Oral Piercings
Lip Piercings
Lip piercings have a rich cultural history across the world, from the Pre-Columbian civilizations of South America, to the iconic lip plates of Africa, and the bone and silver jewelry worn by the Tlingit and Inuit cultures. These piercings have held both symbolic and aesthetic value across many cultures throughout history.
Lip piercings refer to any piercing that passes through the lip or the area around it. There are several places where these piercings can be located, ranging from the center of the lower lip to the corners.
The names of these placements can vary, with terms like “snake bites” for two piercings on either side of the lower lip, or “medusas” for a centered piercing on the upper lip. “Labret” typically refers to a single piercing placed in the center below the lower lip, midway between the edge of the lip and the chin crease, and can also be done in pairs. “Beauty mark” piercings, also known as “Monroe” piercings, are typically placed off-center on the upper lip. The “philtrum” piercing (or “medusa”) is placed at the center of the upper lip, directly beneath the septum of the nose.
For initial jewelry, lip, labret, beauty mark, and philtrum piercings usually use a 14-gauge threaded or press-fit post. This jewelry is longer at first to allow for swelling, but after healing (typically around eight to ten weeks), the jewelry should be switched to a smaller post to prevent damage to the gums or teeth. Since lip piercings go through both external and internal (oral) tissue, part of the jewelry is inside your mouth, which carries a risk of tooth or gum damage. Wearing jewelry that is too large is one of the main causes of such damage. ((For more information on oral piercing safety, check out the APP’s “Oral Piercing Risks and Safety Measures.”)
FAQs
Swelling
It’s common for lip piercings to swell significantly, often immediately after getting pierced. Ice and ibuprofen can help reduce swelling, and other ways to manage swelling are covered in our oral aftercare page. During the healing process, your jewelry may initially stick out quite a bit, like an antenna. It’s important to be patient, and if the jewelry is causing problems, consult your piercer about possibly changing it. However, it’s often best to leave the jewelry in place until healing is complete, as changing it too early can cause more swelling. Your piercer will help determine what’s best for your specific situation.
Does it hurt?
It’s a little uncomfortable, but generally similar to other piercings. Oral tissue is soft and relatively easy to pierce (unlike areas like the navel or ear cartilage), so many people find lip and labret piercings to be among the least painful to get.
Will it leave a scar if I take it out?
It depends on how your body heals and scars. Typically, facial piercings don’t leave severe scars, so most people will only have a small mark, similar to an old pimple or chickenpox scar, or even the mark left by a removed ear piercing. However, it can vary depending on your body’s healing process.
Will it interfere with eating?
A lip piercing may make eating a bit more delicate for the first few days, but it won’t require you to drastically change your diet during the healing process. Just stick to foods that are easier to eat.
What about intimacy and oral contact?
It’s best to wait until your piercing is fully healed before engaging in activities involving fluids, even with a monogamous partner. Since you have an open wound in your mouth, bacteria and fluids from your partner’s saliva can be more easily transferred, and your partner may also be exposed to your blood. If you do engage in oral activities during the healing process, make sure it’s fluid-safe. If you kiss your partner, have them rinse their mouth beforehand, and be sure to clean both your mouth and piercing afterward.
Will it damage my teeth?
Yes, if you bite down hard enough, it’s possible to damage the post, but gum damage is a greater concern than tooth damage. The disc back of the post can sometimes irritate sensitive gum tissue and, in some cases, lead to gum erosion. To minimize this risk, it’s best to shorten the post as soon as it’s comfortable, typically around eight weeks after the piercing.
Will it damage my braces?
For most lip piercings, it’s recommended to wait until you’re no longer wearing braces before getting pierced. (Vertical lip piercings on the outside of the lip may still be an option depending on your anatomy.) With traditional braces, jewelry can easily get snagged or caught in the braces—especially in the initial stages when a longer post is needed to accommodate swelling. Even more minimal options like Invisalign® can cause complications, as they need to be removed frequently for eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth.
