Tongue Ring Facts

Tongue rings are a popular form body adornment in the western world. Without proper care, tongue rings can become infected. However, people with tongue rings can take measures to ensure that the piercing site stays clean and healthy.

History

According to Tongue Rings Guide, tongue piercing is the only modern body piercing that has no ancient or historical root. Aztecs and Mayans would pierce their tongues in order to spill blood to honor their gods, but no jewelery or adornment was placed in the piercing. Today the piercing is done exclusively for the purpose of wearing a tongue ring, a tongue stud or some other type of jewelery in the mouth (See Reference 1).

Types

The most popular tongue piercing, according to Tongue Rings Guide, is the "vertical" tongue piercing, where the center of the tongue is pierced from the bottom to the top and a bar-shaped piece of metal is inserted. A "horizontal" tongue piercing is less common and involves wearing a bar-shaped piece of jewelery in a piercing that extends from the left to the right side of the tongue.

In a "scoop piercing," a hoop is inserted underneath the tongue and only the tops of the jewelery are visible on the surface of the tongue.

Another variation on tongue piercing is a "web piercing," so called because it involves jewelery worn on the underside or "web" below the tongue. (See Reference 1)

Considerations

According to the American Dental Association, the tongue can take four to six weeks to heal after the insertion of a ring, barring any infections or complications. It is common to experience pain, swelling, bleeding at the piercing site and an abundance of saliva following the procedure. Talking and eating may also be uncomfortable in the days and weeks following the insertion of the tongue ring. (See Reference 2)

Prevention/Solution

To prevent a tongue piercing from getting infected, the individual with the piercing should not touch the piercing site or the ring with his or her hands at the risk of spreading germs into the mouth. (See Reference 2)

The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) encourages safe aftercare practices to minimize risk of infection in the tongue after piercing and to facilitate healthy healing. After having your tongue pierced, the APP suggests you rinse your mouth with antibacterial or antimicrobial mouthwash for 30 seconds after meals and at bedtime. Swelling, tenderness and some light bleeding and bruising at the piercing site are all normal. Practicing good oral hygiene is critical for the four to six weeks after your tongue piercing. (See Reference 3)

Warning

The APP warns against smoking cigarettes, engaging in oral sex, sharing plates and utensils and using recreational drugs until the piercing has healed. Steering clear of alcohol and caffeine for as long as swelling persists is also advisable, as these may aggravate the piercing site and increase healing time. Any prolonged bleeding, swelling or other unusual symptoms should be reported to your physician immediately. (See Reference 3)

References

• Tongue Rings Guide
• American Dental Association
• Association of Professional Piercers

Resources

• Happy Living: How to Care for a Tongue Ring