Tongue Piercing Information

Tongue piercing can be traced back to the ancient Central American civilizations, that carried out piercing as a part of a traditional ritual. Today, tongue piercing has been popularized by celebrities like Mel B of the Spice Girls, Janet Jackson, Keith Flint and many others. Tongue piercing has been a intriguing and a different type of body piercing for showing off. If you are over 18 years and are looking forward to some exciting, body mutilating art, then tongue piercing is for you. This article will cover some tongue piercing information to help you make up your mind before piercing.

Tongue Piercing - Does It Hurt?
Many people ask, 'tongue piercing, does it hurt'? Tongue piercing is one of the least painful body piercings. Visit a professional piercer who will take all the precautions of a safe and sterile tongue piercing. He may use tongue tongs to keep your tongue in place and pierce the center of the tongue with a barbell. Barbell is the common choice as a first time tongue piercing jewelry. This is because after the piercing the tongue swells and the barbells adapt to the swelling tongue. Some people opt for tongue web piercing that is located beneath the tongue. Many piercers refuse to pierce the frenulum linguae (tongue web), as many do not have a well pronounced tongue web. Also, many do not clean the tongue properly leading to an tongue piercing infection. Know more on body piercing infections.

One of the most daring and extreme piercing is the piercing of the uvula. The small, dangling thing like a pendulum at the back of your mouth is the uvula. This is very rare for of piercing and needs a good gag reflex to keep the mouth open during the piercing process. The uvula is an active tissue and if the body rejects the jewelry, it may even result in it being swallowed. Know more on body piercing tips and precautions.

Tongue Piercing Healing Time
Tongue piercing healing takes about four to six weeks. Tongue piercing leads to a swelling of your tongue which will almost fill up your mouth and will last for about 3-4 days. You will have trouble speaking properly for about a week and difficulty in eating food for over 2-3 weeks.

Tongue Piercing Aftercare
One needs to follow a strict tongue piercing aftercare, to avoid any tongue piercing infections. You need to rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash several times a day. Make sure you rinse your mouth thoroughly, after every meal or snack. Tylenol is very helpful in tongue piercing pain relief. Ice and cold beverage drinks will help reduce the swelling. Eat soft foods that can be easily swallowed. Do not smoke till the tongue has healed completely. Make sure you understand and follow all the tongue piercing care advice, given by your piercer.

Tongue Piercing Risks
The tongue piercing risk involved is getting the vein cut during piercing. Although, the chances of such a disaster are remote if you visit a professional piercer. Your tongue may bleed heavily and you may need to contact medical help. If you have a large size gauge, which may lead to gum erosion. Larger tongue jewelry may cause chipping of teeth. Make sure your piercer uses sterile needles and the place is in a hygienic condition. The tongue holder or tongs are clean, washed and sterile. Avoid going to back alley cheap shops, if you want to avoid getting infected with Hepatitis C or even worse HIV/AIDS.

This was some tongue piercing information, for all those who want to get their tongues pierced. Tongue piercing is the only piercing that you are aware of 24/7. It is also great for professionals as it remains hidden. Follow your intuition and if you do not feel right, do not opt for it. Read and understand all the tongue piercing information you may find, before you actually go through it. Tongue piercing will look great along with a nose piercing. Your body is your property, make sure you take a decision that you won't regret later. Know more on nose piercing - which side to pierce.