Tongue Piercings and Styles
6 Types of Oral Piercings for the Tongue and Jewelry Styles
May 26, 2009
Many people are aware that there are several forms of body modification available. When it comes to tongue piercings, many of those same people don’t realize that there are actually several different tongue piercings available. Any type of tongue piercing is ideal because this form of body modification can be easily hidden from unwanted on-lookers, making it easy to see why they’re becoming so popular.
Tongue Piercings
The most popular tongue piercing is the traditional tongue piercing. This tongue piercing goes directly through the top of the tongue and exits on the bottom side. This particular piercing is also known for it’s excessive swelling after the initial piercing and swelling can last up to a week or more. Healing time is approximately one to two months.
Tongue Surface Piercings
Tongue surface piercings can be placed anywhere on the surface of the tongue, whether it be horizontally or vertically down the tongue. In addition to this, they can also be on either the top of the tongue, or the bottom of the tongue (which is often referred to as a lingum piercing,) or the tip of the tongue.
Horizontal Tongue Piercings
Horizontal tongue piercings are fairly straightforward. They are a piercing that passes horizontally through the tongue whereas traditional tongue piercings pass vertically through the tongue. Occasionally, if incorrectly pierced, this piercing is found to interfere with eating or speech - sometimes both at the same time.
Tongue Rim Piercings
A tongue rim piercings can be considered a variation of a tongue surface piercing. This piercing or group of piercings sits on the rim of the tongue. Generally, the wearer uses rings or captive bead rings. Unfortunately, this piercing has been known to cause serious tooth damage if improperly placed.
T-Bar Piercings
The T-Bar piercing is a bit more complex than any other tongue piercing. This piercing takes a bit more time and patience than other tongue piercings because it requires two separate appointments. During the first appointment, a barbell piercing will be inserted either horizontally or diagonally, depending on the wearer’s preference.
After several weeks of healing, a second appointment will be needed for a third hole to create the ‘T’ appearance of the piercing. Custom jewelry is inserted and the third piercing is screwed into the barbell to form the desired ‘T’ shape. From a viewing standpoint, the piercing appears as three separate balls on the surface of the tongue.
Tongue Web Piercings
The tongue web piercing is also quite self-explanatory. The piercing itself passes through the webbing on the underside of the tongue. Generally, wearers use barbell jewelry that is curved or straight, or even captive bead rings or regular rings. Healing time is regularly quick, as with most oral piercings.
Tongue piercings are becoming extremely popular with younger generations. They are easy to hide for work purposes and socially accepted among their peers. That being said, it is quite easy to see why these piercings are becoming so popular.
