If you’re considering a new tongue piercing, you may be wondering about the latest piercing trend – the snake bite tongue piercing. This piercing style has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. The snake bite tongue piercing is a great way to add a unique touch to your look and make a bold statement.
However, before you take the plunge and get a snake bite tongue piercing, there are a few things you need to know. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the snake bite piercing, including the piercing process, aftercare, and potential risks.
What is a Snake Bite Tongue Piercing?
The snake bite tongue piercing is a style of tongue piercing that involves two piercings, one on either side of the tongue, mimicking the look of snake fangs. This piercing is popular among both men and women and can be customized to fit your personal style.
The piercing process for a snake bite tongue is similar to that of a traditional tongue piercing. A piercer will use a hollow needle to create a hole on either side of the tongue, inserting a small barbell or labret stud into each hole.
After the piercing process is complete, you’ll be left with two small studs or barbells on either side of your tongue, giving you the appearance of snake fangs.
What are the Benefits of a Snake Bite Tongue Piercing?
There are many benefits to getting a snake bite tongue piercing. Here are just a few:
- Unique Look – The snake bite tongue piercing is a unique and eye-catching piercing style that will set you apart from the crowd.
- Customizable – The snake bite tongue piercing is highly customizable, with a variety of stud and barbell options available to fit your personal style.
- Minimal Pain – While any piercing involves some level of pain, the tongue is one of the least painful areas to pierce. You can expect minimal discomfort during and after the piercing process.
- Quick Healing Time – The tongue is one of the fastest healing areas of the body, and a snake bite tongue piercing should heal within four to six weeks.
What are the Risks of a Snake Bite Tongue Piercing?
Like any piercing, there are potential risks associated with a snake bite tongue piercing. Here are a few to consider:
- Infection – Any piercing can become infected if not properly cared for. With a snake bite tongue piercing, there is a risk of infection due to the location of the piercing in the mouth.
- Swelling – It’s normal for the tongue to swell after a piercing. However, with a snake bite tongue piercing, there is a risk of excessive swelling due to the presence of two piercings.
- Damage to Teeth and Gums – With a tongue piercing, there is always a risk of damage to the teeth and gums. However, this risk is increased with a snake bite tongue piercing, as the two piercings are located on either side of the tongue.
- Speech Impediment – In some cases, a tongue piercing can cause a temporary speech impediment as the tongue adjusts to the presence of the piercing.
Healing Process of Snake Bite Tongue Piercing
After getting the snake bite tongue piercing, the healing process starts, which can last for several weeks. It is important to follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and avoid any complications.
Here are some tips to promote faster healing and prevent infection:
- Rinse your mouth with saline solution or a non-alcoholic mouthwash after meals and before bed to keep your piercing clean.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and spicy or acidic foods as they can irritate the piercing and delay the healing process.
- Do not play with the piercing, chew on the jewelry, or touch it with dirty hands.
- Avoid kissing or engaging in oral sex until the piercing is completely healed.
- Use ice packs or ibuprofen to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- If you experience excessive bleeding, swelling, or pus discharge, contact your piercer or a healthcare professional immediately.
It is normal to experience some swelling, redness, and soreness during the healing process. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, it may indicate an infection or other complication. In such cases, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.
Risks and Complications of Snake Bite Tongue Piercing
Like any other piercing, snake bite tongue piercing involves certain risks and complications, which include:
- Infection: The tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause infection if the piercing is not properly cleaned and maintained.
- Bleeding: Since the tongue has many blood vessels, bleeding is a common complication of tongue piercing. However, excessive bleeding can be dangerous and may require medical attention.
- Swelling: Swelling is a normal part of the healing process, but excessive swelling can obstruct breathing and require immediate medical attention.
- Nerve damage: The tongue has many nerves that control speech, taste, and swallowing. If the piercing is not done correctly, it can damage the nerves and cause permanent loss of sensation or movement.
- Gum recession: The jewelry in the piercing can rub against the gums and cause them to recede, exposing the roots of the teeth and leading to tooth decay and other dental problems.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to the metal in the jewelry and experience skin irritation, itching, or rashes.
To minimize the risks and complications of snake bite tongue piercing, it is essential to choose a reputable piercer who follows proper hygiene and safety practices. Also, follow the aftercare instructions carefully and monitor the piercing for any signs of infection or other complications.
FAQs
Q. How much does snake bite tongue piercing cost?
A. The cost of snake bite tongue piercing varies depending on the location, piercer, and type of jewelry used. Typically, it ranges from $50 to $100.
Q. Does snake bite tongue piercing hurt?
A. Yes, snake bite tongue piercing can be painful, as the tongue has many nerve endings. However, the pain is usually brief and manageable.
Q. How long does snake bite tongue piercing take to heal?
A. The healing time for snake bite piercing can vary from person to person and depends on factors such as age, health, and aftercare. Typically, it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the initial healing and 2 to 3 months for complete healing.
Q. Can I change the jewelry in my snake bite tongue piercing?
A. It is recommended to wait until the piercing is completely healed before changing the jewelry. Also, choose jewelry made of high-quality, hypoallergenic materials to avoid allergic reactions and other complications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, snake bite tongue piercings are a popular type of piercing that involves two piercings on the tongue, mimicking the fangs of a snake. While the procedure itself is relatively simple and straightforward, it is essential to choose an experienced and professional piercer to ensure a safe and successful outcome.
If you’re considering getting a snake bite tongue piercing, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re fully aware of the potential risks and aftercare involved. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Overall, with proper aftercare and a skilled piercer, a snake bite tongue piercing can be a unique and stunning addition to your body art collection. Just be sure to prioritize your health and safety above all else.
