Oral piercings like tongue, lip, and labret piercings have long been a popular form of self-expression. Whether it’s a classic vertical tongue piercing or a sleek philtrum stud, these piercings can look amazing when done properly and cared for correctly.
But before getting pierced in or around the mouth, it’s essential to understand the risks involved, the importance of professional placement, and the long-term maintenance required to keep your oral health intact.
Common Oral Piercings
Some of the most popular oral and perioral (around-the-mouth) piercings include:
- Tongue Piercing
- Vertical Labret
- Labret / Lip Piercings (e.g., Monroe, Medusa, Snake Bites)
- Philtrum (Medusa)
- Smiley (Upper Lip Frenulum)
- Lip Frenulum (Lower)
Each of these placements comes with its own anatomy considerations and care needs, but across the board, oral piercings deserve extra attention due to the sensitive, high-movement environment of the mouth.
The Risks of Oral Piercings
Oral piercings can be safely done by experienced professionals but it’s important to acknowledge the risks, especially if you’re not following proper aftercare or choosing unsafe styles or jewelry.
Here are some of the most common concerns:
- Tooth and Gum Damage: Improperly placed or oversized jewelry can repeatedly bump against teeth and gums, causing enamel wear, chipping, gum recession, or even tooth loss over time.
- Swelling & Nerve Irritation: Tongue piercings especially may swell significantly at first. If not managed properly, this can lead to discomfort or, in rare cases, difficulty breathing.
- Speech & Eating Changes: These piercings may temporarily affect your speech and eating habits as you adjust, though this usually improves with time and healing.
- Infection Risk: The mouth naturally contains bacteria. Oral piercings need consistent cleaning and care to reduce the chance of infection or other complications.
A Quick Note on Snake Eyes Piercings
I do not offer snake eyes piercings (a horizontal piercing through the tip of the tongue). While they may seem trendy, this placement is widely considered unsafe by professionals due to the way it restricts tongue movement, causes excessive damage to teeth and gums, and increases the risk of rejection or splitting of the tongue. For your safety, we never perform or recommend this piercing. For more information you can read my blog post here.
Safety Measures for Oral Piercings
Choosing a skilled, experienced piercer is only the first step. There are safety practices that every client should follow to keep their oral piercings healthy long-term:
1. Downsize Your Jewelry
Oral piercings are typically done with longer jewelry to accommodate swelling. But once that swelling subsides (usually within 4 weeks), it’s important to come back and downsize to a shorter post. This helps minimize movement, reduces the risk of damage to your teeth and gums, and makes the piercing more comfortable overall.
We strongly recommend booking a downsizing appointment. It’s a vital part of the healing process.
2. Use High-Quality Jewelry
Oral piercings require implant-grade materials like titanium or stainless. Avoid mystery metals or acrylic, which can degrade or harbor bacteria.
3. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Brush gently twice a day, rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash after eating, and avoid smoking or chewing tobacco during healing. Be mindful of spicy or acidic foods early on, as they may irritate the fresh piercing.
4. Avoid Playing With Jewelry
Tongue or lip piercings can be tempting to fiddle with using your teeth or tongue, but this can increase the risk of dental trauma and disrupt healing.
Final Thoughts
Oral piercings can be bold, beautiful, and meaningful. When done safely and maintained properly, they can become a seamless part of your personal style. But education is key—knowing the risks and following best practices is what makes the difference between a successful oral piercing and long-term dental issues.
Whether you’re thinking about a tongue piercing, lip piercing, or any other oral placement, I’m here to guide you through every step. Starting with an expert consultation and continuing through placement, aftercare, downsizing, and long-term jewelry upgrades. My goal is to ensure your oral piercing is safe, stylish, and suited to your unique anatomy.
📍 Located on Staten Island, I offer appointment-only services for a focused, professional experience.
📟 Text 347-770-7653 to schedule
🗓️ Book online anytime at book.ipricku.com
📸 See my latest work on Instagram: @ipricku
Let’s make your next piercing a seamless, confidence-boosting experience.