Tongue Piercing
Tongue Piercings
Tongue Piercing Shopping Guide
Your mouth, and your tongue in particular, are sensitive. When you shop for a new tongue piercing it is essential to get a barbell made of the correct material. Also, getting the right sizes is vital to ensure that your tongue piercing is comfortably in position.
In this Shopping Guide we take a closer look at the Tongue Piercing. We give you all the relevant information to purchase the perfect new barbell for your specific situation.
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Tongue Piercing Sizes
Measuring tongue piercings is straightforward. You measure the length of the bar without the threading as displayed on the image. The standard bar length for a tongue barbell is 16 mm. However, getting a different length is common if your situation requires that.
The bar thickness is more complex. You will need an accurate measuring tool, like a digital calliper tool, to measure it correctly. The standard bar thickness is 1.6 mm.
The bottom ball is usually 5 mm. The ball on top, which sometimes has a different shape, can vary in size. On the product pages, you will find ball sizes and/or top sizes to specify the product sizes.
Colourful Tongue Piercings
You may be looking for a new tongue piercing in a particular colour, like gold or black. There are many different barbells available in the most vibrant colours. However, not all of them are suitable for inside the mouth.
Let's start by looking at gold plated products. These come with a very thin layer of gold around the product. This plating is not able to stand the conditions in your mouth. Acids from drinks, for example, will make the gold layer quickly fade away, causing tarnishment.
You will also find colourful tongue piercings with PVD plating. This modern plating technique uses titanium nitride to give the piercing vivid colours. Although this method is much more durable than gold plating, the plating will still fade over time.
We don't recommend using gold plated barbells as tongue piercings. PVD plated barbells are safe to use but bear the above in mind.
Barbells made of 14 Kt. Gold are not recommended for tongue piercings. Acids from drinks are known to cause discolourations to real gold barbells.
Tongue Piercing Materials
Picking the material of your new tongue piercing is quite important. Learn more about the most used materials and take the time to understand the differences.
316L Surgical Steel
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316L Surgical Steel
The most commonly used material, optionally with a colourful plating. This quality stainless steel contains trace amounts of nickel. Read more about this amazing material in the guide.
Titanium
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Titanium
Titanium barbells are the best choice for your new Tongue Piercing. It won't tarnish at all and is free of any nickel. Read the guide to learn more about this fantastic material for tongue bars.
Acrylic / Bioflex
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Acrylic / Bioflex
You will be able to find some barbells made of acrylic and bioflex. Bioflex is more flexible, whereas acrylic is more sturdy. Be aware that acrylic piercings can break inside your mouth if you are not careful.
Tongue Piercing Aftercare
Your tongue is an organ and requires special attention when you have a tongue piercing. You can't just use standard aftercare products to use in your mouth.
There are special rinsing solutions on the market for tongue piercings. However, you can always make a cup of lukewarm salt water to use at home. It may not taste great but is quite effective. Rinse the solution around your tongue piercing for at least 2 minutes but be careful not to drink it!
Thinking about getting a Piercing?
Whether you want to have your first piercing done or are looking for another one, it is always good to get some information first.
Covering topics about sizes, healing period, and more, our guide on getting pierced is an excellent resource of information before you make the decision.
New Tongue Piercings
