Just had your tongue pierced or doing some research? This blog outlines what’s involved in healing a new tongue or oral piercing such as a smiley or frenulum (a loose bit of tissue under the tongue).

Do tongue piercings hurt?

Your tongue piercing procedure will cause some pain like any other piercing, but most of the pain and swelling will subside in a few days. If you follow the aftercare advice of your piercer and avoid touching or irritating your piercing in any way the pain will go away quickly.

Tongue piercing healing and aftercare:

Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash and Difflam Anti-inflammatory Gargle (separately) at least 3 times a day, after eating. You can purchase these products from most chemists. Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol during initial healing, and stay away from kissing or any intimate activity until the swelling goes down. For the first few days, eat soft foods such as soup, smoothies or mashed potatoes. To alleviate swelling avoid temperature hot or spicy foods and have lots of frozen drinks and cubes of ice.

Your piercing will be healed enough to change jewellery after about two months, at that time you should be able to remove jewellery for a changeover but don’t leave the jewellery out for a long period of time as tongue piercings close over quickly.

How do I eat with a tongue piercing?

You will not be able to chew for the first few days after piercing, so get some healthy soups and smoothies prepped! For the first few months, rinse your mouth out with water vigorously swishing after every meal to dislodge any food that can get stuck around the piercing or jewellery. Eat slowly so you don’t accidentally bite down on the tongue jewellery especially while you have the long initial piercing bar in, as chipping teeth can become an issue if you’re not careful!

If you need more piercing advice, don’t hesitate to visit our friendly piercing team in any salon! We’re here to help!

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