How Many Types of Tongue Piercings Are There?
Depending on where the jewelry is placed, there are different types of tongue piercings. The choice of type depends on personal preferences, tongue anatomy, and the piercer’s advice.
We will describe both the recommended types of tongue piercings and those we think are better to avoid.
Classic Tongue Piercing
The most common tongue piercing consists of a single perforation in the center of the tongue. It is inserted vertically from the top to the bottom. Proper positioning is important to avoid nerve or muscle damage and ensure optimal healing. As with all piercings, the procedure depends on the individual’s anatomy: the piercer will evaluate to avoid piercing important veins or damaging the gum tissue or tooths over time.
Venom
The Venom Piercing consists of two symmetrical piercings located on the sides of the tongue, resembling snake fangs. This type requires greater precision during piercing to avoid asymmetry and complications during healing. Unlike the central piercing, these piercings directly penetrate muscle fibers, resulting in a longer healing time compared to the classic piercing.
Tongue Frenulum Piercing
Also known as the “Marley piercing” or “tongue web,” this type of piercing is inserted in the frenulum, the thin membrane connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Tongue Piercings to Avoid
There are some types of tongue piercings that we at TattooLab advise against because they can damage teeth, gums, and overall health. Let’s see which ones these are.
Snake Eyes
The Snake Eyes piercing is similar to the Venom Piercing, but the piercing is closer to the tip, creating the effect of two adjacent studs on the tongue’s surface. Any serious practitioner refuses to perform the Snake piercing. It involves positioning the tongue in an unnatural way; specifically, in this case, the piercing at the tongue’s tip will rub against the dental apparatus, damaging enamel and risking tooth breakage.
Scoop
The Scoop piercing — very similar to the Snake — is positioned on the surface of the tongue from one side to the other, passing through the tongue’s width instead of its depth. The tongue comprises several independent muscle bands, moving separately: we discourage this piercing because inserting a bar transversely through the tongue can cause rejection issues and prevent the proper functioning of tongue movements.
Smiley Piercing
Not exactly on the tongue but still in the mouth area, the Smiley Piercing — so called because it is visible when smiling — is a piercing placed in the thin frenulum connecting the gum to the upper lip. This piercing, even if performed correctly, will rub against teeth and gums, potentially causing gum recession or damage.
The Smiley piercing does not cause structural damage to a vital organ — unlike the Scoop or Snake — but the recommendation is to monitor the piercing (even by a dentist) and remove it if any problems arise.
Origin of Tongue Piercing
Tongue piercing is not a modern invention; it has ancient origins and is found in various cultures. For example, among the Aztecs and Maya, it was practiced for spiritual and ritualistic reasons. In the Western world, it gained popularity in the 80s and 90s, becoming a symbol of rebellion and individuality.
How is a Tongue Piercing Done?
The process of piercing the tongue is delicate and requires an experienced piercer. After selecting the insertion point, the tongue is cleaned with mouthwash; after assessing for any veins, the piercer will pierce the tongue from bottom to top with a sterile needle, through which the jewelry is inserted. Following a proper procedure is crucial to reduce the risk of complications.
Does Tongue Piercing Hurt?
Pain perception is subjective; however, many report that tongue piercing causes a sharp but brief pain. Swelling and discomfort may last a few days, but following care instructions significantly reduces these symptoms.
Tongue Piercing Damage to Gums and Teeth
Beyond aesthetic benefits and personal expression, it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks associated with tongue piercings, particularly those related to teeth and gums. The jewelry can cause enamel erosion, especially if one tends to play with the piercing often. Additionally, repeated contact can lead to gum recession, dental sensitivity, and, in extreme cases, tooth loss.
This risk is not eliminated, but if the piercing is performed by an experienced professional with correct inclinations, the risk of damage to teeth and gums is drastically reduced.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene and regularly consulting a dentist to monitor any changes and prevent long-term damage is essential.
In rare cases, tongue piercing might limit tongue mobility, causing minor speech defects (e.g., with the letter “S”). However, this defect is rare and usually resolves during healing as the individual gets used to the foreign object.
Care and Healing of the Piercing
Proper care of the tongue piercing is essential for optimal healing. It is important to:
- Maintain high oral hygiene
- Use an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash
- Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and smoking during the healing phase
- Refrain from playing with the jewelry to avoid irritation
- Limit tongue movement in the first days
- Be cautious during intimate moments (especially kissing and oral sex)
Healing time varies but generally completes in 4-6 weeks.
Tongue Piercing Infection: What to Do
TattooLab piercers use specific needles and ASTM F136 Titanium or biocompatible material jewelry to minimize the risk of infections (which are very rare).
If you notice excessive redness, swelling, discharge, or persistent pain, consult a doctor or piercer immediately. Proper hygiene and following post-procedure instructions significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Where to do the Tongue Piercing
At Tattoolab, our piercer Emil Witczak will be able to give you all the information you need.