Why is the initial jewelry so long?
All new lip piercings require longer jewelry to accommodate swelling, as swelling is quite common and can be significant. Once the piercing has healed (typically in six to eight weeks), a shorter, more snug-fitting post can be used.
Can I hide it?
Unfortunately, there is no way to hide a lip piercing during the healing process. However, once it has healed, there are several options available, such as clear quartz glass retainers and flat titanium post ends in various anodized colors to match different skin tones. If you need to hide the piercing before it’s fully healed, feel free to come in, and we can discuss your options.
Tongue Piercings
Tongue piercings have roots in ancient cultures such as the Aztecs and Mayans, who used them for ritualistic purposes. However, the modern tongue piercing—where a straight barbell passes through the center of the tongue—only became popular in the 1980s. This movement was largely championed by Elayne Angel at Gauntlet, who helped bring it into mainstream fashion.
A typical tongue piercing is placed in the center of the tongue, near the lingual frenulum (the webbing under your tongue). It’s important not to pierce too close to the tip of the tongue to avoid issues with speech and potential tooth damage. That said, if the tongue is long enough and the frenulum isn’t too tight, multiple piercings can be done in a straight line or side-by-side, though the latter can be a bit tricky. While the procedure itself isn’t typically difficult or painful, expect some swelling afterward. You may also experience a slight lisp or difficulty speaking for the first few days, but this should improve as the swelling goes down.
The initial jewelry used for a tongue piercing is usually a straight barbell, at least 12 gauge in thickness, and long enough to accommodate swelling (typically between ¾” to ⅞”). Because of this swelling, two different jewelry lengths are needed: a longer one for initial healing and a shorter one to wear once healed. With our jewelry, both ends unscrew from the center post, making it easy and cost-effective to swap out just the center post for a shorter length, rather than buying a whole new piece of jewelry. You can also choose from a variety of decorative ends to personalize your piercing.
There has been concern over the potential risks of oral piercings, particularly regarding damage to teeth and gums. The American Dental Association expressed opposition to tongue piercings in 1998. While these risks should be considered, the best way to minimize them is by downsizing your jewelry after the initial healing period, usually around four weeks. This helps reduce the potential for dental damage and ensures your teeth remain protected.
FAQs
Does it hurt?
For most people, a tongue piercing isn’t very painful. Similar to lip or labret piercings, it’s one of the easier piercings to get, but the healing process can be a bit more uncomfortable. Swelling is typically significant, and you may find speaking and eating challenging for a few days. However, the procedure itself is usually not too bad.
What happens if I pull my tongue back during the piercing?
By the time you experience any discomfort, the piercing is already completed. The piercer will have a firm hold on your tongue, either with their fingers or using forceps, so with an experienced professional, there’s very little you can do to interfere with the procedure.
What food can I eat while it's healing?
Due to swelling, eating might be uncomfortable for the first few days. During this period, avoid foods that could irritate the area, like solid, tough, crunchy, or hot (spicy or temperature-wise) foods. Stick to softer foods that require less chewing. Chilled smoothies can be a great option.
Will it interfere with talking?
You’ll need to make some adjustments during the first week while your tongue is swollen. Speaking more slowly and carefully should help you get by. It’s a bit like trying to talk with a wad of gum in your mouth that you’re hiding. The day after the piercing is usually the most challenging, but by day three, you should be able to manage it more comfortably.
What about intimacy and oral contact?
It’s best to wait until your piercing is fully healed before engaging in activities involving fluids, even with a monogamous partner. Since you have an open wound in your mouth, bacteria and fluids from your partner’s saliva can be more easily transferred, and your partner may also be exposed to your blood. If you do engage in oral activities during the healing process, make sure it’s fluid-safe. If you kiss your partner, have them rinse their mouth beforehand, and be sure to clean both your mouth and piercing afterward.
Will it damage my teeth?
