How to Get a Tongue Stud

Open wide and say "ahhhhhhh." The tongue stud is becoming an increasingly popular form of body art. It's discreet, allowing you the pleasures of piercing without the scrutiny of a more conservative workplace.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Extra-soft Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda

1. Choose a licensed or well-apprenticed piercer who has experience working on tongues. Confirm that the piercer works with sterilized equipment and disposable hollow needles, wears new latex gloves for each client, offers only jewelry of piercing quality and is accessible post-treatment should you have any questions or concerns.
2. Take long, steady breaths when the procedure begins and focus your eyes on an immobile object. This will help keep your mind off the slight discomfort or pain you may experience.
3. Anticipate a lot of swelling. Initially, your piercer will insert a large barbell to accommodate your tongue's swollen state.
4. Prepare for a few days on a liquid diet. The swelling, discomfort and slight pain will make it very difficult to get solid food down.
5. Return to your piercer after a week for a new barbell that is appropriate for the normal size of your tongue.

Tips & Warnings

• Go with the jewelry that your piercer offers, provided that it's titanium, stainless steel or niobium, the metals least likely to promote infection. Gold may not mesh with your body's chemistry.
• Switch to a soft bristled toothbrush and consider baking soda if toothpaste stings your tongue.
• Piercing can cause nerve damage if the jewelry is positioned improperly, and communicable diseases can spread during the procedure if it's performed with unsterilized equipment.
• Tongue studs may crack or chip your teeth.
• Your speech may be impaired for a few days until the swelling subsides and you get accustomed to your new jewelry. Consider undergoing the procedure before a long weekend or mini-vacation.