Go to a reliable and certified piercing studio.
It's never a good idea to give yourself an oral piercing. If you pierce your tongue in the wrong place it can lead to tongue (and skin) deformities. Needles and jewelry need to be sterilized correctly before it goes anywhere near your mouth! Remember—piercings can often develop infections and lead to serious problems, so it's important to be diligent!
Expect your tongue to swell up.
Your tongue will swell up to about twice its normal size. Don't worry; this is normal. Swelling will start reducing in 3-5 days and go away completely in 7-8. Drink cold water and/or eat ice chips to help bring down the swelling. You can also take over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium to help reduce swelling.
Care your tongue as it starts to heal.
Rinse your tongue and mouth regularly with salt water to prevent infection. During this time do not play with or touch your tongue, and always rinse your tongue if this happens accidentally or after eating food. Tongue piercings heal in about 6-8 weeks.
Eat mashed and soft foods for the first 3-5 days.
You can eat solid foods at this point. Still, be sure to rinse after eating anything.
Cut back on mouth rinsing after the swelling goes down.
Rinsing after eating food that may get lodged is still a good idea. Once your piercing is fully healed, normal oral care (brushing teeth and mouthwash) is sufficient.
Expect the piercing's "crust" to disappear in 2-3 months.
There will be a crust or hard spot around the hole where you've been pierced. Don't worry—it should disappear in two to three months.
Clean your jewelry before wearing it.
Sterilize your jewelry if your piercing is less than 6 months old.
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