Tongue piercings are a type of body modification that involves piercing a piece of jewelry through the tongue. Here are some things to know about tongue piercings:

• Jewelry: Tongues are pierced with straight barbell style jewelry, and the size and comfort of the jewelry is especially important due to the frequent movement of the tongue. Barbells that are too thin are prone to migration, causing discomfort and irritation. The initial piercing is often at 14 g (1.6 mm), but it is possible to pierce immediately at 12 g (2.0 mm) or even 10 g (2.4 mm) to avoid one or two stretching steps.

• Procedure: Most tongue piercings are removed by unscrewing the back off the underneath of the tongue, which is relatively easy. Screwing them back in should also be hassle-free.

• Kissing: The most common difference between kissing with a tongue piercing is the addition of something cold into an otherwise warm situation. The feeling of a cold ball or bar as youre kissing can be exciting for some, plus for the pierced person the tugging on your piercing is meant to be like a party for the nerve-endings in your tongue.

• Stigma: There is a definite assumption around tongue piercings that you are telling the world that you’re up for it. The drawing attention to your mouth, the rumor that it improves oral sex, it all adds up to the ridiculous notion that you are somehow more interested in sex because you have a sparkly ring in your mouth. In fact, tongue piercing originates from ancient tribes who used it to draw blood to regain favor of the gods and create an altered state of consciousness for communication.

• Popularity: Tongue piercings have seen a recent upsurge in popularity, making it now the second most popular piercing amongst young women aged 18-25 in 2019.

In summary, tongue piercings are a type of body modification that involves piercing a piece of jewelry through the tongue. The jewelry used is important, and the procedure for removing and screwing it back in is relatively easy. Tongue piercings have seen a recent upsurge in popularity, and there is a stigma around them that is not necessarily accurate.