that if you act, there’s no way to be comfortable. In addition to the standard tongue piercing, there are different options, such as snake and venom eyes, that we briefly discussed; however, let’s go more deeply.
3. Horizontal Tongue Piercings, AKA Snake Eyes
For those unaware, horizontal tongue perforations are piercings made through the mouth’s tip. Sometimes, they are called “scoop” or “snake eye” piercings. They’re pretty cute, aren’t they? Small, tiny beads that sit on the tips of your tongue.
It’s distinctive and new. However, the negative results of this procedure aren’t very adorable, which is why we do not offer horizontal tongue piercings here. Horizontal tongue piercings could cause issues like dental chipping, gum damage, and lisps during conversations.
We didn’t do them until the present because they’re not safe. If your mouth is shut with the tongue relaxed, the tip is placed directly against the front of your two teeth (go ahead and try it).
If you place jewelry in that area, it is pressed directly into your gums. As time passes, this will wear them away. Once your gums are gone, they’re gone forever.
Additionally, when you speak specific sounds or letters, you must run your tongue over your teeth (THL-, sound, S—specifically). A piercing is required at the tip, meaning you smack your teeth with a metal sled as you speak—a great chance to get chipped teeth, tear them, or snag the piercing.
The tongue is made up of two distinct muscles connected through tissues. When these piercings are made, they may bind the two muscles together, hindering them from working independently. This can cause the appearance of a lisp in speech and also issues with chewing and eating food.
Aren’t other piercings for the mouth carrying the same risks?
There’s no way! A tongue piercing, or set of teeth, is performed to ensure they do not touch or rub against the gums and teeth. Labret, Monroe, and Philtrum piercings (piercings through the lips) are made with the client’s gums and the tooth’s anatomy. After the piercing is healed, a small disc is created, which, if the piercing is properly placed, will not rub or catch.
After healing and sizing down, the cheek piercings are rearranged into smaller barbells to prevent them from rubbing or catching. Traditional oral piercings are at the same danger as horizontal ones.
What happens if I remove it whenever it begins to cause problems?
As with numerous dental health issues, the most frightening thing about this piercing is that it can sneak up on you. It’s extremely difficult to determine if someone is checking their gums for signs of problems and difficult to pinpoint precisely what you’re trying to find.
Most of the time, you only discover an issue when it’s late. We’ve seen a few patients come in for annual dental examinations and leave having to undergo expensive procedures after finding out that the dental piercings were causing issues throughout their lives and did not realize it.
Long Healing Times
Snake’s eye piercing is one of the obstacles that all tongue piercings face. The healing time is long, taking between 4 and 8 weeks for swelling to diminish and 2 to 3 months for the piercing to completely heal. It’s not the longest recovery period for piercings.
However, the fact that it’s inside your mouth makes it feel more prolonged. A typical tongue piercing is less difficult to take care of since placing the piercing on the middle of the tongue can be safer. It is less in contact with the tooth and mouth, which means the initial healing time will be quicker, with swelling diminishing within two to four weeks.
While waiting for the piercing to heal, you must be vigilant. The food you eat tends to be restricted to bland and soft foods. Many people consume plenty of baby foods. The good thing is that it’s an excellent reason to indulge in a large amount of Ice cream.
Are Horizontal “Snake Eyes” Piercings Safe?
Concerning the location, there are some restrictions regarding how far the piercings of the tongue may be placed. You may have heard about snake eyes piercing in the past.
If you’re unfamiliar with this type of expression, it typically refers to a tongue that is horizontal and piercings the end of your tongue. If you’ve ever dreamed of that one, keep imagining.
However, the consensus is that tongue piercings must be inserted vertically into the tongue since placing them horizontally poses the risk of causing damage to the gums and tooth recession. Some people choose gum piercings between teeth for a unique look.
When we’re vertically, especially in the center, we’re piercing through a connective tissue between those muscles. But when piercing horizontally, you’re pinning those muscles together, which can cause much damage.
It is also noted that horizontal tongue perforations are prohibited in a few parts of the world.
4. Tongue Web Piercings
You may have viewed an image of someone sporting a tongue piercing using TikTok, which immediately drew your attention to its concealability and unique appearance. However, these aren’t the only benefits of this kind of piercing.
