Some clients have asked us about problems and issues associated with the tongue piercing. Every one is different, and will heal or swell differently so we cannot say how each person will deal with the piercing. Lisping can occur but depends on the person.
The tongue piercing is one area that you want a piercer educated in anatomy who possesses safe technique with the confidence in how to place it. If the aftercare is followed properly, and the piercing is done correctly (from bottom to top, through the center, not to far back) there is very little to worry about as far as risks (also very little discomfort).
There is a group of 7 pairs of muscles within the tongue. The lingual nerves and arteries are along the bottom, on either side of the frenulum (center line) of the tongue. These are what you need to AVOID, if you do not want any risks or problems such as: excessive bleeding, loss of taste, even partial or whole paralyses of one or both sides of the tongue, dead spots (loss of feeling) within the tongue, or severe swelling.
We recommend the use of 12 gauge 3 4" long shaft with two 6mm balls. The jewellery should only be made from 316L implant grade stainless surgical steel to prevent allergic reactions.
Like any piercing IT WILL CLOSE DOWN, how quick depends on the individual. After the swelling has dissipated (about three weeks) you should have a fitted shorter shaft. This is recommended to reduce damage to your the entire oral cavity (teeth, tongue, gums, and pallet). Fancy or acrylic balls, and head pieces can be obtained at this time.
Any muscle tissue which has been injured will swell, and the tongue is no exception. Swelling following the tongue piercing can be significant making eating and talking difficult. Peak swelling usually occurs between 48 to 72 hours following the piercing and will start reducing after that as long as you follow our aftercare.
During the first 72 - 84 hrs, consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol can be dangerous. If the tongue is re-injured and starts to bleed, the high blood alcohol can result in slowed clotting and the excessive bleeding can occur. This can cause enough swelling to occlude the airway and strangulation could result if measures are not taken to keep the airway clear.
On the first day, keep the tongue as cold as possible for as long as possible with the usage of freezies or popsicle. As well try to keep it in the mouth, lifting capabilities are extremely hampered especially on day one. You could cause some minor tearing of the injured tissue, so try not to play with the piercing for a few days. Extra Strength Midol which was designed to remove fluid from muscle tissue and ease menstrual cramping, we have found it to be very effective in reducing the swelling and inflammation of the tongue.
If you are not careful you can develop thrush. Thrush, is an overgrowth of Candidiasis {Candida Albicans}, a YEAST INFECTION of the mouth! What causes this to occur is, over suppressing the natural bacteria content in the oral cavity. Thus you will allow the fungal (yeast) community to over-grow. This can occur any time the bacteria is suppressed for too long!
It looks like the top of the tongue is whitish in colour and normally sticky, there will be swelling (commonly accompanied by itching and burning sensations). To help you get it under control, use Amosan 2 times in one day and then wait one (1) week before using again if necessary.
