There are several types of tongue piercings, so it is essential to understand which is the safest option. After thorough research, we can confidently say that piercing the tongue midline is the safest option.
A midline piercing, where the needle travels through the center of the tongue, is the safest type of tongue piercing. This is because it avoids hitting any major blood vessels or nerves that can cause potential harm.
In this blog post, learn the different types of tongue piercings and discuss the safety aspects of midline tongue piercings. So, keep reading to learn all about the safest tongue piercing option for you.
What is The Safest Tongue Piercing: 4 Types
A tongue piercing is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. Tongue piercings can be classified into several types to choose from. These include:
Midline Tongue Piercing
A tongue piercing in the center is the most common location for tongue piercing. Up to 6 weeks are required for the muscle tissue to heal fully after being pierced. While this piercing is generally considered safe, it does have a higher risk of infection due to its location in the mouth.
Frenulum Piercing
A frenulum piercing involves piercing the small fold of tissue that connects the tongue's underside to the mouth's floor. This type of piercing is considered less risky than midline tongue piercings but can still cause discomfort or speech impediments.
Horizontal Tongue Piercing
This piercing involves placing two piercings horizontally through the tongue. While the appearance of this piercing may be unique, it is considered more risky due to the increased chance of nerve or blood vessel damage.
Multiple Tongue Piercings
If you're considering getting multiple tongue piercings, it's important to space them out as they heal. Having too many piercings in the same area can stress the muscle tissue and increase the risk of complications.
Midline Tongue Piercing Is The Safest
Among the different variations, the midline tongue piercing is a popular choice. This type of piercing involves a barbell jewelry piece that goes underneath the tongue. It is important to understand the process.
Process
- After selecting an appropriate spot to perform the piercing, the piercer will sterilize the area with antiseptic and mark it.
- Next, a clamp is placed on the tongue to hold it steady and prevent any movement during the procedure.
- A hollow needle is then passed across the tongue, usually from top to bottom. The needle may be replaced with the jewelry afterward.
- A barbell is the most common choice of jewelry for a midline tongue piercing. The barbell should be properly sized, and the length must be long enough to accommodate any swelling.
- Once the jewelry is placed, the piercer will provide aftercare instructions.
Risks And Complications
The midline tongue piercing process can cause several risks and complications, including infections, nerve damage, and bleeding. It is important to consider these risks before deciding to get a midline tongue piercing.
Infections
As with any open wound, the risk of infection is high with a midline tongue piercing. The tongue is warm and moist, providing perfect conditions for bacteria to grow and multiply. As a result of an infection, you may experience pain, swelling, and pus discharge. Ludwig's angina is a painful condition that can occur when an infection spreads to neighboring tissues.
Nerve Damage
The tongue is a sensitive organ that contains several nerve endings. A midline tongue piercing has a high chance of damaging a nerve during the piercing process. The damage can lead to numbness, impaired taste, and difficulty swallowing. Damage to the nerves can sometimes be permanent.
Bleeding
During the midline tongue piercing process, there is a chance of piercing a blood vessel, leading to excessive bleeding. The tongue has a rich blood supply, with the lingual artery and vein running underneath the tongue. If one of these vessels is pierced, it can lead to significant bleeding, which may require medical attention.
Other Risks
In addition to the above risks, a midline tongue piercing can also lead to the following complications:
- Swelling and pain.
- Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to the jewelry.
- Chipping or cracking of the teeth.
- Gum recession.
4 Tips For Safe Tongue Piercing
Tongue piercing has been associated with a certain level of risk, especially when not done correctly. Understanding how to get a safe tongue piercing is crucial to avoid infections and other health issues.
Choose a Professional
When getting a tongue piercing, ensure the piercer is licensed and professional. This will ensure that your piercing is done safely and hygienically. Look for a piercer with an excellent reputation and experience in the field.
Use High-Quality Jewelry
High-quality jewelry is crucial to ensure that your piercing heals correctly and doesn't cause any infections. Choose safe and hypoallergenic materials, such as surgical stainless steel, titanium, or 14-karat gold.
Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Tongue piercing requires good oral hygiene. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash several times a day after getting your tongue pierced. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid spicy or acidic foods.
Watch Out For Signs Of Infection
It's normal to experience some bleeding, swelling, or mild discomfort after getting your tongue pierced. There is a possibility that it is an infection. If you experience severe pain, bleeding, pus, or a fever could be a sign of a disease. In such cases, seek medical help immediately.
Aftercare
Tongue piercings generate endless possibilities for artistic expression, but a lack of proper aftercare can lead to serious health complications, creating further complications or infections. Here are some aftercare tips:
- Saline solution or non-alcoholic mouthwash is one of the most critical ways to prevent infection and expedite healing.
- Daily mouthwash rinses are essential, especially after eating, drinking, or smoking, because these substances can introduce bacteria into the wound.
- Cut down on solid foods in the first few weeks. Soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs are recommended to ease the pain and swelling.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking, as they can interfere with the healing process and aggravate your mouth.
- Avoid kissing, oral sex, or sharing cups and utensils to avoid further irritation or transfer of bacteria.
Conclusion
Out of all the types of tongue piercings, midline tongue piercing is considered to be the safest option. It is less likely to chip or break teeth and reduces the risk of hitting a nerve or blood vessel. It's important to remember that no matter what type of piercing you choose, you should always seek a professional and experienced piercer to ensure a safe procedure.
After getting your piercing, proper aftercare is crucial to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Remember to clean your piercing regularly and avoid touching it with dirty hands. By following these tips and choosing the midline tongue piercing, you can safely enjoy your new piercing without any negative consequences.
Recommended Products
![The Recovery Time and Stages of Nipple Piercings [Best Practices]](http://drnumb.com/cdn/shop/articles/How_Long_Do_Nipple_Piercings_Take_To_Heal__3_Stages_Explained.jpg?v=1714373243)
