
hen it comes to tongue piercings, it's important to understand the different types and what makes them safe or unsafe. Some piercings, especially those that go through certain areas of the tongue, can cause significant damage if not done correctly. So, which tongue piercing is safe? Let’s talk about it.
Safe Tongue Piercings: Midline and Venom
There are two main types of tongue piercings that are considered safe: midline tongue piercings and venom piercings.
Midline Tongue Piercing
This is the traditional piercing placed through the center of the tongue, and it's the safest option. It's also called a "standard tongue piercing." Because it goes through the thick muscle of the tongue, it tends to heal well and has a lower risk of rejection when done by a professional. The straight barbell with a minimum of 14g is recommended for proper fit and safety. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this is the most recommended type due to its typical healing success when done properly.
Venom Piercing
Venom piercings involve two piercings placed on the sides of the tongue, near the tip. While they might look cool, they are safer when placed correctly. Like midline piercings, venom piercings go through the muscle tissue, which helps reduce the risk of complications. Health professionals from Healthline note that venom piercings, when done properly, are a safer alternative compared to other tongue piercings.
Unsafe Tongue Piercings: Snake Bites, Frog Eyes, and More
Now, let's talk about some of the more problematic piercings like snake bites, frog eyes, tongue web piercings, and tongue tip piercings. These types of piercings can cause long-term damage to your teeth, gums, and tongue. Here’s why:
Damage to Teeth and Enamel: Piercings like snake bites and frog eyes are placed on the sides of the tongue, which can cause constant friction with your teeth. This leads to chipped or cracked teeth and damage to tooth enamel. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, these types of piercings are more likely to cause damage to your dental health.
Poor Fixation: Piercings like these don’t sit as securely as midline or venom piercings, leading to a higher chance of rejection.
Increased Rejection Rate: These piercings are more prone to rejection by the body, meaning the piercing could heal improperly or be pushed out. The Healthline website warns that these piercings can be prone to complications due to their placement.
So, while these piercings may seem appealing for their unique look, they come with significant risks that you should carefully consider before going through with them.
Why Piercings Through the Muscle are Safer
The tongue muscle is thick and dense, which makes piercings through it (like midline and venom piercings) safer. Piercings that are placed in softer areas, like the tongue web or tip, are much more likely to cause issues like infections, irritation, and rejection.
The Importance of Proper Jewelry and Aftercare
For a safe tongue piercing, a straight barbell of at least 14g is considered the best choice. This ensures that the jewelry fits properly and can accommodate the swelling that happens in the first week after the piercing. During this time, the tongue can swell significantly, so the barbell needs to be long enough to allow for that. After the swelling subsides, the piercer will typically schedule a follow-up appointment to "downsize" the jewelry, replacing the long barbell with a shorter one to reduce discomfort. The American Academy of Dermatology advises using jewelry that can handle initial swelling to avoid complications.
Another important point is that playing with oral jewelry (like biting or moving the jewelry around) can damage the tongue muscle, leading to bumps or irritation. This is why it’s crucial to avoid unnecessary movement of the jewelry during the healing process, as Healthline suggests.
Conclusion
In summary, midline tongue piercings and venom piercings are the safest and most reliable options when it comes to tongue piercings. Avoid piercings like snake bites, frog eyes, and others that don’t go through the muscle of the tongue, as they can cause serious damage to your teeth, gums, and the piercing itself. Always go to a professional piercer, choose the correct jewelry (a 14g straight barbell), and follow all aftercare instructions to ensure the safest healing process.
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