How to Switch Out Tongue Rings
Like any other body jewelry, you will want to change your tongue ring from time to time. The jewelry used for tongue piercing is actually a barbell or post with a threaded ball on each end of the bar to keep it in place. If you have just had your tongue pierced, your piercer can change the jewelry after the initial swelling has passed, but you will need to let it fully heal before you change the jewelry yourself. It is best to keep spare balls and an extra barbell with you in case your jewelry needs to be replaced.
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Things You'll Need
- Clean and unused tongue ring
- Non-alcoholic mouth wash
- Clean paper towels
- Hands-free mirror
Instructions
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1
Wash your mouth with non-alcoholic mouthwash and wash your hands with antibacterial soap and hot water. Use a paper towel to dry your hands. The Association of Professional Piercers suggests avoiding the use of mouthwash containing alcohol, as it can irritate the piercing and delay healing.
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2
Remove the new jewelry from the package and clean the jewelry with warm water and a high-quality anti-bacterial soap that does not contain additives such as fragrances or moisturizers. Montana Body Art Inc. notes that cleaning your body jewelry with warm water and high-quality antibacterial soap for three minutes is the most effective and safe way to clean your body jewelry at home.
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3
Unscrew one ball off the end of your jewelry by holding the barbell in one hand and twisting the ball to the left with your other hand. Place the barbell and the ball on a clean paper towel.
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4
Stick your tongue out and hold the bottom of the barbell still with your hand. Use your other hand to turn the top ball to the left until it comes free from the barbell. Gently pull the barbell out of your tongue from the bottom. With the top ball removed, the barbell should slide out easily. Place the used jewelry on a paper towel.
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5
Pick up the new barbell and stick out your tongue again to insert the jewelry. With the open end facing down, look in the mirror to see the entry hole for your piercing on the top of your tongue.
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6
Slide the open end of the barbell through the top of your piercing. Hold the barbell in place with one hand by gently applying pressure to the top of the barbell.
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Twist the ball into place on the bottom of the barbell. With both balls in place, check that each end of the barbell is tight. Check the jewelry every few days to ensure the ends are secure.
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Tips & Warnings
Jewelry for tongue rings is most commonly made of surgical steel. Body jewelry can be found at piercing shops, and in many specialty stores. If you are unsure of the type or size of jewelry to use with your piercing, consult your piercer.
When your tongue is first pierced, a longer barbell is used to accommodate for the initial swelling. BMEzine.com notes that seven to 10 days after the initial piercing, the longer barbell that your tongue was pierced with can be replaced with a shorter piece of jewelry.
Tongue piercing can take four to six weeks to completely heal. It is important to clean your piercing even after your piercing has healed to avoid infection.
If you experience an infection or injury, contact your piercer or health care provider immediately. Do not remove your jewelry until instructed by your piercer or health care provider.
