Let’s talk about one of the most controversial oral piercings out there: the snake eyes piercing. It’s got a bold aesthetic, and while the look might be tempting, it’s important to have a real talk about what this piercing actually is. And the serious risks that come with it.
Education is everything. I want my clients to make informed decisions about their bodies, especially when it comes to high-risk or anatomy-altering piercings like this one.
I’ve already written a more in-depth blog post on this topic, which you can read here. That article goes deeper into the subject, while this newer post is structured to align more closely with current SEO best practices and the criteria Google looks for when evaluating content quality.
🧠 What Is a Snake Eyes Piercing?
The snake eyes piercing is a horizontal piercing through the tip of the tongue. It gives the illusion of two separate piercings (like little eyes on the tongue) but is actually a single barbell placed side to side, not front to back like a traditional tongue piercing.
⚠️ Why Is It Considered Unsafe?
Snake eyes might look cool, but here’s why most professional piercers (including myself) do not offer this piercing:
🚫 Muscle Damage
Your tongue is made up of muscles that move independently for speech, eating, and swallowing. Piercing through it horizontally restricts movement and can cause permanent muscle damage.
🦷 Tooth and Gum Damage
Because the jewelry sits at the front of your mouth, it’s constantly bumping against your teeth and gums. This increases the risk of:
- Cracked teeth
- Worn enamel
- Receding gums
- Jaw pain
This type of damage is irreversible and can require expensive dental work later on.
🤐 Speech & Eating Issues
Clients often report:
- Trouble pronouncing certain words
- Increased saliva production
- Pain while chewing or swallowing
Some of these symptoms never fully go away.
🧬 Migration & Rejection
Because the piercing travels through two ends of the tongue and moves constantly, it often migrates, becomes unstable, or outright rejects. It’s not uncommon for people to remove this piercing within months, or need medical intervention to remove it properly.
🩺 What Do Piercing Professionals Say?
Most piercers (I would hope its all) who are members of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) will not recommend this piercing. It is widely regarded in the industry as an unsafe and anatomically compromising procedure that should not be performed.
🫶 A Better Option?
If you love the look of the snake eyes but want something safer, I can explore other options like:
- Traditional tongue piercings (center placement, vertical)
- Venom piercings (two separate vertical piercings on each side of the tongue)
- Even non-tongue piercings that may gives a similar vibe
All of these are anatomy-dependent, so I’ll need to check your suitability first. Book a consultation at book.ipricku.com and I’ll walk you through your options in person.
Final Thoughts
I only offer piercings that meet high standards of health, safety, and long-term viability. Your body deserves better than a risky trend. I’m here to give you the truth (even if it’s not the popular answer) because your safety matters more than a photo op.
Questions about oral piercings? Text me at 347-770-7653 or book a consultation. I’m always happy to talk through safer, cooler, and healthier alternatives. 💙
