How do you remove a tongue ring?
Ava Arnold
Updated on February 24, 2026
Carefully hold your tongue piercing atop your tongue with your index and middle finger on either side of the bar. This will hold it steady and also ensure the bar does not slip out of the tongue in the process. Unscrew the ball counter-clockwise. Use your other hand to unscrew the ball to the left, or clockwise.
Can you take out your own tongue piercing?
You shouldn't remove the jewelry during this time. Doing so will trap infectious bacteria inside your tongue and may lead to further complications. If you decide that you want to let the piercing close up — or you just want to switch the jewelry — you should wait until the infection has completely cleared.Does it hurt to take a tongue piercing out?
The pain is typically bearable and may last for less than a week. The swelling also takes almost a week to subside. After a week, the pain is only felt if the piercing is pulled or tugged. Sucking on ice cubes helps alleviate the pain.When should I take my tongue ring out?
For example, you may feel the hole is healed by week two and assume you can remove the stud or barbell. At this point, however, it's not recommended that you remove the jewelry at all because it'll close up very quickly. A tongue piercing takes about six to eight weeks to heal completely.Does tongue ring hole ever close?
If the tongue piercing is removed for even one night, it will partially close up as it is a muscle, which is very unlike ear piercings. It should close up, but just like trachs, some close and some don't. If it doesn't close after about a year it should be evaluated for a surgical closure if it is causing problems.How To: Change Your Tongue Piercing.
What does an infected tongue piercing look like?
Redness or swelling that extends beyond the piercing site may be a sign of infection. Other early signs of infection include: uncomfortable swelling. persistent warmth.What are the top 10 most painful piercings?
Most Painful Piercings
- Daith. A daith piercing is a puncture to the lump of cartilage in your inner ear, above the ear canal. ...
- Helix. The helix piercing is placed in the cartilage groove of the upper ear. ...
- Rook. ...
- Conch. ...
- Industrial. ...
- Dermal Anchor. ...
- Septum. ...
- Nipple.
How long can I leave my tongue ring out?
It's also important to clean your teeth and tongue regularly each morning and night. After the healing period, you'll need to keep the piercing in for at least 6 months in order to make sure the piercing doesn't close itself. If you want to be on the safe side, you should leave the piercing in for one year.Why you shouldn't get your tongue pierced?
The Dangers of Tongue PiercingThe Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) reported that tongue piercing can result in chipped teeth, infections, nerve and gum damage, drooling, taste loss, and tooth loss. Irritation from the barbell-shaped jewelry could result in periodontal disease or oral cancer.
Which way does a piercing ball unscrew?
Remember the Golden Rule - Tightie Rightie, Lefty LooseySo here it is, the piece of life changing information …… Balls are screwed tight to the right and to loosen you need to screw to the left.