Today, a lot of professional piercers are trying to convince you to have this procedure done because of the damage it could create havoc on the health of your mouth.
The first and most important thing is that this piercing is close to the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, which can cause plaque to build up. Thus, the edges of the jewelry are coated with plaque.
Plaque accumulation in your mouth can also cause your breath to smell. The accumulation of plaque can cause halitosis, the scientific term used to describe bad breath.
Furthermore, the tongue’s web is thin, which makes the wounds more prone to migratory or rejection. To know what the pros and cons of this type of piercing are and why there is no special jewelry for tongue web piercing, check out the blog on
Detailed Guide to Tongue Web Piercing – What You Should Know
Although tongue web piercings aren’t technically hazardous, and many people who pierce their tongues will do the piercings, you must know the risks before you decide to pierce your tongue.
If you choose, the piercings will be performed using curved barbells or captive beads.
5. Midline Piercing
The midline piercing is one of the most well-known and popular tongue piercings. The mid-connective tissue straight pierces the tongue, or the lingual septum. A 14-gauge straight barbell is usually the jewelry you choose, and you can swap out the beads with gemstones and a flat top.
Usually, the piercer uses an extended post to help with swelling. Once the swelling is gone, you can swap out the bar for shorter ones.
A few people claim to feel no pain when they receive the piercing, but it can hurt as much as 3 or 4/10 for the majority of people. Biting your tongue with midline piercings could cause more pain! The healing process can be slightly more intensive. The swelling can last a few days, but the piercing may require a few months to heal fully.
This piercing is a fantastic option for those in positions that don’t require much speech since speech will be difficult for them in the first couple of weeks.
Midline Piercing History
The practice of piercing the tongue was introduced, and it has been associated with cultural significance across various cultures.
Ancient civilizations, such as the Aztecs, Mayans, and ancient Egyptians, have been believed to have initiated the practice of piercing tongues. It was an act of ritual as well as spiritual or cultural expression.
In the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations, priests performed tongue piercings for a holy ritual. It was believed that piercing your tongue with bone needles or obsidian allowed individuals to communicate with gods and ancestral ancestors.
They believed piercing the tongue was a way to communicate to the spiritual realm and receive divine favor.
In the past, Egyptian nobility and pharaohs were known to have cut their tongues. This was believed to be a sign of power and prestige, and they often used precious metals and gold to display their wealth and luxury.
Tongue piercing can also have important cultural meaning in other regions worldwide. African and Native American tribes used tongue piercing to signify passage and tribal identity. It symbolized courage, strength, and the emergence of adulthood in the communities.
Tongue piercings have become a common body modification in diverse cultures. They signified individuality, fashion, and rebellion against social rules. The choices for jewelry and placement are diverse, allowing the creation of various unique expressions using tongue and ear piercings. Three different tongue piercings are very popular for their distinctive styles.
6. Tongue Tip Piercing
Although rare, the piercings of the tongue’s tip are found in the first quarter inch or so of your tongue.
The piercings of the tongue’s tip cause more pain than midline tongue piercings. Have you ever accidentally bitten the tongue’s tip when eating? It’s not pleasant, and it’s due to the nature of the anatomy of your body. The tongue’s tip is home to more nerve endings that make the tongue more abrasive.
The unique aspect of the tongue tip piercing procedure is that, while you have to use a straight barbell for healing, you can change to a ring when it is fully healed.
7. Double or Multiple Tongue Piercings
Also called slang angel bites, double tongue piercings can be set in a row at the middle of the tongue, placing one on top of the other. If your anatomy permits, you could have at least two midline tongue piercings in the same row.
They are more painful than one piercing because your tongue will likely expand. Furthermore, multiple piercings can be performed within the same area of your tongue.
Similar to midline tongue piercings, you cannot wear barbells that are straight in these.
8. Tongue Frenulum Piercing
The tongue is pierced through the frenulum, the portion of skin that connects the tongue to the inside of the jaw. This kind of piercing can heal quickly and cause less pain than some other forms of piercing.