Yes, if you bite down hard enough, it’s possible to damage the post, but gum damage is a greater concern than tooth damage. The disc back of the post can sometimes irritate sensitive gum tissue and, in some cases, lead to gum erosion. To minimize this risk, it’s best to shorten the post as soon as it’s comfortable, typically around eight weeks after the piercing.
Why is Listerine not recommended during the healing process?
The burning and tingling sensation you feel when using Listerine might seem refreshing, but it’s not ideal for healing. Listerine is designed for occasional use, and its high alcohol content makes it too harsh for frequent use, as it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your mouth. Overusing Listerine or similar mouthwashes can sometimes lead to oral yeast infections (like thrush in children), especially for those with weakened immune systems. If you notice a thick, white coating on your tongue or the back of your throat, stop using Listerine and switch to sea salt gargles instead.
Do I need to purchase a new barbell once the piercing is healed?
After healing, you’ll need to switch to a shorter post. However, with our jewelry, since both balls unscrew from the barbell, you only need to purchase a new, shorter middle post instead of an entirely new barbell. Once the swelling has gone down and you’re fully healed (usually around four weeks), it’s best to switch to a smaller, more snug-fitting barbell. This will make talking easier, help you hide the piercing, and reduce the risk of damaging your gums or teeth.
Is there a potential risk of damaging my teeth and/or gums?
Yes, there is a potential risk. Similar to lip or labret piercings, tongue piercings can also cause damage to your teeth. The key to minimizing this risk is ensuring that your jewelry fits properly. This means switching to a shorter barbell after the first month. Most damage occurs when jewelry is too long—like extra-long barbells rubbing against the gums, biting the jewelry, or playing with it—so it’s important to downsize your jewelry once the piercing has healed.
Can I hide it?
During the healing period, it’s important to keep the initial jewelry in place. You can opt for a tongue-colored disc on top instead of a ball, but it’s still a good idea to avoid laughing or opening your mouth too wide in front of anyone you’re trying to hide it from—also, remember to cover your mouth when yawning. Once healed, downsizing your jewelry can help make it less noticeable. We offer retainers, but they should only be worn for short periods, such as while eating or overnight.
Will I lose my sense of taste?
Our tongue is covered with hundreds of taste buds, not just a few. These taste buds are also constantly being replaced every couple of days, which is why you can burn your tongue with a scalding cup of coffee on Tuesday and still enjoy buffalo wings and beer by Friday. Additionally, most of your tasting is done with the edges of your tongue, not the center. So, no, a tongue piercing won’t cause you to lose your sense of taste.
Can I change the jewelry on my own?
Yes, you can. Since both ends of the barbell unscrew, you simply need to unscrew one ball, remove the jewelry, and replace it with the new piece. Tongue piercings are also easy to stretch, usually by gradually increasing the size every few months. However, if you feel resistance when stretching, drinking something warm beforehand can help. Just be cautious not to leave the piercing without jewelry for too long, as it can tighten up quickly. If this happens, try drinking something hot again to loosen it, and carefully insert the jewelry back in.
What if my tongue is too short?
Although rare, some people cannot extend their tongue far enough for a piercing. This is usually due to tight webbing underneath the tongue rather than the actual tongue length. For those with shorter tongues, piercings are typically placed closer to the tip—but not too close. If the webbing is restrictive, it can be surgically cut to improve movement and increase the tongue’s perceived length. If you’re interested in this procedure, consult your dentist during your next visit.
What if my tongue is too short?
Although rare, some people cannot extend their tongue far enough for a piercing. This is usually due to tight webbing underneath the tongue rather than the actual tongue length. For those with shorter tongues, piercings are typically placed closer to the tip—but not too close. If the webbing is restrictive, it can be surgically cut to improve movement and increase the tongue’s perceived length. If you’re interested in this procedure, consult your dentist during your next visit.
What about intimacy and contact?
