Thinking about getting a tongue piercing? Or maybe you just had one done and your tongue is feeling a little… weird? Either way, you’re in the right place. The tongue piercing healing stages are unique—your tongue lives in one of the most bacteria-filled, constantly-moving spots on your body. So yeah, it’s going to be a bit of a journey.
Whether you’re a piercing newbie or a body mod veteran trying out something new, knowing what happens during each stage of healing will save you a lot of confusion—and potentially, a whole lot of pain. At Mantra Tattoo and Piercing in Denver, we’ve pierced thousands of tongues, and here’s what we’ve learned about how to heal one right.
The Tongue Piercing Healing Stages You’ll Go Through
Tongue piercings usually heal faster than most piercings, but they’re not exactly low-maintenance. You’ll go through a few uncomfortable (and weird) phases along the way.
Day 1–3: Welcome to Swell City
So, do tongue piercings hurt? Uh, yeah. The first few days are rough. Your tongue will swell like crazy, feel sore, and your saliva production may kick into overdrive. Talking? Eating? Kinda awkward.
Ice chips are your best friend here. Stick to soft foods, drink tons of water, and rinse your mouth with salt water after eating or smoking. Don’t use mouthwash with alcohol—it’ll burn like lava. For more info, check out our piercing aftercare guide.
Day 4–7: Still Swollen, But Hopefully Less Miserable
Around this point, the swelling should start going down. You may still feel pressure or irritation when you move your tongue, but it’s manageable. You’ll also notice some white stuff around the piercing. Don’t panic—that’s not pus. It’s lymph fluid, and it’s part of the normal tongue healing process.
This stage is also when you need to be careful. The decreased swelling can trick you into thinking you’re all good, but your wound is still healing and highly susceptible to infection.
Wondering how do I know if my tongue ring is infected? Look out for thick yellow or green discharge, a foul smell, intense pain, or a fever. If that’s happening, don’t wait—see a doctor.
Day 8–14: Itchy, Peely, and Almost Normal
Around week two, your tongue will start to feel more normal. You might notice peeling or a light itch—that’s a good sign. It means the outer layers are regenerating.
At this point, it’s usually safe to switch to a shorter barbell. Leaving the long one in too long can mess with your teeth and gums, which brings us to one of the biggest things you can’t do with a tongue piercing—ignore when it’s time to downsize.
Need high-quality jewelry for the switch? We’ve got you covered with surgical steel, titanium, and gold. Learn why surgical steel is a good choice for piercings.
Week 3–4: You’re in the Clear (Kind Of)
At this point, your healing time tongue piercing is wrapping up. You’ll still want to be gentle—no oral action, spicy food, or drinking straight from shared bottles just yet. Also, if your tongue is white after piercing, don’t freak. It’s probably just minor buildup and totally normal unless paired with pain or smell.
Keep cleaning your piercing regularly and stay on top of your oral hygiene. You’re almost there.
Week 5–6: Fully Healed (Unless Something’s Wrong)
By now, your tongue should feel totally fine. You can speak, eat, and live normally. That said, we’ve seen rare cases where someone still has a lump on tongue piercing or reports bruised tongue after piercing even after this point.
Sometimes it’s just scar tissue. Sometimes it’s irritation from jewelry that’s too long. Either way, pop back into the shop or consult with a piercer if something seems off.
What You Can and Can’t Do With a New Tongue Piercing
During your new tongue piercing healing journey, some habits are absolute no-gos.
You’re probably wondering, can you drink alcohol after a tongue piercing? Not during the first two weeks, no. Alcohol can dry out your mouth, increase swelling, and worsen irritation.
Also, avoid kissing, oral sex, citrus, smoking (if you must smoke, rinse every time), and sharing utensils or water bottles. These things may seem harmless, but they’re some of the biggest reasons for infected tongue piercing healing stages.
For smokers, we recommend having a travel-sized bottle of saline solution with you. Rinse every time. Yes, every time.
What If Your Tongue Still Hurts After Healing?
Tongue piercings usually settle after a month, but some folks ask, why is my tongue piercing sore after years?
That can be caused by jewelry that’s too tight or too long, or it may be grinding against your teeth or gums. In rarer cases, you might be dealing with oral trauma or a reaction to metal. If you notice swelling, pain, or a tongue bruising after piercing long after it’s healed, come see us.
Also, don’t ignore day 3 tongue piercing pain if it feels extreme. It should start tapering off, not intensifying. In that case, check in with your piercer or a doc.
Need to swap jewelry or check if your bar size is right? We carry premium options and can help you fit it correctly.
How to Reduce Tongue Piercing Swelling Fast
Lots of people ask us, how to reduce tongue piercing swelling without meds. Here’s what helps the most: ice chips, cold water, ibuprofen (not aspirin), rest, and salt rinses. Avoid talking too much in the first few days—it’ll help with inflammation and speed up recovery.
Don’t sleep flat on your face. Elevating your head slightly can keep blood from rushing to your tongue, which helps reduce swelling overnight.
Tongue Piercing Healing Stages Done Right with Mantra Tattoo in Denver
Getting through the tongue piercing healing process takes a little patience, a lot of rinsing, and knowing what’s normal versus what’s not. At Mantra Tattoo in Denver, we’re here to guide you through the whole process—from piercing day to full recovery.
We use top-grade jewelry, follow strict safety protocols, and our piercers are seasoned pros when it comes to oral piercings. Whether you’re ready to book your appointment or just want to ask a few questions, reach out to us and we’ll help you out.
FAQs About Tongue Healing Process and Complications
How long is tongue piercing recovery time?
Usually between 3 to 6 weeks, depending on your body and how well you take care of it.
How do I know if my tongue ring is infected?
Look for pus, redness, severe pain, fever, or a foul smell. Don’t wait—see a professional.
Can I change my jewelry early?
We don’t recommend it. Wait until the swelling’s gone and your piercer gives you the green light.
Why do I have a lump on my tongue piercing?
It could be scar tissue, a healing bump, or irritation from jewelry. Get it checked out to be sure.
What if my piercing starts hurting again after months?
That’s not normal. It could be infection or trauma from your jewelry. Swing by the shop or call your doc.
Can tongue piercings close up fast?
Yes, especially if you remove the jewelry within the first few months. Always keep something in if you want to maintain it.
Want a different oral piercing next?
Check out our post on dermal piercings if you’re feeling bold.
