The Ultimate Guide to Tongue Piercings: Healing, Cost, & More

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Explore web piercings, double tongue piercings, & other popular types

Co-authored by Sasha Blue and Devin McSween

Last Updated: September 9, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Types
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• Getting a Piercing
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• Cost
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• Aftercare
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• Possible Complications
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• Video

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Interested in getting a tongue piercing, but not sure which type to go for? You’ve come to the right place! With the help of piercing experts, we’ve compiled a list of the most common types of tongue piercings, including how long they take to heal, how much they hurt to get, what jewelry they’re pierced with, and how much they cost. We’ll also go over what you need to know before you get a tongue piercing, including any issues or risks, and explain how to care for your new piercing. Read on to find out more!

Tongue Piercings: Popular Types

• Midline: Vertical piercing through the center line of the tongue.
• Double/Venom: 2 vertical piercings on either side of the tongue.
• Frenulum/Web Piercing: Horizontal piercing through the web under the tongue.
• Horizontal/Snake Eyes: Horizontal piercing through the tip of the tongue.

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Section 1 of 5:

The Different Types of Tongue Piercings

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   Midline tongue piercing The midline or classic tongue piercing is the most common type of tongue piercing. The jewelry is pierced vertically through the centerline of the tongue (aka the imaginary line that divides the tongue in half) and is usually placed closer to the middle of the tongue than the tip.

   • Healing time: 4 to 8 weeks
   • Pain level: 3/10
   • Type of jewelry: Straight barbell (threaded)
   • Jewelry material: Implant-grade titanium, niobium, platinum, 14k+ gold, or surgical steel

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Stephanie Anders is a piercing specialist and the owner of Royal Heritage Tattoo and Piercing with over 10 years of experience.

   Karissa Sanford is a body piercing specialist and co-owner of Make Me Holey Body Piercing with over 10 years of experience.

   Sasha Blue is a professional body piercer and owner of 13 Bats Tattoo and Piercing Studio with over 20 years of experience.

   Roger Rodríguez is a piercing specialist and owner of Ancient Adornments Body Piercing with over 25 years of experience.
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   Double tongue piercing The double tongue piercing, also known as the venom or snake bite piercing, is 2 piercings placed side by side. The jewelry is placed vertically through the tongue, usually to the right and left of the midline.

   • Healing time: 6 to 8 weeks
   • Pain level: 5/10
   • Type of jewelry: Straight barbell (threaded)
   • Jewelry material: Implant-grade titanium, niobium, platinum, 14k+ gold, or surgical steel
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   Frenulum tongue piercing The frenulum tongue piercing goes through the tongue’s frenulum, which is the web of skin under the tongue. The jewelry is pierced horizontally through this web of skin, so it’s invisible unless you lift up your tongue.

   • Healing time: 4 to 8 weeks
   • Pain level: 3/10
   • Type of jewelry: Curved barbell, circular barbell, or captive bead ring (threaded)
   • Jewelry material: Implant-grade titanium, niobium, platinum, 14k+ gold, or surgical steel
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   Horizontal tongue piercing The horizontal tongue piercing, also called snake eyes, goes through the sides of the tongue horizontally. The piercing is typically placed near the tip of the tongue with both ends of the jewelry visible, giving it the appearance of snake eyes. However, most piercers do not recommend getting this piercing. Horizontal tongue piercings can cause gum damage and erosion, and chip your teeth. It can also limit your tongue's range of motion or cause muscle damage.

   • Healing time: 4 to 8 weeks
   • Pain level: 6/10
   • Type of jewelry: Curved barbell
   • Jewelry material: Implant-grade titanium, niobium, platinum, 14k+ gold, or surgical steel
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Section 2 of 5:

How to Get a Tongue Piercing

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   Go to a reputable and experienced piercer. If you’re ready to get a tongue piercing, Stephanie Anders, the owner of Royal Heritage Tattoo and Piercing, highly suggests that you “do your research and find a reputable studio” to go to. Ensure the piercers are certified and follow proper piercing and cleanliness protocols. Then, choose a piercer who has experience doing tongue piercings and provides quality work.

