What Is a Snake Eye Tongue Piercing?

The snake eye piercing is a type of tongue piercing. It is a bar piercing which is placed horizontally across the top end of the tongue with both ends visible at either side. These ends are the entrance and exit holes for the bar which is hidden in the tongue itself. Since the bar cannot be seen, it gives the appearance as if the tongue has eyes. This is from where the name of this piercing is derived.

The snake eye piercing is differentiated from other, more common tongue piercings due to placement. It is more common for a tongue piercing to be placed vertically, rather than horizontally. This is especially the case in the tongue muscle itself.

This style of piercing has become popular for its unique and eye-catching appearance. It appeals to those looking for something more out of the ordinary. However, it is not a conventional piercing and its healing and maintenance process can be more complicated than other piercing types. It is essential to understand the health implications and risks associated with this type of piercing before deciding to get a snake eyes tongue piercing.

Discover the different types of tongue piercings with our related guide.

The snake eyes piercing is considered one of the most dangerous piercings in the world, mainly due to its placement and the piercing method. The tongue is a complex muscle filled with nerve endings, blood vessels and salivary glands. When piercing horizontally across the tongue, there is a high risk of damaging these structures. Such damage can lead to serious complications such as infections, nerve damage and even speech problems.

Due to its location at the tip of the tongue, the snake eye tongue piercing can also interfere with essential functions such as eating, speaking and swallowing. There is also a higher risk of the piercing becoming snagged or accidentally bitten, resulting in damage to the teeth and gums. These factors make the snake eye a piercing that requires careful consideration and professional evaluation before proceeding with the procedure.

Take a look at our article on what is a nasallang piercing to find out some more rare piercings.

The snake eyes piercing presents a number of risks and complications that must be taken into account before opting for this type of piercing:

• Infection: the tongue is an area prone to infection due to the amount of bacteria present in the mouth. Poor hygiene or the use of unsterilized instruments can lead to serious infections.
• Nerve damage: an incorrect tongue piercing can damage nerves, resulting in partial or complete loss of sensation in the tongue.
• Speech difficulties: due to its location, the piercing can affect pronunciation and the natural movement of the tongue, causing speech difficulties.
• Dental problems: constant contact of the piercing with your teeth can cause chipping or dental fractures. It can also cause gum recession due to constant rubbing.
• Allergic reactions: some people may be allergic to materials used in piercing, such as nickel. This can cause swelling, redness and discomfort, something which is particularly dangerous when it occurs on the tongue.
• Piercing displacement or rejection: in some cases, the body may reject the piercing, gradually pushing it toward the surface of the skin. This can cause tissue damage and scarring.

Due to these risks, many professional piercing shops and piercing experts advise against or refuse to perform snake eye tongue piercings. Others may only perform it on people who already have a lot of piercing experience. It is important to consider these factors and seek the guidance of an experienced professional before deciding to undergo this type of piercing.

It should go without saying, but never try to do this piercing at home. You should never try any piercing at home due to the risks involved, but these risks are particularly high with a snake eyes piercing.

If you want to see complications which can arise from uncommon piercings, take a look at our guide to treating an infected industrial piercing.

If you do decide to go ahead with a snake eye tongue piercing, you will need to ensure you do everything to minimize the risks we have explained above. For this reason, you will need to use the following care guide to ensure proper healing:

• Maintain good oral hygiene: brush your teeth twice a day and use an alcohol-free mouthwash after eating to avoid infections.
• Avoid certain foods: for the first few weeks, avoid spicy, acidic, hot and hard foods that can irritate the piercing.
• Don't play with your piercing: avoid biting, touching or twisting your piercing. These movements can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol: tobacco and alcohol can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
• See a health care professional if you notice anything unusual: if you experience persistent pain, excessive swelling, pus discharge, or any other signs of infection, see a health care professional immediately.

Before deciding to get this type of piercing, it is essential to do thorough research and consider all the risks. Always consult an experienced piercer who can provide a proper assessment and the best advice for your specific situation. The decision to get a piercing should be made with care and consideration, especially when it comes to a piercing as complex and potentially dangerous as the snake eye tongue piercing.

Learn more general background with our article explaining how long it takes for piercings to heal.

If you want to read similar articles to What Is a Snake Eye Tongue Piercing?, we recommend you visit our Beauty & Personal Care category.