Want to get your Tongue Pierced ?
Posted on: July 20, 2011
Tongue Piercing
Tongue piercings are extremely popular piercings that heal quickly with proper care. The tongue is typically pierced vertically and centered to avoid the veins and webbing that is found in and around the tongue. If your tongue allows for it, off-centered piercings and the unique horizontal tongue piercings are also available. There are thousands of styles of barbells that can be worn through the piercing.
When getting your tongue pierced the piercer will exam the area to find the best location for the piercing. If there are extensive veins in the tongue or the webbing found underneath is located too far forward, there may be a chance that the piercer will refuse to continue with the piercing. This is generally for your safety.
Once the piercer has located the proper location, the tongue is usually clamped to hold it steady. The needle is generally a hollow needle that allows the barbell to be inserted and pulled through. Different piercers have different routines for completing the piercing, but it is usually done from the bottom of the tongue to the top.
When the piercing is first completed, the tongue will swell. The barbell that is first inserted is usually longer than a normal bar to accommodate the swelling. This extended-size barbell and the fresh piercing can interfere with eating and drinking. Eating soft foods can be helpful during this time. After meals and frequent drinking, the mouth should be rinsed out with salt water or diluted mouthwash. It is important not to over rinse as this can kill the good bacteria in the mouth and make healing difficult.
It typically takes about a month for the tongue to heal. When swelling goes down, the bar can be traded out for a shorter bar that has been cleaned properly. Rinsing with salt water or diluted mouthwash can be done if any irritation continues.
Individuals should be aware that the metal balls on the barbells can cause teeth to be chipped. In some cases, this can be helped by using acrylic balls instead of the metal. There are thousands of barbells that are available, from those with words and pictures to novelty vibrating adapters. The gauge of barbell is typically started at a 14 or 10 gauge, but larger gauges can be gradually introduced to increase the size of the piercing.
Those interested in getting a tongue piercing should go to a reputable shop that is clean in appearance. They should offer aftercare tips and explain the process. Always trust your piercer.
When getting your tongue pierced the piercer will exam the area to find the best location for the piercing. If there are extensive veins in the tongue or the webbing found underneath is located too far forward, there may be a chance that the piercer will refuse to continue with the piercing. This is generally for your safety.
Once the piercer has located the proper location, the tongue is usually clamped to hold it steady. The needle is generally a hollow needle that allows the barbell to be inserted and pulled through. Different piercers have different routines for completing the piercing, but it is usually done from the bottom of the tongue to the top.
When the piercing is first completed, the tongue will swell. The barbell that is first inserted is usually longer than a normal bar to accommodate the swelling. This extended-size barbell and the fresh piercing can interfere with eating and drinking. Eating soft foods can be helpful during this time. After meals and frequent drinking, the mouth should be rinsed out with salt water or diluted mouthwash. It is important not to over rinse as this can kill the good bacteria in the mouth and make healing difficult.
It typically takes about a month for the tongue to heal. When swelling goes down, the bar can be traded out for a shorter bar that has been cleaned properly. Rinsing with salt water or diluted mouthwash can be done if any irritation continues.
Individuals should be aware that the metal balls on the barbells can cause teeth to be chipped. In some cases, this can be helped by using acrylic balls instead of the metal. There are thousands of barbells that are available, from those with words and pictures to novelty vibrating adapters. The gauge of barbell is typically started at a 14 or 10 gauge, but larger gauges can be gradually introduced to increase the size of the piercing.
Those interested in getting a tongue piercing should go to a reputable shop that is clean in appearance. They should offer aftercare tips and explain the process. Always trust your piercer.