   • For instance, look through the piercer’s portfolio and read through their reviews to ensure they pierce tongues well.
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   Book a consultation to see if you’re a good fit for a tongue piercing. Before you can get your tongue pierced, your piercer will inspect your tongue to ensure it's safe for you to get one. Tongue piercings are very anatomy-dependent, meaning that not everyone has the “right” type of tongue to get them.

   • During your consultation, your piercer will:
     • Ensure your tongue is long enough to pierce.
     • Identify the veins in your tongue to find a safe place to pierce so the jewelry doesn’t go through them.
     • See how your tongue moves and rests in your mouth to find a safe spot so the jewelry doesn’t harm your gums or teeth.
   • Who can’t get a tongue piercing? In general, people who have very short tongues or have a tongue-tie are not good fits for a tongue piercing.
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   Ask your piercer about the piercing process. At your consultation or appointment, talk to your piercer about the processes for getting the type of tongue piercing you want. For most piercings, the piercer will ask you to rinse out your mouth with mouthwash. Then, they’ll use a clamp to hold your tongue in position. They’ll insert a hollow needle, thread the jewelry through it, and twist on the ends of the jewelry.

   • The piercing is typically done with a long jewelry piece to account for swelling as your tongue heals. Once swelling goes down, you’ll need to get the jewelry changed out to a snugger fit to prevent any damage. We’ll go over this process in the aftercare info below!
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   Sleep, eat, and hydrate before your appointment. According to body piercing specialist Karissa Sanford, “If you're treating your body really poorly right before you get a piercing, there's a chance that your healing could be compromised.” So, to help the healing process go smoothly, get a good night’s rest. Professional body piercer Sasha Blue adds that it’s important to eat and drink right before your appointment, too.
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Section 3 of 5:

How much is a tongue piercing?

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1. 
   Most tongue piercings cost $40 to $100 (not including jewelry). If you’re getting a double/venom tongue piercing, this price is typically doubled ($80-200). However, the price you pay largely depends on where you’re located and the piercing studio you go to.

   • Most jewelry costs around $30 to $60. So, your total price may be closer to $70 to $160 for a single piercing.
   • Professional body piercer David Wilkins recommends tipping your piercer 20% to 30% for their service. So, your total price, plus tip, may be closer to $84–$192.

Section 4 of 5:

Tongue Piercing Aftercare

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   Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after each meal. To keep your piercing clean and to prevent infection while it heals, make sure to rinse out your mouth after you eat or drink something other than water. Some piercers recommend just rinsing your mouth with water, while others may advise using an alcohol-free mouthwash—just follow the instructions your piercer gives you.
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   Maintain good oral hygiene. Keep brushing and flossing your teeth as normal to keep your mouth clean and free from bacteria and debris. Make sure to brush your tongue, too. Sanford just advises that you brush your tongue gently and slowly to avoid bumping into the jewelry.

   • Note: Avoid using anything with harsh ingredients, like whitening products or toothpastes that contain charcoal. If you use mouthwash, ensure it doesn’t contain alcohol, as it can be irritating, too.
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   Eat and drink cold foods to help reduce swelling. It’s completely normal for your tongue to swell up during the first few days of getting your piercing, which can be one of the most annoying parts of the healing process. To help reduce swelling and inflammation, Anders recommends sipping on or eating something cold, like ice water, frozen smoothies, and ice cream.

