Tongue piercing, with its provocative and intriguing appeal, has become popular in the past few years. Unlike other piercings, it doesn’t restrict body movement because of its location. It is also very discrete and can be worn without worrying over going to job interviews and meeting the parents. Also, according to some, it adds pleasure to intimate moments. Because of this, wearers of tongue rings have a very sensual aura and are uniquely appealing to some men.
The placement is marked and a clamp applied. The traditional placement for a tongue piercing is along the midline of the tongue, in the center of the mouth. It is often approximately 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) or so back from the tip of the tongue. Initial jewelry is usually longer than will ultimately be required, to allow for swelling, which is common following the piercing. Piercers often recommend drinking cold beverages and chewing on ice to help reduce the swelling
Choosing a tongue barbell is also important. First, look for one that is made of implant quality stainless steel because it doesn’t cause any foreign body reaction or in the skin. The size of the straight barbell is also very important. Pick a longer barbell because it gives room for the initial swelling and lessens the discomfort. After the swelling has let up, you can pick a shorter barbell in order to stop the bleeding and lessen the risks of damaging your teeth and gums.
Tongue piercing is relatively safer than piercings because the chances of bleeding and getting a bacteria infection are less likely. Among the areas that are usually pierced, the tongue heals the fastest. In fact, it only takes four weeks for a tongue piercing to heal as compared to other piercings which can take months and even a year to heal. But, that doesn’t mean that it is totally risk free.
There is still a risk of excessive bleeding if a blood vessel is hit. And, this can only be avoided by getting an experienced piercing artist because a qualified piercer can avoid blood vessels. This is one of the reasons why you should do your research before you get pierced especially if it is your first time. Do ask around. After all, we wouldn’t go to a dentist that we know nothing about. We should be as protective of our tongue as we are with our teeth.
Care to be taken :
• Do not rinse mouth with any type of mouthwash. This can cause irritation and discoloration to the piercing. Never clean the piercing with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol as this can cause serious injury. Salt water is also an effective rinse. Always rinse tongue after it has been touched or after eating something.
• After getting pierced the tongue will swell up to about twice its normal size and lymph will come out from the wound. Do not worry, this is normal. Swelling will start reducing in three to four days and go away completely in seven to eight. The tongue should be fully healed within 6-8 weeks. During those weeks do not play with or touch the tongue.
• Avoid eating hot or spicy foods during the healing process, as this may cause discomfort and hinder the healing process. One should only eat small, soft amounts of food like mashed bananas, mashed potatoes, cereal, cold soup, applesauce or rice.
• Do not drink alcohol or coffee.
• Do not smoke.