A tongue web piercing is subtle, making it perfect for people looking for a hidden yet sophisticated piercing. It’s also almost painless and heals fast. But there’s more. This piercing is quite controversial, and some people avoid it because of its risks.
If you’re considering this controversial piercing but need more information, this guide is for you. We’re exploring the tongue web piercing, its pros and cons, safety, and what you need to know before getting it. Let’s get started.
What’s a tongue web piercing?
A tongue web piercing goes through the slim tissue web connecting the tongue and the lower gum. It’s also called the tongue frenulum piercing. This piercing is one of the seven types of tongue piercings.
Are tongue web piercings safe?
Generally, tongue web piercings are highly risky and not safe. Research shows they can cause severe tooth and gum wear, cracks, or fissures. However, we found some success stories of people enjoying their web piercing with little to no complications. They even say the piercing is almost painless and heals quickly.
💡 Take Note: Try this piercing if you badly want to get one, but keep the risks in mind and be ready to take it out in case of any damage.
What is the point of a tongue web piercing?
The special thing about tongue web piercings is that they’re easy to hide. You can have them without anyone knowing, which is excellent if your work or environment forbids piercings but you want one.
Tongue web piercing pros and cons
Let’s now analyze the pros and cons of tongue web piercings. Then, you can decide whether or not it’s for you.
Here’s what’s good about a tongue web piercing:
- They’re unique; you’ll surely “wow” anyone who sees it.
- You can effortlessly hide it; only people you show can see a tongue web piercing.
- This piercing lets you wear various jewelry types like curved barbells, captive rings, or horseshoes.
- Tongue web piercings heal quickly.
- They hurt less than most piercings.
On the flip side, here are some cons to remember:
- Tongue web piercings are extra risky and can destroy the teeth and gum.
- Not all piercing studios offer tongue web piercings; some avoid it because of its high risks.
- Depending on your mouth anatomy, you may not be able to get a web piercing.
- Some find the feeling of jewelry under the tongue discomforting.
Getting a web piercing
When getting a tongue web piercing, you’ll open your mouth wide; the piercer will insert a hollow needle through your lower frenulum (or tongue web). Then, the piercer will hold the jewelry with a pair of forceps and fix it onto the needle. The piercer will pull the hollow needle out, allowing the jewelry to sit in your frenulum.
How bad does a tongue web piercing hurt?
Tongue web piercings don’t hurt much. Many people rate the pain level at a 3 out of 10, the same as the lobe piercing’s pain level.
Do tongue web piercings damage your teeth?
Yes, tongue web piercings can damage the teeth and gum, causing chips, wearing off, or cracks. This especially happens if a piercer does it wrongly or pierces the web despite an unsupportive anatomy.
Can you get paralyzed from piercing your tongue web?
No. Tongue web piercings have many complication risks, but paralysis is not one of them.
Does tongue web piercing affect speech?
Talking may feel different for the first few days of a tongue web piercing. But after that, you can speak as usual. Research confirms that having a tongue web piercing does not affect one’s speech.
What are the side effects of web piercing?
Web piercings can cause tooth chips or fractures, gingival recession (where the gum wears away until it exposes the tooth root), piercing infection, rejection, or migration.
Healing and aftercare
Now, let’s talk about what comes after getting a web piercing — healing and aftercare.
How long does a tongue web piercing take to heal?
Tongue web piercings take four to six weeks to heal. This piercing heals pretty fast.
How long do tongue web piercings last?
Web piercings usually last one to three years only. They often reject, where your body pushes the jewelry out. Some tongue web piercings even reject after a few weeks or months. This piercing is usually temporary.
Can a tongue web piercing get infected?
Yes. A tongue web piercing sits inside the mouth, exposed to bacteria and food remnants so it can get infected.
Can you see a tongue web piercing when you talk?
No, you can’t. A tongue web piercing is only visible when you intentionally roll up your tongue to expose it.
Can you kiss after getting a tongue web piercing?
No. You should avoid kissing after getting a web piercing. Contact with someone else’s saliva increases the chances of infection. You can resume kissing after your piercing heals.
What not to eat after a web piercing
After a web piercing, you should avoid foods that are:
- hard to chew (like dry bread or carrots);
- acidic (like orange or lemon);
- sticky (like oatmeal) or;
- spicy.
Your piercer may give you a list of recommended meals after your piercing; try to stick with it. If you don’t have a list, look for soft and non-spicy foods like pudding and yogurt.
How to take care of a tongue web piercing
Watching what you eat is just one way of caring for your tongue web piercing. Here are other things you must do to ensure a smooth healing experience and prevent infecting a tongue piercing:
- Use an alcohol-free, saline-based mouth rinse after each meal.
- Floss and brush gently but regularly.
- Do a mouth rinse after you brush or floss.
- Avoid kissing or engaging in oral sex while the piercing heals.
- Avoid fiddling with your tongue.
- Drink water regularly and get enough sleep.
How to change a tongue web piercing
Tongue web piercings are initially pierced with a curved barbell. You should leave the curved barbell in throughout the healing period. But after it heals, you can change your piercing to a captive ring, horseshoe, or a smaller barbell.
Here are the directions:
- Wash and dry your hands
- Roll up your tongue and grab the ball end of the barbell in your piercing
- Twist the ball to loosen it
- Pull out the barbell
- Grab your new jewelry and remove the ball end
- Insert the jewelry in the hole on your tongue web. It may take some time to get the spot, so be patient.
- Once in, secure the jewelry with the ball.
💡 Take Note: Avoid changing your piercing yourself. It’s safer to let your professional piercer change your tongue web piercing instead.
Worth a shot?
Getting a tongue web piercing is a big decision that requires proper consideration. This guide explains all you need to know about this unique piercing. Now, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth a shot. If you eventually get one, remember to care for it using the tips above. Your tongue web piercing might be another success story. And if not, there are other tongue piercings you can explore.
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