As with any oral piercing, it’s crucial to wait until it has fully healed before exchanging bodily fluids. Remember, your piercing is an open wound, meaning you’re not just sharing saliva but also blood, lymph, bacteria, and more. Even if you and your partner already share fluids, an open wound increases the risk of introducing foreign bacteria, which could lead to infection.
If you choose to kiss your partner before healing is complete, both of you should rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash before and after to reduce the risk. At the very least, you’ll enjoy fresh breath—but more importantly, you’ll help prevent infection.
For oral sex, ensure it is fluid-safe by using condoms, dental dams, or non-porous plastic wrap, even if you usually don’t use protection with your partner.
We know you’re excited to try out your new piercing, but trust us—patience pays off!
Cheek Piercings
Cheek piercings are oral piercings placed on both sides of the cheeks, typically where dimples form. While they once gained popularity—especially among reality TV stars—they require a significant commitment, often more than most people anticipate.
Healing takes approximately six months to a year, and that’s no exaggeration. Swelling can be severe, beginning immediately after the procedure and lasting for months. Longer jewelry is necessary initially to accommodate this swelling, meaning posts will protrude noticeably during the healing process. Unlike most oral piercings that require only one jewelry adjustment, cheek piercings often need three or more different post lengths before settling on the final size.
These piercings are also known for being particularly challenging to heal, frequently experiencing unexpected swelling, fluid pockets, and excessive lymph drainage—even after healing. While healing is possible, it is rarely a smooth process.
If you’re considering this piercing, we highly recommend speaking with one of our piercers in person. They will provide honest guidance and help determine whether it’s the right choice for you. Just be prepared—we may try to talk you out of it!
FAQs
Should I get a cheek piercing?
Wanting cheek piercings is understandable, but dedication alone won’t make the healing process any easier. This piercing requires a significant commitment—often more than people expect—which is why we frequently advise against it.
Cheek piercings are notoriously difficult to heal, with a high risk of unexpected swelling, fluid pockets, and excessive lymph drainage, both during and after the healing process. They also require extensive maintenance, and once removed, they often leave noticeable scars. While healing is possible, it’s rarely smooth or easy.
If you’re still considering this piercing, we encourage you to visit one of our piercers for an honest discussion. They can provide insight and help determine whether it’s the right choice for you.
Why is the starter jewelry so long?
Like other oral piercings, cheek piercings can cause significant swelling, which begins immediately after the procedure and may take several months to subside. To accommodate this, the initial jewelry must be long enough to allow for swelling, often making it appear quite extended. Once the piercings are fully healed—typically between six months to a year or longer—shorter, more snug-fitting posts can be used.
How many times will I need to downsize my jewelry?
Unlike most oral piercings that only require one jewelry downsize, cheek piercings often need at least three or more sets of posts throughout the healing process. Wearing jewelry that is too long can slow healing, so adjusting the size as swelling decreases is essential. There isn’t a fixed number of downsizes, as it depends on how your body responds, but you can expect to go through multiple post lengths before reaching the final fit.
Is it true that cheek piercings can cause saliva leakage?
While this doesn’t happen to everyone, piercer Elayne Angel experienced significant issues with her cheek piercings, including saliva leakage. Her difficulties with healing were so challenging that she often declines to perform this piercing for clients. You can read about her experience in her book ‘The Piercing Bible’.
What about intimacy and oral contact?
It’s best to wait until your piercing is fully healed before engaging in activities involving fluids, even with a monogamous partner. Since you have an open wound in your mouth, bacteria and fluids from your partner’s saliva can be more easily transferred, and your partner may also be exposed to your blood. If you do engage in oral activities during the healing process, make sure it’s fluid-safe. If you kiss your partner, have them rinse their mouth beforehand, and be sure to clean both your mouth and piercing afterward.
Will it damage my teeth?
Yes, if you bite down hard enough, it’s possible to damage the post, but gum damage is a greater concern than tooth damage. The disc back of the post can sometimes irritate sensitive gum tissue and, in some cases, lead to gum erosion. To minimize this risk, it’s best to shorten the post as soon as it’s comfortable, typically around eight weeks after the piercing.
