Tongue piercing is one of the most widespread body modification procedures by which a piercing, almost always called a piercing, is placed through the tongue. The vast majority of people choose this type of body mod nowadays because of its geometrical visual effect and the self-expression opportunity.
A critical thing that anyone planning to do tongue piercings needs to know is the cost, the risks, the available pain management techniques, the suitable jewelry options, and the right aftercare procedures. In this article, we will discuss all the mentioned tongue piercing aspects in detail, so after this one, you will be perfectly informed to make a right decision.
What is Tongue Piercing?
Tongue piercing, which is the most common, is a practice of putting a needle into one's tongue and making a hole big enough for jewelry. This is a common mode of communication which takes place in all cultures and grants an individual an occasion for unique self-expression.
Tongue piercing can bind to the end or the frenulum, which is a tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Despite the rapid process, post-treatment care is quite critical to prevent infections and heal all wounds.
Cost of Tongue Piercing
The cost of tongue piercings, primarily, depends on a few different factors. On average, people can expect to pay $40 to $90 on a tongue piercing. Despite this, the cost-per-minute may be higher at urban centers and high-end studios which may reach between $50 and $100 or above.
As for the cost of the piercing, it depends on the place of the studio, places in the urban usually have a higher price and the reputation of the studio, and places with a well-known name in it usually pay more. In addition to the chosen jewelry which can be a plain stainless-steel barbell or a unique design, also plays a role
How to Manage Tongue Piercing Pain
It is not unusual to have severe pain after tongue piercing with additional inconveniences. So, a proper management of pain following a tongue piercing is a vital part of the healing course. Here is how you can manage pain:
- Ice Chips: Ice chewing tends to reduce the swelling wave and make the feeling go off the affected area.
- Avoid Spicy Foods: Spicy foods may not be conducive to the process of healing as they can cause inflammation of the pierced area and lead to increased pain. During your recovery phase be on a safe, bland diet.
- Use Pain Relievers: Aspirin and acetaminophen are popular ingredients in many over-the-counter pain medications so they are quite capable to relieve pain. Conform strictly to the dosage described.
Healing Time for Tongue Piercing
When a piercing of tongue occurs, the healing process, in general, takes an interval of about 4 to 6 weeks. But the complete recovery time period for every person might differ and hence some of them could take two months or more than that. Next your piercer will guide you in the post-op discharge, which is very important unless you want problems later.
It means wash the pierced skin with a saline solution or non-alcoholic mouth wash as frequent as possible and of course, be careful regarding acidic foods or alcohol beverages which could be irritated the skin, too. Also don’t dive into activities which could cause injury such as blows to the head.
Health Risks of Tongue Piercing
While light tongue piercing is also well-liked, but individuals who choose to do this literally run the risk because it might give rise to some serious health issues. Another concern is a possible infection risk. The oral cavity, where bacteria live, is always full of them and, if a piercing is done without careful actions or lack of providing after-piercing steps to the wound, the infection may occur.
This could happen when nerves can be damaged because it is highly likely for an amateur to do the piercing. This can make it easier or impossible for the tongue to feel the sensation, or simply strip it of the sensation altogether. Unlike the intense immune reactions, other minimal allergic reactions may happen due to the inhalation of the metals with which the jewelries are made of. Such exposure may cause inflammation and diverse uncomfortable symptoms.
Tips for Safe Tongue Piercing
When we talk about safe tongue piercing, there is a few essential aspects to think about. Foremost, it is important to select a professional who is trained and experienced while performing the procedure in an established sterile environment. After the piercing, the most crucial step is the following rules of care in the aftercare.
- Follow Aftercare Instructions: Clean your piercing with saline solution and leave alcohol-based mouthwashes out.
- Watch for Signs of Infection: Be alerted to excessive swelling, redness, pain or discharge, and bear in mind to see your health care provider if it happens.
- Be Mindful of Your Jewelry: Try not to click or play with your jewelry with your teeth, it can bring about damage to your teeth and also the gums
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day (morning and night) and carefully brush your piercing to avoid plaque accumulation and bad breath.
Suitable Tongue Rings Jewelry
It is very important to choose the right jewelry for your tongue piercing because its comfort, safety, and proper healing is dependent on it.
- Surgical Steel Tongue Rings: As the surgical steel is well-known for its strength and ability to withstand corrosion, surgical steel tongue rings are (the) go to choices.
- Acrylic Tongue Rings: Acrylic tongue rings are lightweight and come in a variety colors and designs which a person can be able to customize. They too are considerate to the teeth and gums and decrease the risk of getting your teeth damaged is on the rise.
- BioFlex Tongue Rings: BioFlex is a material that feels like a skin and is very soft and painless in mouth: these properties make it the best piercing material for your tongue.
- Titanium Tongue Rings: Titanium also is strong and non-allergic, so they are another option for your tongue ring. These vibrating tongue rings are light and the range is also widely and they provide you both with comfort and style by this.
Standard Tongue Ring Sizes
Tongue rings sizes usually come as 14 gauge, which represents the diameter of the ring. Hence, 14 gauge is larger than 18 gauge (Steel is used in housing for the best cost-benefit. The thicker the sheet (number between 24mm and 18 gauge), the better sound insulation it provides. The bullet weighs 54. 8 to 57. 7 grains in weight.
The correct size is the first factor that creates comfort and helps a wound to heal properly. If the ring is either very tight or very loose there may be a danger of an infection. The right size is one of the most important things when tongue piercing.
Conclusion
Thus, tongue piercing is a strong spreading trend of body modification that symbolizes one’s personal style. Actually, it is vital to examine the expense, risks which may occur and choose the right pain management techniques and appropriate jewelry before getting a tongue piercing.
Following the tips and instructions, you will take an educated decision about the surgery and will achieve a complication-free and fast reconstruction. Try to use a professional piercer, prove aftercare instructions accurately, and pay attention to your oral care to benefit from your tongue piercing in a correct manner.