Tongue piercing is probably one of the most popular forms of piercing. It is usually done directly through the center of the tongue. The placement of the barbell tongue ring is marked and a clamp is applied. The tongue usually swells after being pierced, so a longer tongue ring is used to give the tongue some room. A swollen tongue can lead to pain when speaking or eating, but it is not permanent and can be addressed by drinking cold beverages or chewing on ice.

Tongues are often pierced with straight barbell style jewelry. Because of its frequent movement, size and comfort is important. Barbells that are too thin can cause migration and irritation. The piercing can be stretched to accommodate larger jewelry, and the beads at the tip of the can be made of decorative material. These beads can be metal or plastic, but the mouth’s environment can cause cracking and discoloration over time.