Why is Listerine not recommended during the healing process?
The burning and tingling sensation you feel when using Listerine might seem refreshing, but it’s not ideal for healing. Listerine is designed for occasional use, and its high alcohol content makes it too harsh for frequent use, as it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your mouth. Overusing Listerine or similar mouthwashes can sometimes lead to oral yeast infections (like thrush in children), especially for those with weakened immune systems. If you notice a thick, white coating on your tongue or the back of your throat, stop using Listerine and switch to sea salt gargles instead.
Do I need to purchase a new barbell once the piercing is healed?
After healing, you’ll need to switch to a shorter post. However, with our jewelry, since both balls unscrew from the barbell, you only need to purchase a new, shorter middle post instead of an entirely new barbell. Once the swelling has gone down and you’re fully healed (usually around four weeks), it’s best to switch to a smaller, more snug-fitting barbell. This will make talking easier, help you hide the piercing, and reduce the risk of damaging your gums or teeth.
Is there a potential risk of damaging my teeth and/or gums?
Yes, there is a potential risk. Similar to lip or labret piercings, tongue piercings can also cause damage to your teeth. The key to minimizing this risk is ensuring that your jewelry fits properly. This means switching to a shorter barbell after the first month. Most damage occurs when jewelry is too long—like extra-long barbells rubbing against the gums, biting the jewelry, or playing with it—so it’s important to downsize your jewelry once the piercing has healed.
Can I hide it?
During the healing period, it’s important to keep the initial jewelry in place. You can opt for a tongue-colored disc on top instead of a ball, but it’s still a good idea to avoid laughing or opening your mouth too wide in front of anyone you’re trying to hide it from—also, remember to cover your mouth when yawning. Once healed, downsizing your jewelry can help make it less noticeable. We offer retainers, but they should only be worn for short periods, such as while eating or overnight.
Will I lose my sense of taste?
Our tongue is covered with hundreds of taste buds, not just a few. These taste buds are also constantly being replaced every couple of days, which is why you can burn your tongue with a scalding cup of coffee on Tuesday and still enjoy buffalo wings and beer by Friday. Additionally, most of your tasting is done with the edges of your tongue, not the center. So, no, a tongue piercing won’t cause you to lose your sense of taste.
Can I change the jewelry on my own?
Yes, you can. Since both ends of the barbell unscrew, you simply need to unscrew one ball, remove the jewelry, and replace it with the new piece. Tongue piercings are also easy to stretch, usually by gradually increasing the size every few months. However, if you feel resistance when stretching, drinking something warm beforehand can help. Just be cautious not to leave the piercing without jewelry for too long, as it can tighten up quickly. If this happens, try drinking something hot again to loosen it, and carefully insert the jewelry back in.
What if my tongue is too short?
Although rare, some people cannot extend their tongue far enough for a piercing. This is usually due to tight webbing underneath the tongue rather than the actual tongue length. For those with shorter tongues, piercings are typically placed closer to the tip—but not too close. If the webbing is restrictive, it can be surgically cut to improve movement and increase the tongue’s perceived length. If you’re interested in this procedure, consult your dentist during your next visit.
What about intimacy and contact?
As with any oral piercing, it’s crucial to wait until it has fully healed before exchanging bodily fluids. Remember, your piercing is an open wound, meaning you’re not just sharing saliva but also blood, lymph, bacteria, and more. Even if you and your partner already share fluids, an open wound increases the risk of introducing foreign bacteria, which could lead to infection.
If you choose to kiss your partner before healing is complete, both of you should rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash before and after to reduce the risk. At the very least, you’ll enjoy fresh breath—but more importantly, you’ll help prevent infection.
For oral sex, ensure it is fluid-safe by using condoms, dental dams, or non-porous plastic wrap, even if you usually don’t use protection with your partner.
We know you’re excited to try out your new piercing, but trust us—patience pays off!