Tongue Piercing in Gelsenkirchen
Vertically through the centre of the tongue. As a rough guide, it heals in around 4–6 weeks, but swells noticeably in the first few days.
At a glance
Placement
Centre of the tongue, vertical
Healing
Around 4–6 weeks (rough guide)
Pain
The piercing is quick, then a few days of swelling
Jewellery
Long initial bar, shortened later
Jewellery: long at first, then shortened
- Initial bar: a straight bar with two balls (barbell), deliberately longer to allow for swelling.
- Shortening: once the swelling has gone down, otherwise it puts strain on your teeth and gums.
- Material: implant-grade titanium is considered well tolerated; choose nickel-free if you have a nickel allergy.
How a tongue piercing is done
- Consultation: position, jewellery, healing.
- Marking: you check the spot in the mirror.
- Piercing: Levent checks the frenulum (the band under the tongue) and blood vessels, pierces from top to bottom under sterile conditions and fits the long initial bar.
- Aftercare info: cleaning and what to avoid.
- Check-up: By arrangement, Levent checks at the studio how the jewellery is sitting.
Tongue piercing: healing and aftercare
Rough guide: around 4–6 weeks. The first few days are dominated by swelling.
What is normal, what should I avoid?
A whitish coating around the piercing channel is normal and not pus. Avoid playing with it and biting on it, smoking, alcohol, spicy food and saliva contact with others – including kissing and oral sex.
Aftercare
- Clean with saline solution and rinse with water after eating.
- Only use mouthwash if your piercer recommends it.
- With clean hands, check that the balls are screwed on tightly.
In detail: piercing aftercare step by step.
If the swelling keeps getting worse, you find it hard to breathe or can barely swallow: see a doctor immediately or call the emergency number 112. Increasing pain, fever or foul-smelling discharge also need to be checked by a doctor.
FAQ: Tongue piercing
How long does a tongue piercing take to heal?
As a rough guide, around 4–6 weeks. The tongue has a good blood supply and heals quickly, but swells noticeably at first.
Does a tongue piercing hurt?
The piercing itself is quick. The days afterwards are less pleasant: your tongue swells and throbs, and talking and eating feel strange. This usually eases after a few days.
How much does the tongue swell after a piercing?
Noticeably in the first few days – that is why the initial bar is long. Cool water and soft, cold food help. If the swelling keeps getting worse or you find it hard to breathe, see a doctor immediately.
What can I eat after a tongue piercing?
At first, soft food, not too hot, not spicy, in small bites. Rinse with clean water afterwards. No smoking and no alcohol until it has healed.
Why does the bar of a tongue piercing need to be shortened?
The long initial bar leaves room for swelling. Once the swelling has gone down, you are more likely to bite on it, and it rubs against your teeth and gums. That is why a shorter one goes in – ideally fitted by your piercer.
Does a tongue piercing damage your teeth?
It can if you keep clicking it against your teeth or biting on it. A suitably short bar and not playing with it reduce the risk. Mention it to your dentist too.
More piercings by Levent
Ear piercing
Healing around 6–8 weeks
Helix piercing
Healing around 6–12 months
Nostril piercing
Healing around 3–4 months
Get your tongue piercing in Gelsenkirchen
With Levent, Horster Straße 85 – also easy to reach from Gladbeck, Bottrop, Herten, Marl and Dorsten.