Lip and Tongue Piercings

Short answer: Because lip and tongue piercings sit in and around the mouth, they carry extra risks compared with other piercings: infection from oral bacteria, damage to teeth and gums, swelling, and difficulty speaking. Before getting one, you need to choose a very experienced piercer, use the right jewelry length and material, and pay close attention to oral hygiene.

Lip and tongue piercings offer a bold, eye-catching look. But the nature of the mouth area means these piercings need more careful planning.

Types of lip piercings

• Labret: Below the lower lip, above the chin. The most common lip piercing.
• Medusa (philtrum): In the middle of the upper lip, below the nose.
• Monroe and Madonna: Beside the upper lip; Monroe on the left, Madonna on the right. Sits where a natural beauty mark would.
• Ashley: Goes through the center of the lower lip and exits inside the mouth.
• Snake bites: A pair of piercings on either side of the lower lip.
• Angel bites: A pair of piercings on either side of the upper lip.
• Smiley: Done through the upper lip frenulum; visible when you smile. Close to the gums and delicate.

Types of tongue piercings

• Classic tongue (center): The most common type; goes through the midline of the tongue.
• Venom: A pair of piercings on either side of the tongue.
• Frenulum (tongue web): A small piercing through the web under the tongue; requires suitable anatomy.
• Side tongue: On the side of the tongue.

Pain level

A lip piercing is usually moderate; because it goes through thick tissue, it's quick and feels like pressure. A tongue piercing is very quick in the moment but creates a peculiar, strange sensation. Swelling and tenderness are noticeable in the first days. For more, read Do Piercings Hurt?.

Healing process

Lip piercing

Usually from a few weeks to a few months. The inner and outer surfaces may heal at different rates.

Tongue piercing

The initial phase (swelling) lasts a few days to a week; full healing usually takes from a few weeks to a few months. The first jewelry is chosen long, then swapped for a shorter piece once the swelling goes down.

Risks of lip and tongue piercings

1. Infection: The mouth is full of bacteria. Hygiene and aftercare are critical.
2. Tooth and gum damage: Jewelry rubbing against teeth or gums can cause wear, chips, and gum recession. The risk is especially high with tongue and lower lip piercings.
3. Swelling: Tongue swelling can rarely be serious; swelling that affects breathing is an emergency.
4. Bleeding: The mouth area is rich in blood vessels.
5. Difficulty speaking and eating: Temporary in the first days.
6. Allergy and irritation: Depends on the jewelry material.
7. Swallowing the jewelry: Loose ends can be swallowed; check them regularly.

Choosing jewelry

• Material: Implant-grade titanium or biocompatible materials.
• Flat back: Reduces rubbing against the gums with lip piercings.
• Length: The first piece is long to allow for swelling and is shortened after healing. Long jewelry can damage teeth.
• Ends: Tightly threaded and easy to check.

Aftercare

• Touch it only with clean hands.
• Rinse your mouth after eating: With clean saline or an alcohol-free mouthwash, as your piercer recommends.
• Brushing: Use a soft brush and gently clean the jewelry too.
• Smoking and alcohol: They slow healing and increase irritation; cut back or quit while it heals.
• Playing with the jewelry: Don't play with it using your tongue or teeth; it causes damage.
• Avoid hard, spicy, and hot foods: In the first days.
• Kissing and oral contact: Put them off while it heals.

For general rules, read Piercing Aftercare.

Tongue piercing infection

See a healthcare professional if you have these symptoms:

• Increasing swelling and pain
• A bad smell, pus, or dark discharge
• Fever
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing (an emergency)

Don't try to treat it yourself.

The right piercer

Oral piercings require expertise. In the TattooVerseCo Artists and Studios sections you can compare places that do piercings by reviews, galleries, and hygiene info. Be sure to talk to the piercer about your mouth's anatomy and your jewelry choice.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does a tongue piercing take to heal?

Swelling goes down in the first week; full healing ranges from weeks to months.

Does a tongue piercing damage your teeth?

Playing with the jewelry and long jewelry can damage teeth. The right length and regular dental checkups matter.

Does a lip piercing leave a scar?

A small mark may remain after removal. It depends on the person and the placement.

Does a tongue piercing affect your speech?

It can be harder in the first days because of swelling; it usually goes back to normal after healing.

What jewelry is right for a lip piercing?

A flat back labret is a common choice because it reduces rubbing against the gums. Your piercer will recommend what suits you.

Oral piercings are a job for experts. Find experienced piercing places in the Artists and Studios sections on TattooVerseCo.