Tongue Piercings

Looking to get a new piercing or wanting to add something out there to your piercing collection? A tongue piercing may just be the next thing you add to your piercing collection.

While tongue piercings seem thrilling, you may feel slightly hesitant based on the location of the piercing compared to an ear or nose piercing. The risk feels higher if an infection occurs. However, tongue piercings are a lot easier and less painful than some may think!

Here is everything you should know before getting a tongue piercing at Essential Beauty.

What kind of tongue piercings can you get?

Vertical Tongue Piercing: This is the most common type of piercing, centered in the middle of the tongue the needle goes straight through from the top to bottom of the tongue.

Frenulum (under the tongue piercing): This piercing is located under the tongue where the connective tissue attaches the tongue to base of the mouth. Sometimes known as the tongue web, this piercing is completely hidden (unless you intentionally show it off). It’s perfect for people that aren’t allowed to have piercings visible for any reason.

Jewellery types:

Vertical Tongue Piercing: We recommend a tongue bar starting at 14 gauge with 22-24mm for the most comfort and versatility in styles.

Frenulum: We recommend tongue web 16 gauge short (8-10 mm) as a banana or circular barbell for a under the tongue piercing. Choose form surgical steel or gold, back or rose PVD titanium.

Aftercare & Healing 

If you’ve just had your tongue pierced, proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth healing process and to avoid complications. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential tongue piercing aftercare tips to help keep your piercing clean, reduce swelling, and support faster healing.

To care for your tongue piercing, rinse your mouth three times a day, especially after eating, with both an alcohol-free mouthwash and Difflam Anti-inflammatory Gargle. Use them separately. These products help to keep the area clean and reduce inflammation. They are widely available at most chemists or pharmacies.

During the healing period, it is important to avoid anything that could irritate the piercing. This includes:

• Spicy or acidic foods
• Smoking and alcohol
• Kissing or any oral contact

These activities can introduce bacteria or cause discomfort, which may slow the healing process.

Your tongue piercing will take around 6 to 8 weeks to heal enough for a jewellery change. It is important not to remove your jewellery before this time, even briefly, as the hole can close very quickly.

Neglecting proper tongue piercing care can lead to issues such as swelling, infection, or more serious oral health concerns. Consistency in your aftercare routine is key, especially during the first few weeks.

Final Tip

Always follow the complete aftercare instructions provided by your piercer. If you notice any unusual symptoms such as excessive swelling, pain, or discharge, consult your piercer or a healthcare professional.

For more body piercing aftercare tips, visit our full guide here.