1 sterilized 14-gauge piercing needle or cannula (a hollow needle using in piercing) 1 new 7/8-inch,14-gauge steel tongue barbell-style piercing surgical forceps sterile latex surgical gloves You should never attempt to pierce your tongue with anything other than a sterile piercing needle or cannula, and should never stud the piercing with anything but a new barbell-style piercing. Good quality piercing kits are sometimes cheaper than having your tongue pierced at the shop, but not necessarily. Usually it’s not worth it in terms of value and effort. If you’ve got a shop you trust, you can have your tongue pierced by a professional, in and out in probably less than 20 minutes.
It should go without saying, though it bears repeating: Never reuse piercing needles[3] X Research source and only use needles specifically used for piercing if you’re going to try to pierce your own tongue.
Examine the underside of your tongue for the veins, and consider marking the safe spot between the veins with a small marker.
It’s important to check and double check for the possibility of sticking yourself somewhere that will bleed significantly and risk vascular damage. If, when you pierce your tongue, it continues bleeding significantly, visit the hospital immediately.
If you’re using a solid piercing needle, most piercers like to go from the top of the tongue to the bottom of the tongue. If you’re using a cannulated needle, most piercers like to go from the bottom of the tongue to the top of the tongue.
Many people with tongue piercings find it helpful to suck on ice cubes immediately afterwards. This can help the swelling from starting, and numb the initial pain.
Saliva has strong antibacterial properties that work to keep your mouth clean, but your mouth is still subject to lots of incoming risk of infection. Take care to clean it out and don’t risk a painful infection.
The best way to speak properly: ignore it. Try your best to stop “holding” the bar as if it were a piece of candy, and just leave it alone as best you can. You’ll instinctively try to keep the stud in your mouth, which you don’t need to do. It’s not going anywhere.
