When Can I Change My Tongue Piercing? Full Answer

Last Updated on December 30, 2023

Tongue piercing is a type of body piercing that is commonly done in the middle of the tongue. The most frequent and safest approach to pierce the tongue is with a standard tongue piercing, which is a single hole in the middle of the tongue.

One commonly ask question is “when can I change my tongue piercing?”

Read on to get answers to the following questions:

  • When can I change my tongue piercing?
  • How can I make my tongue piercing heal faster?
  • How can I change my tongue piercing?

When Can I Change My Tongue Piercing?

I will advise you to wait for 4 weeks before changing your tongue piercing. A timeframe for oral piercing healing depends on the piercing spot since you can pierce different tongue areas. Unfortunately, some of them are highly sensitive and heal slower than others.

The healing time for a tongue piercing is between six and eight weeks. Changing your piercing too quickly might cause inflammation, which can lead to more serious issues such as infection.

However, the way you maintain your new piercing will determine how quickly you heal. During that period, you should wash your tongue piercing after each meal or snack, as well as before going to bed. You can use warm salt water or an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash.

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How Can I Make My Tongue Piercing Heal Faster?

Most tongue piercings don’t need any extra care or medicine. Rinsing the piercing with a saline solution a few times a day is usually sufficient to keep it clean. Ensure to brush your teeth on a frequent basis to keep your mouth clean. Avoid smoking and clean the piercing after each meal. Control talking within the first few days and do not touch the piercing. Avoid contact with other people’s fluids, avoid sharing plates, toothbrushes, straws, or anything else that comes into contact with another person’s mouth.

How Can I Change My Tongue Piercing?

You only need to follow a simple procedure to change your tongue piercing. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Kindly wash your hands. Even after the piercing has healed, your hands should be clean to handle it. Washed your hands with warm water or antibacterial soap. Afterward, dry your hands thoroughly. Dry hands help you obtain a firmer grip, preventing the piercing from slipping out of your fingers.
  • Rinse your mouth with water. Use a saline solution to rinse it as well. A mixture of warm water and salt will suffice (warm water will dissolve salt better than cold water). If your piercing is healed, you can also use an antibacterial mouthwash.
  • To assist you, place yourself in front of a huge mirror. You’ll be able to change your piercing without looking after you’ve become used to it. For the time being, though, being able to see what you’re doing will be beneficial.
  • Extend your tongue. Stick your tongue out as far as possible to reduce the chance of swallowing a piece of the piercing if you drop it. If you’re replacing your piercing over the sink, close the drain first so you don’t lose any components.
  • Hold one of the barbell’s balls. With your non-dominant hand, grasp the ball on the underside of your tongue. Keep your balance. If you can’t obtain a good grip, use a piece of paper towel or a clean cloth to hold it.
  • Some barbells only have one ball that unscrews, whereas others have two balls that unscrew. Before you try to change your piercing, figure out which one it is so you know which ball to unscrew.
  • Unscrew the barbell’s other ball. With your dominant hand, spin the top ball to the left. Disconnect it from the barbell by completely unscrewing it. Make sure you don’t swallow any of your valuables.
  • Remove the barbell from the holding. Remove the entire piece of jewelry by gently sliding the barbell out of your mouth. Make sure you don’t drop it down the sink drain if you’re doing this in the bathroom.
  • Insert your new jewelry through the piercing. Do this straight away to prevent your piercing from closing up. Make sure both balls are securely fastened.
  • Swish some warm water in your mouth if the piercing hole feels tight; this will release the piercing and make placing the new jewelry simpler.
  • If you have swelling, redness, or discharge, see your doctor. If your hands or jewelry are not clean, changing your jewelry might bring bacteria to your piercing.

Eran Hayo is the Chief Editor of Jewels Advisor, with over 5 years of experience in the fields of jewelry and memorabilia. He built Jewels Advisor to serve one main purpose – to teach you everything he knows about jewelry, and help you make better-informed decisions when buying diamonds and engagement rings online. His work has been cited on famous publications such as The Sun, MSN and WikiHow.