Q&A for How to Pierce Your Own Tongue

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Question

Can I re-pierce in the same hole or should I make a new one because of scar tissue?

Community Answer

You can repierce it. The only thing is it might a be a little harder to get the needle through and might have possible healing issues.

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Question

What's the easiest piercing to hide from my parents? I'd like to get a piercing without their permission.

Community Answer

Belly button, you can get it pierced and then just wear long t-shirts. After 6-12 months you can put in a retainer and wear crop tops!

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Question

Is this easy to hide from family members?

Community Answer

Kind of. Try looking away when you're talking and avoid laughing. Also, if you use a neutral ball it is not very visible.

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Question

Can I use a small stud instead of a bar when I pierce my tongue?

Community Answer

It will probably be too small, and your swelling tongue could heal over it.

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Question

Will I slur when speaking after getting it pierced?

Community Answer

You may have a small slur/lisp at first, because you won't be used to the large jewelry in your mouth.

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Question

How long does the swelling last on the tongue?

Community Answer

After 1 - 2 weeks, your tongue will be back to normal.

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Question

How can I tell if I have a vein running down the middle of my tongue?

Community Answer

Look in the mirror and lift your tongue so you can see the underside of it.

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Question

Where do I get a kit?

Community Answer

You can order kits online, just be sure it is a reutable company. Always clean the stuff you get for piericing before you use it.

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Question

What can I use if I can't find a smaller stud after the hole heals?

Community Answer

It isn't urgent. You can keep the larger stud in, but you risk chipping/damaging your gums and teeth so it's best to buy a smaller stud as soon as you get the chance.

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Question

At what age can I pierce my tongue?

Community Answer

You can pierce your own tongue at any age (not recommended), but to get it professionally done you need parent consent until you're 18.

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Question

How do I know where to put it?

Community Answer

Stick out your tongue normally and bite down gently on your tongue. The placement should be just before your teeth, about a centimeter before where your teeth are bitten down on your tongue.

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Question

Can I wear it to bed?

Community Answer

You'll probably have to, so that the hole does not close over. Make sure to use mouthwash to keep it clean.

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Question

I tried to pierce my tongue, and I'm worried I hit a vein. I probably didn't, but if I did, could I die?

Community Answer

It's very unlikely you could die from hitting a vein while piercing your tongue, but you could cause permanent damage, which is why you should not do piercings without proper training. If you're bleeding excessively, go to the emergency room.

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Question

How can I reduce the pain as much as possible without ice?

Sonia

Community Answer

Breath in, then right when you push the needle through the tongue, breathe out. This will slightly reduce the pain. The tongue piercing is one of the least painful ones, so don't worry.

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Question

How can I pierce my lip?

Community Answer

Ice it first, then take an 18g or a sewing needle and hold your lip out. Carefully push the needle through, from inside to outside. Immediately replace it with jewelry and clean the piercing.

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Question

What if I have a vein down the middle of my tongue?

Community Answer

Everyone has veins down the middle of their tongues. I wouldn't advise doing this piercing yourself as you have sensory buds on your tongue for tasting, so, therefore, it could mess them up and you will have no sense of taste.

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Question

Does it matter what needle I use?

Community Answer

It all depends on the gauge of your jewellery. Most piercers will use the same gauge for both jewellery and needle, but some may use a larger gauge for the needle (ex. 14g needle and 16g jewellery) to make jewellery insertion easier. However, if you are going to do this yourself, buy nickel free piercing needles from amazon, make sure they're readily sterilized as well. Do not use a sewing needle!

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Question

Do I use a ball size 1 or 0 for my tongue piercing?

Community Answer

Ball size one is typically used, but it’s up to you and what you think may be comfortable for your mouth size.

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Question

What will happen if I use a 14 mm barbell instead of 16 after buying the wrong one by mistake?

Community Answer

Your tongue would probably swell over it and it wouldn't heal properly. If you're changing it a few weeks later, then the hole might heal a bit and become smaller.

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Question

Why can't I use a sterilized sewing needle?

Community Answer

The hole won’t be big enough to put in a tongue piercing, and the healing would be quite bad.

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Question

How many ibuprofen pills should I take after the tongue piercing?

Kittycat02

Community Answer

Take the recommended dose. Two is a normal amount for anyone over 12, and three is what they give you as a prescription at the hospital if you need one, so judge the pain and make a decision.

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Question

Is there anything else I can use instead of surgical forceps?

Community Answer

No, because it needs to be sterile or else you will risk an infection.

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Question

Can I use a retainer if I pierced my tongue?

Community Answer

Yes, it shouldn't affect the piercing at all.

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Question

Can I use an earring to pierce it?

Ruby

Top Answerer

No. You should not take shortcuts with piercings. Ideally, you should get your tongue pierced by a professional. If you are piercing it yourself, however, you must have all the correct equipment. You will need to pierce your tongue with a sterilized piercing needle, as an earring is not sharp enough to pierce a tongue.

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Question

Where should I place the dot?

Community Answer

Place the dot in the middle of the two veins at the bottom of your tongue so that you don't hit any veins and cause issues with healing.

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Question

I'm 13, is piercing my tongue a safe idea? My parents won't know and I don't know if I should yet.

Ashlynn V

Community Answer

Your hesitancy is telling you something wise. No, you should never pierce your own tongue, especially at such a young age. You may not think your parents would know but once you attempt to pierce your tongue it will swell up obviously large and it will make It difficult to hide.

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