Have you always dreamt of having a tongue piercing? Are you chomping at the bit (pun not intended) to find out the answers to all the questions you’ve been dying to ask? Well then, it’s time you checked out our latest blog. Bringing you up to speed on perhaps the less common FAQ’s regarding tongue piercings, this blog is bound to answer all those pressing questions you’re too afraid to ask!
Open wide! It’s time to clamp down on all those so called ‘myths’ you’ve heard/read about! So let’s dig in! Here they are, the questions you’ve always wanted to ask about tongue piercings but were too afraid to ask!
Answered: 7 Frequently Asked Tongue Piercing Questions
1) Is My Tongue Too Short To Pierce?
Although it is very rare, it is possible that the anatomy of your tongue could prevent you from getting it pierced. Before you starting measuring your tongue with a ruler, it’s worth noting that there are a small number of people that can’t stick their tongue out far enough, preventing it from being suitable to pierce. Having a short tongue is nothing to be ashamed of, it simply just means that there’s tighter webbing present. Worry not! It is possible, for those with shorter tongues, to have the piercing placed closer to the tip of the tongue, however, this all depends on individual anatomy, suitability, and what is recommended by both your dentist and piercer. So before you start wagging your tongue at your potential piercing, it’s best to get the all clear!
2) Will I Lose My Sense Of Taste?
If GCSE’s taught us anything, it’s that our tongues are covered in hundreds of taste buds. Well, surely a tongue piercing is going to prevent you from tasting properly?! Wrong! Our taste buds are replaced every few days – exemplified through how you could burn your tongue on that hellishly hot cup of cocoa on Wednesday night, but thoroughly enjoy that curry you’d waited all week for on Friday! That being said, tasting is often done with the sides of your tongue, so in no shape or form will a tongue piercing alter your ability to taste!
3) What Can I Eat During The Healing Process?
Although we did mention curry and hot drinks above, they’re a ‘no go’ we’re afraid when it comes to the healing period. Pack away your crunchy, spicy, and hot foods (Yes Nando’s, we’re talking to you!) as such foods can highly irritate the newly pierced area. It’s best to stick with soft foods and those that require low levels of chewing (not because you’re lazy, but because the less your tongue moves about the better!). If you think that that now limits you to those icky baby puree’s then you’re wrong! Why not snack on a chilled smoothie, some ice cream, jelly, or a cold soup/broth!
4) Will It Affect The Way I Talk? Will I Have A Speech Impediment?
It’s hard to say how a tongue piercing will affect the way an individual speaks, however, naturally you will have to adapt and re-adjust whilst your tongue is still swollen, post piercing. You may find it hard during the first couple of weeks to enunciate certain sounds and words, but this is nothing permanent. As humans, our body both acclimatises and adapts to changing situations, so you’ll soon get used to your tongue piercing. During the healing period and first few days, many say it feels like you’re talking with a piece of gum in your mouth – but you’ll soon get used to it! Once the swelling has died down, it’s unlikely that there will be noticeable change to your speech.
5) Will My Tongue Piercing Chip My Teeth?
Worry not, you’re not going to wake up one morning with a purely gummy mouth. That being said, yes, it is possible to damage your teeth with a tongue piercing. To prevent the possibility of damage, it’s highly recommended that you only wear jewellery that is the correct size and shape, as most often damage is caused due to the vigorous movement of oversized jewellery. We highly recommend that you discuss the post-piercing process, and the downsizing of jewellery, with your piercer just so you’re able to prevent any damage from occurring.
6) What Do I Have To Avoid Whilst The Piercing Is Healing?
Okay, so we already told you about the hot, spicy, and crunchy foods but that’s not all that’s worth avoiding! We don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s recommended that during the healing period you avoid activities such as:
Drinking alcohol
Smoking (This applies to vape pens too)
Kissing
Although that list might not apply to everyone, it’s worth noting how such things can unnecessarily increase both discomfort and swelling. Drinking alcohol, a known blood thinner, directly after, or soon after, your piercing can dramatically increase the risk of experiencing swelling, bruising, and even excessive bleeding. If you are a smoker or decide to smoke during the healing period, it’s highly recommended that you rinse your mouth out after with a suitable alcohol-free mouthwash, ensuring that the risk of infection is kept to a minimal. Similarly, it’s highly recommended that you wait until the piercing has fully healed before you exchange any bodily fluids. By rinsing your mouth, before and after, and by utilising suitable fluid-safe protection, the risk of infection is reduced.
7) Is There A Way To Hide This Piercing When I Get It Done?
We totally understand that there may be a given reason as to why you want to conceal a piercing. By choosing flesh coloured (tongue coloured) tops for your barbell it’ll reduce the noticeability but obviously won’t make it invisible! It’s worth discussing with your piercer the best way to conceal a tongue piercing, as this may differ depending on personal choice and even anatomy.
So there we have it, our top, less common, FAQ’S when it comes to tongue piercings! Remember any question is a question, and there is no such thing as a ‘silly question’. When it comes to piercings, especially oral piercings, it’s worth knowing everything you could before taking the plunge! Doing the appropriate research can save you a lot of hassle in the future!
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