I got my tongue pierced when I was about 19 but I was already married at the time. Keep in mind that men who see that you have one will most likely assume that you got it for the reason listed above. If that doesn't bother you then more power to you. I love my little tongue stud. I was very much teh sweet innocent teacher's pet as a child and considered my piercing my first BIG act of rebellion even though I had already left college, gotten married, and moved to Japan.

Be sure that the piercing is done by a professional with a hollow needle. Numbing sprays are not recommended as they can cause delays with healing and make swelling worse. The tongue piercing hurt a little more than an ear lobe but it didn't hurt as bad as my nose or ear cartilage. It will swell quite a bit, which is why the piercer MUST pierce you with a bar that is longer than what you will be wearing once you are healed up. You can return to the piercer and have it changed out for a regular length barbell in a few weeks. Immediately after I got mine done I ate a Popsicle, which was remarkably soothing. I'd recommend getting a box or two. Sucking on a straw is not recommended for a week or so (don't remember how long) because it can cause problems with healing.

Yes, once you are COMPLETELY healed you can get "plastic barbells" BUT, acrylic bars are not meant to be worn all of the time because they are porous and can harbor bacteria. I suggest either getting bioplast, or using a metal bar and just putting acrylic balls on it. You will need to change them every couple of days if you don't want them to get stinky and nasty, but thankfully they are cheap.

If you have a job I would suggest speaking with your employer first. You will not be able to switch to a clear barbell until it is healed so you will be wearing a big ugly metal barbell for at least 6-8 weeks.

That's about all I can think of at the moment. I've had mine for five years now and though my dentist rolls his eyes at me every time he sees me, I have never had a dental problem due to my barbell.


I forgot to add, diluted Listerine (never full strength!!!!) and salt water soaks (1/4tsp non iodized salt per 8 oz cup warm water) will be your friend several times a day for the first few weeks.