The benefit of this is that it’s an organ that’s covered. If you’re looking for a snark and have a frenulum large enough to support the piercing, this is the right piercing option for you. People only need to know you’ve got it when you want them to.
The pain associated with this procedure isn’t too severe, and most patients rate it as painless. However, some patients report experiencing a lot of pain after getting the piercing, so we rate it at two out of ten. The healing process takes between 4 and 8 weeks, and the swelling is not too bad.
9. Tongue Root Piercing
The tongue root piercing is one of the most unique types of piercings that occurs by the tongue’s root. This kind of piercing can heal relatively quickly and is more comfortable than the other forms of piercings for the tongue.
When choosing a tongue piercing, consider your comfort level, the healing process, your options for jewelry, oral hygiene, and personal preferences. Following the correct aftercare and maintenance procedures is crucial to ensure a safe piercing.
This means practicing good dental hygiene, avoiding certain drinks and foods, washing and changing your jewelry regularly, and seeking help from a professional should you encounter any issues concerning your piercing.
10. Side Tongue Piercing
The side tongue piercing can be placed on the opposite part of your tongue. It is a fantastic alternative for people who prefer a less obvious piercing. This kind of piercing can be more difficult to recover than the other kinds of piercings on the tongue and could cause more pain.
11. Triple Tongue Piercings
The midline tongue piercing is the most commonly used type of tongue piercing. It runs straight across the center of your tongue. It is possible to have three piercings in succession or even combine two horizontal piercings along the side, creating an arc.
12. Gum Piercing
Nowadays, it appears like a gum piercing, sometimes referred to as a “smiley piercing, “smiley piercing” is the latest fashion.
One of the first things you must be aware of about smiley piercings is that they aren’t technically perforating your gums. The piercing is via the frenulum (the tiny piece of tissue connecting the gums to the mouth).
As you might have guessed, the upper side of the mouth, directly over the front two teeth, is one of the most popular areas for a gum piercing.
It is also possible to have a piercing in the lower portion of your mouth, where the tissues connect the lower lip with the gums. It is often called “frowny piercing.”
How Much Do Tongue Piercings Hurt?
Similar to any other piercing, it’s based on your pain tolerance. Pain is relative, but typically, the piercing isn’t that bad. The swelling that follows can be fairly uncomfortable, though.
If you’re thinking of giving someone an instrument through your organ, you must be prepared to feel some discomfort. However, it’s also important to remember that what’s painful for you may not be the same for others (and the reverse is true). Doctors suggest you consume Tylenol or acetaminophen before your appointment to ease discomfort.
However, it is recommended to avoid medicines such as Advil or Aspirin since they can cause you to bleed more when the needle is pierced.
General Tongue Piercing Procedure
You’ve decided to avoid the packaging and have an elegant tongue perforating. It’s a great choice! But before you head to the nearest studio for piercing, we’ll review the process. You’re required to be up-to-date on what’s in store. Are you prepared?
Let’s get started!
- Consultation: Once you’ve found the ideal studio, schedule an appointment to discuss the details and have your piercing. The piercer will assess your body’s anatomy, answer any questions you might have, and guide you in choosing the perfect jewelry.
- Cleaning the Surface: The piercer will cleanse and sterilize the region within and around your mouth. They could utilize a mouthwash or a sterile washcloth to ensure that all surfaces are clean.
- Marking the Spot: The piercer will use a surgical pen to mark the location of the piercing tongue. They’ll avoid certain blood vessels at the lower part of the tongue. Trust their professional judgment, as this is an essential process element.
- Numbing (Optional): If you’re concerned about discomfort, opt for a numbing medication. The instrument will apply it to the tongue, and you’ll be patient before it takes effect. The main event is that the piercer uses an unsterilized needle to make the hole pierce. Make sure to remain calm and still as you can. There may be the sensation of a sudden pinch or an occasional burning sensation.
- When the jewelry is inserted, after the piercing has been completed, the piercer will cautiously insert the jewelry they have chosen, typically an earring. They’ll ensure it’s secure and properly placed on your tongue.
- The final instructions: The piercer will provide thorough aftercare instructions. Follow these carefully to ensure that your new piercing stays clean.
