TONGUE

TONGUE PIERCING IN BAKERSFIELD, CA

A tongue piercing is placed vertically through the center of the tongue and typically worn with a straight barbell for a classic oral piercing look.

BOOK TONGUE PIERCING

— QUICK FACTS —

STARTING PRICE

$50

Standard jewelry included. Upgrades available.

PAIN LEVEL (1-10)

4/10

HEALING TIME

4 to 8 weeks

DOWNSIZING TIME

After 2 weeks

ID required. See our ID requirements page for more information.

AGE REQUIREMENT

16+

Straight Barbell

Standard jewelry included.

Upgrades available, prices vary.

JEWELRY

ABOUT THIS PIERCING

A tongue piercing is placed vertically through the center portion of the tongue and typically worn with a straight barbell.

While the piercing itself is usually quick, swelling is common during the first several days, so longer initial jewelry is used to accommodate it.

Placement is especially important with tongue piercings. Your piercer will examine the tongue, including the position of veins and the frenulum underneath, to determine whether your anatomy is suitable and where the piercing can be placed safely.

Once swelling has subsided, downsizing to properly fitted jewelry is important for comfort and to reduce unnecessary contact with the teeth and gums.

WHAT TO EXPECT

CONSULTATION & ANATOMY CHECK

We’ll assess your anatomy, answer any questions, and make sure this piercing is right for you.

Your piercer will carefully determine the placement based on your tongue anatomy and the structure beneath it.

MARKING & PLACEMENT

The piercing is performed using a sterile, single-use needle and professional jewelry.

THE PIERCING

You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions and have time to ask any additional questions.

AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

HEALING & AFTERCARE

Proper oral aftercare is important while your tongue heals. Maintain good oral hygiene, avoid playing with the jewelry, and follow the aftercare instructions provided at your appointment.

VIEW FULL AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

GOOD TO KNOW

Tongue swelling can be significant during the first several days. Initial jewelry is intentionally longer to leave room for this swelling.

Swelling is Expected

Anatomy Matters

Not everyone has suitable anatomy for a traditional tongue piercing. Your piercer will examine the tongue, frenulum, and visible blood vessels before proceeding.

Once the initial swelling has subsided, the longer starter bar should generally be replaced with appropriately fitted jewelry. This can improve comfort and reduce unnecessary movement.

Early Downsizing is Important

Avoid clicking, biting, chewing, or pulling on the barbell. Playing with oral jewelry can increase irritation and may damage teeth or gums.

Avoid Playing with the Jewelry

FAQs

You can eat, but softer foods and smaller bites are usually easier while the tongue is swollen and tender. Eat slowly and be careful not to bite the longer initial jewelry.
Temporary changes in speech are common while the tongue is swollen and while you adjust to the jewelry. Speech usually becomes easier as swelling subsides and you become accustomed to the piercing.
A properly placed traditional tongue piercing generally does not cause you to lose your sense of taste. Taste buds are distributed across the tongue rather than concentrated in the small area occupied by the piercing.