Body Art Info: Piercings
Tongue
FYI:
Tongue piercings are usually placed in the center of the tongue as this reduces the risk of nerve and blood vessel damage. The Deep Lingual Veins are usually visible to either side, on the underside of the tongue. Tongue piercings are not known to affect the sense of taste; the papillae (tastebuds) are too numerous.
While there is some latitude as to how far forward or back the piercing can be placed, a piercing made through or just behind the natural bend in the tongue is usually most comfortable for speaking and eating. A piercing placed too far back may be uncomfortable and can irritate the frenulum. If the piercing is placed too far forward the bottom ball can irritate the gums.
The bottom or roof of the mouth or lower gums may become irritated from pressure and friction exerted by the barbell ball. Irritation is usually eliminated by shortening the barbell. If the piercing is too close to the tip of the tongue, the ball can rub against the gums regardless of the ball size. Over the long term, continued pressure can cause tissue loss. Chipped and cracked teeth and enamel erosion are also risks. Wearing smaller balls, in addition to downsizing the bar length, is advised if the wearer tends to bite the balls while eating.
The frenulum is the web of tissue which runs lengthwise along the underside of the tongue, usually present in most people to some degree. Piercing through the frenulum can lead to scarring. The piercing should be made in front or to the side of frenulum. If the frenulum is large or extrudes it may become irritated by the jewelry enough to create scar tissue. A smaller bottom ball can reduce irritation.
A slight indentation under the top ball is not unusual. If the indentation covers half or more of the ball or forms a pocket around the ball the barbell is too short to accommodate swelling. Occasionally a protrusion of soft, white hypertrophic scar tissue will form around one or both entrances during the healing period. Often, scar tissue recedes into the piercing as the piercing heals or after the barbell is shortened.
Continue cleaning the piercing as suggested by your piercer for the remainder of the healing period. Mouthwash diluted with water or reduced-alcohol mouth rinse such as Biotene or Oral-B are best, as too much alcohol can irritate. Check the tightness of tongue barbell balls occasionally, to prevent losing or swallowing the jewelry.
Initial Jewelry:
Barbell in 14 to 12 gauge, 3/4" to 1". During the first 24 to 48 hours the tongue can swell to almost twice its normal size. The initial stud should be at least 1/4" to 3/8" longer than the tongue at its thickest to accommodate swelling. The barbell may be shortened after the swelling around the piercing has gone down, at least 3 weeks. Shortening the jewelry usually corrects any speech or eating impediment. Some people choose to keep the longer "starter" barbell in place, though it may be changed 3-4 wks later.
Average Healing Time:
6 - 8 wks