Having a skilled piercer and following proper aftercare instructions are crucial to the success of your piercing.
How Much Will Tongue Piercing Cost?
The national cost for tongue piercings ranges between $30-$100.
Do I need to have my tongue pierced?
The simple answer is Yes; however, let’s dive into the details. Based on your anatomy, you might prefer one piercing and another. We’ve discussed the typical tongue piercing procedure, and that’s the one with which some people might have difficulty.
Do you remember the phrase “frenulum linguae”? It is the webbing that connects the tongue to the jaw’s base. If you raise your tongue and open your mouth, the tongue should have enough room to open and squeeze this membrane (no shower).
This body area decides the length or height one can extend one’s tongue. For some, this webbing may severely limit tongue movement.
How Long Will The Piercings On Your Tongue Be Healed?
Because wounds inside the mouth heal quicker than those in the face and the tongue, they don’t take too long to heal, ranging from 4 to 8 weeks.
It’s vital to remember that this period is not a maximum, and it’s important to ensure that your piercer has confirmed that you’ve fully healed before discontinuing any aftercare procedures.
You must know some aspects to ensure that healing takes the least time possible.
- Cleanse your tongue by piercing it every 2 to 3 days with a piercing saline aftercare solution, making sure you clean both sides.
- Cleanse your teeth with a soft bristle brush three times a day.
- Make sure you use a mouthwash that is not alcoholic. (The alcohol can irritate the piercing, and it can hurt quite a bit.)
- Be careful not to use your tongue for too long while it heals. This may mean that you don’t speak in the initial healing phase.
- Eat soft foods until you become accustomed to wearing the jewelry. Avoid spicy or acidic foods while you are healing.
- Your tongue will likely be swollen for the first few days after piercing. Your piercer can fit you with a larger piece of jewelry to accommodate the swelling. After the swelling has diminished, you should visit your piercer and get fitted with a smaller piece. It’s less difficult to communicate with and will reduce the chance of chomping.
Can Anyone Get A Tongue Piercing?
If you aren’t suffering from any illnesses or are allergic to things employed during the piercing procedure, anyone can obtain a tongue ring if they wish to! It is essential to speak with a piercing professional and inform them of any conditions that might affect the piercing procedure.
After this is done and your piercing professional is informed of any medical conditions you may have, you can have your tongue pierced!
Can My Tongue’s Perforation Affect My Speech?
The only answer that is not satisfying is perhaps.
The ability to talk around jewelry will mostly depend on the placement of the tongue piercing. If you have a piercing closer to the edge, the tongue is bound to have a harder time learning how to speak normally than when you’re pierced correctly.
However, you may experience an apprehension curve when speaking normally. In the initial few days following the piercing, be prepared for some altered speech.
Most people can communicate quickly by piercing their tongues. Speak to your piercer about their placement and any suggestions they may need on getting comfortable with the perforations.
Is My Tongue More Prone To Be Infected Than Other Tattoos?
The short and simple answer is No.
One common misconception about tongue piercings is that they are easily infected. However, caring for them is less prone to infection than caring for other piercings. Keep the area clean and adhere to the same oral piercing hygiene routine, and you’ll be fine.
However, it is crucial to be aware of the signs of a piercing-related infection should you experience one. The symptoms of a tongue piercing are the same as those of normal healing (much more intense), which can confuse.
There is a chance that you have an infection in your tongue in the following situations:
- The piercing will begin to shrink, in particular, after the initial swelling is gone.
- It excretes green or yellow pus (clear or semi-white discharges are fine).
- It begins to bleed in a significant amount, especially when it’s several months after your initial perforation.
- It is warm or shivering.
The signs will show up quickly (you may go to bed with a smiley piercing and awake with a furious one). They are quite serious compared with the signs of normal healing. If it’s just a little bit affected, it’s no longer an issue.
In the end, infections are not something you should play around with. If you believe you have one, seek professional advice immediately.
When Can You Change Tongue Piercing?
A piercing on the tongue can only be removed after having it for about 6 months.
This is because the tongue heals extremely quickly, and it can start to close after you’ve removed the piece of jewelry. If the tongue starts to shut, inserting a brand-new piece of jewelry might damage the tissue around the hole.
