Thinking about getting a tongue piercing? Our complete guide breaks down everything you need to know.
FAQ Section
The main types of tongue rings include straight barbells, snake bite tongue rings, venom tongue rings, double tongue bars, and stud tongue rings. Each type offers a different look, from minimal to more bold styles.
Common materials for tongue rings include surgical steel, titanium, plastic, and silicone. Titanium and plastic options are often preferred for comfort, especially during healing.
The standard tongue ring size is 14 gauge. This is the most common size used for tongue piercings. For help finding the perfect fit for your tongue ring, contact Ask Jules.
Most tongue piercings use a 14-gauge barbell, but the length can vary depending on swelling and anatomy. It's best to start with a longer bar and size down once healing is complete. For help finding the perfect fit for your tongue ring, contact Ask Jules.
The standard length for a tongue bar is typically 5/8 inch (16mm), though longer bars are often used during the initial healing process.
A tongue piercing typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks to heal, though healing time can vary depending on aftercare and individual factors.
You should change your tongue ring only after it is fully healed, which usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Changing your jewelry too early can cause irritation.
You can't speed up the healing process, but you can keep it on track. Clean it regularly, avoid spicy or irritating foods, and don't play with your jewelry.
Tongue ring care involves keeping the piercing clean and avoiding irritation. Use a saline solution or alcohol-free mouthwash daily and avoid touching the jewelry with unwashed hands. For more information, check out How to Care For Your Body Jewelry & Body Piercings.
You should clean a tongue piercing at least twice a day using saline solution or alcohol-free mouthwash, especially during the healing period.
To clean a tongue ring, rinse it with warm water and mild soap, or with a saline solution. For daily care, use alcohol-free mouthwash to keep the piercing area clean.
Stick to soft, mild foods like yogurt, smoothies, and soup during the healing process. Avoid spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods that can cause irritation.
It is not recommended to have a tongue ring with braces. The jewelry can interfere with orthodontic hardware, potentially causing damage to your teeth and irritation inside your mouth.
To unscrew a tongue ring, hold the bar steady and twist the ball counterclockwise. Use gloves or a paper towel to get a better grip.