Tongue piercings: sizes, materials and care
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Tongue Piercing – Sizes, Materials, and Aftercare
A tongue piercing is bold and expressive, but requires the right barbell length and a hygienic material. In this article, you'll learn what common sizes are, which materials are safest, and how to keep your tongue piercing clean and healthy. Check out our tongue piercings collection.
What barbell size do you need?
| Bar Thickness | Length | When to choose? |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 mm | 19 mm | Standard size for healing – allows for swelling |
| 1.6 mm | 16 mm | After swelling has subsided (after 4–6 weeks) |
| 1.6 mm | 14 mm | For daily comfort after full healing |
Best materials for tongue piercings
- Titanium – 100% nickel-free, lightweight, and hypoallergenic. The safest choice for a fresh piercing
- Surgical Stainless Steel (316L) – strong, affordable, and low-nickel. Suitable for most people
- Bioplast – flexible and soft, ideal for sports or tooth sensitivity. Completely metal-free
Aftercare during the healing phase
- Rinse twice a day with saline solution (1 tsp sea salt in 250 ml lukewarm water)
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and spicy food in the first week
- Use a soft tongue scraper for a fresh mouth
- Check the barbell daily for tightness – but do not twist unnecessarily
- Avoid swimming pools and hot tubs during healing
When can you change it?
After 4–6 weeks, the swelling has usually subsided. Then switch to a shorter barbell (16 mm or 14 mm) for daily comfort. Full healing takes an average of 4–8 weeks. Preferably have your first change done by a professional piercer.
Styling tips for tongue piercings
- Choose colorful acrylic balls to match your tongue piercing to your outfit
- Combine a titanium barbell with a cool stainless steel bracelet for a cohesive look
- Go for glow-in-the-dark tops for festivals or nightlife
- Does a tongue piercing hurt a lot?
- The sensation is short but intense. The tongue has many blood vessels, which allows healing to occur relatively quickly with proper care. Swelling and sensitivity are normal in the first few days.
- Does a metal bar damage my teeth?
- A barbell that is too long can hit your teeth. Choose bioplast or a shorter barbell (14–16 mm) as soon as the swelling is gone to prevent tooth damage.
- How long does full healing of a tongue piercing take?
- On average 4–8 weeks. The outside heals faster than the inside. Follow the aftercare tips consistently for smooth healing.
- Can I chew gum with a tongue piercing?
- Preferably not in the first two weeks – gum can stick to the bar. After full healing, it's less of a problem.
- Which material is best for a fresh tongue piercing?
- Titanium is the safest choice for a fresh piercing: completely nickel-free, lightweight, and hypoallergenic. Surgical Stainless Steel (316L) is a good alternative. Avoid cheap metal alloys.