It is crucial to wait six months before removing the piercing so that it doesn’t occur! If it does happen, follow the same instructions to ensure the area doesn’t develop infection.
How to Change Out a Tongue Piercing?
Removing the tongue piercing is simple! After removing it from its hole, swiftly put in the brand-new jewelry and ensure you secure the ball to the barbell.
This will depend on the kind of jewelry you choose to add to your piercing, but straight and curly barbells are generally considered the most appropriate jewelry for piercing your tongue!
Jewelry Used for a Tongue Piercing
The most common jewelry used is a ball-shaped piercing, with cone and cylindrical being far less common. At its most basic, it is an iron bar with tiny beads affixed to the two ends. Most of the time, the movable one isn’t.
Barbells are inserted into piercing a tongue by pushing it between the needles. For piercings of the tongue, bars should be straight. Any tongue piercing that would require a curved barbell just shouldn’t be done in the first place.
Regarding material, use surgical-grade stainless steel barbells or implant-grade titanium barbells — whichever the clients prefer.
- Implant-grade stainless steel is the most popular metal for creating jewelry that pierces the body. Although stainless steel has a few issues and is available in numerous variations, it is a common choice. However, people with a nickel allergy should avoid this type of metal, as it could cause skin irritation.
- Titanium isn’t a source of nickel, which means it won’t cause irritation to the piercing area or trigger allergic reactions. It comes in many designs and colors, is light, and will not cause corrosion.
10 Celebrity Tongue Piercings
Here are 10 famous people who have had or have had tongue perforation.
✅ Mel B: Melanie Brown, sometimes referred to as Mel B or Scary Spice from the Spice Girls, is well-known for her tongue piercing. The piercing is part of her audacious and bold persona.
✅ Christina Aguilera: The pop icon and former “The Voice” judge also has her tongue pierced. She is known for her strong vocals and lively style, and the piercing boosted her cool image in the first few years of her career.
✅ Jamie Foxx: The Oscar-winning actor and acrobat Jamie Foxx has had a tongue piercing that is a major factor in his charismatic and distinctive persona.
✅ Dennis Rodman: The former NBA player, famous for his distinctive style and vibrant hair, was also known for his tongue-piercing. His unique style often defied the standard look of athletes.
✅ Rihanna: The multi-platinum-selling artist has been known for her numerous piercings, and her tongue piercing adds to her daring and unconventional style.
✅ Ke$ha: The pop star Ke$ha has been seen with a tongue piercing, which adds to her rebellious and unconventional image.
✅ Miley Cyrus: Famous for her distinctive and edgy fashion sense, she allegedly had her tongue poked in her transformation from a Disney Channel celebrity to a flamboyant pop icon.
✅ Pink: The pop singer Pink is well-known for her punk-influenced fashion and flamboyant personality. She is also famous for sporting tongue piercings.
✅ Steve-O: The ‘Jackass’- style star and stuntman Steve-O, known for his outrageous stunts and daring persona, has a tongue-piercing voice.
✅ Jesse Metcalfe: The ‘Desperate Housewives’ actor Jesse Metcalfe has been spotted with a tongue-piercing and smoky, rough, gritty look on the screen.
Remember that while celebrities have tongue piercings, your choices about body changes must be based on personal satisfaction.
What Kind of Tongue Piercing Is Best For You?
We’ve outlined the various kinds of tongue piercings that are available, and now you have the opportunity to choose one. For most piercing enthusiasts, tongue piercings are one of the most painless piercings they’ve received.
However, they acknowledge that their swelling is uncomfortable. It might be difficult to eat or talk, and, in a few instances, there is a possibility of rejection. However, if you can achieve the desired outcome, It’s generally worth it.
To achieve optimal results, choose a skilled piercer and adhere to all aftercare. The pain can last several days, but it will likely heal.
Final Thoughts
Don’t risk your health! Before getting a piercing, ensure the piercer is knowledgeable about advanced anatomy. You’re worthy of it! Do not play with your health or your body. Do your homework and avoid taking unnecessary risks when selecting your body tattoo!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions before the piercing. A professional is always available and willing to answer any questions because it’s our job!