   • However, avoid sucking on anything cold, like ice or popsicles. The sucking motion can lead to more swelling, inflammation, and irritation.
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   Eat soft foods until the swelling goes down. In the first few days of getting your piercing, Anders recommends eating soft foods like soups, smoothies, yogurt, shredded chicken, tender fruits, and cooked veggies. Since your tongue will probably be pretty swollen, this helps reduce irritation and any discomfort as you eat. Just chew slowly and carefully to prevent yourself from biting or bumping your piercing.
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   Avoid eating hot, spicy, acidic, or salty foods or drinks. According to Blue, some people experience irritation after eating hot, spicy, acidic, and salty foods, so you might want to minimize how often you eat these foods. However, she says if you don’t have any issues eating these types of foods, you’re totally fine to keep eating them.
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   Avoid drinking alcohol for the first month of healing. Blue advises against drinking alcohol during the first month or so of healing. She says, “Any alcoholic beverage, regardless of [whether] it’s wine, vodka, beer, and such, will promote more swelling.” Once the initial period of swelling goes down, it’s typically okay to consume alcohol again.

   • If you smoke, Blue says to try to avoid smoking as much as you can. Smoking can prolong healing, and the sucking motion can lead to more swelling and irritation.
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   Avoid touching or twisting your jewelry. According to piercing specialist Roger Rodríguez, the biggest no-nos when getting a piercing are twisting, turning, moving, and touching it. He says a piercing is essentially a cut that scabs over and heals, so when you twist it, you’re irritating that scab and prolonging healing. So, be very careful not to touch, twist, or bump your new tongue piercing.
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   Minimize kissing and other intimate contact. Kissing, oral sex, and other intimate contact can introduce bacteria to your piercing as it heals, which can prolong the healing time or even lead to an infection. These acts can also move and irritate your piercing, affecting its healing.

   • Also, avoid sharing cups, utensils, and plates with anyone else, as this can also put your piercing in contact with potentially harmful bacteria.
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   Get your jewelry changed out for the first time by your piercer. Once all of the swelling goes down (which is typically around 1 month), visit your piercer to get your jewelry downsized. Your piercer will take out the original jewelry and replace it with a shorter piece that fits inside your tongue more snugly. This is an important step, as keeping in the longer jewelry can lead to gum or teeth issues.
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    Visit your doctor if you notice signs of infection. While some initial swelling, irritation, and discomfort are normal as your tongue piercing heals, look out for signs that it’s infected. This includes swelling or discomfort that doesn't go away or get worse, pain, redness, burning sensation, green or yellow pus, and fever. Go to a healthcare professional immediately, who will diagnose and treat the issue.
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Section 5 of 5:

Common Issues with Tongue Piercings

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   They can damage your teeth or gums. Before you get a tongue piercing, your piercer will check the placement to help minimize any potential damage to your teeth or gums. However, damage is still possible. The jewelry can rub against your mouth and irritate it, causing gum erosion/recession, tooth fractures, and even gum disease.

   • This is why it’s very important that you go to a reputable piercer, get your jewelry changed out to a smaller size, follow the proper aftercare advice, and take good care of your oral health. All of these actions help minimize potential damage.
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   They can lead to trouble eating, swallowing, or speaking. Your tongue is an important muscle that you use to bite, chew, swallow, and talk. When you get a tongue piercing, the jewelry can restrict your tongue’s movement, which can cause issues with eating, swallowing, and speaking.

   • It’s also possible for the jewelry to cause nerve damage, which can lead to even more issues with eating, swallowing, and talking.
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   The jewelry can be a choking hazard. Most tongue piercings use barbell jewelry, which has 2 pieces on either end of the post that twist onto it. These pieces can get loose over time, which can lead to you accidentally swallowing them if they come all the way off.

   • To prevent this from happening, regularly check that the 2 pieces are tightened all the way onto the post.
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   They can migrate and cause scarring. Like any piercing, tongue piercings can move from the initial piercing site. Your body can also reject the piercing and push it completely out of your tongue. Either of these movements can cause the piercing site to scar.

   • If you suspect your tongue piercing is moving or being rejected, visit your piercer. They’ll inspect the piercing and decide if it can be saved, or if you need to remove the jewelry.
   • Going to a reputable piercing studio, taking care of your piercing, and wearing high-quality jewelry are the best ways to prevent migration and rejection.
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