In 2014, a research team from Aalborg University in Denmark published a study that quietly connected science and piercing in a way most people had never seen before.
They developed a medical-grade tongue piercing for people living with tetraplegia, allowing them to control wheelchairs and computers with the movement of their tongue.
At first, it might sound like a medical experiment, but it is also a remarkable validation of what professional piercers strive to do every day: combine precision, safety, and trust within the human body.
⊹ Clinical Precision = Piercing Excellence
The researchers created a complete surgical protocol for tongue piercing.
Their process included ultrasonic cleaning, autoclave sterilization, and modified tools designed to hold the tongue gently without damaging tissue. The entire insertion took less than five minutes.
All four participants completed their piercings without bleeding, infection, or dental injury. Only one experienced minor swelling that healed within a day. Two later switched to shorter bars to prevent the jewelry from hitting their teeth.
That level of care and outcome is what we aim for in our studios: clean technique, thoughtful jewelry sizing, and anatomical precision. It shows that even in a hospital environment, the fundamentals of good piercing are the same as what we practice professionally every day.
(Although, I have to admit, the scissors in their surgical kit look a bit rusty—and yes, the jewelry was external threaded! I could not help wondering where the surgeon got it from. Hopefully they sterilized it properly… haha.)
⊹ Titanium, Trusted in Medicine
The study used Ti6Al4V, the same titanium alloy used in dental implants.
This material is biocompatible, hypoallergenic, and proven to integrate safely in the body.
That choice matters. It is a reminder that the metals we work with are not just accessories but medical-grade materials. When we use ASTM F136 or implant-certified titanium, we are working at the same standard as clinical professionals. Our jewelry is more than decoration—it is biomechanical craftsmanship designed to live in the body safely.
⊹ Understanding Pain and Healing
Participants in the study reported that the pain of piercing their tongue was milder than expected, comparable to a routine dental injection. By the fifth day, most reported almost no pain, and their speech, taste, and comfort had returned to normal.
These results are powerful for piercers to know. They show that with proper technique, sterile tools, and education, the experience can be far less intimidating than clients imagine.
When we communicate clearly, we can replace fear with knowledge and create a more positive healing experience.
(I also love that the study mentioned how they observed the veins under the tongue before piercing the midline. I’m pretty sure they still nicked one, but only one out of ten had any bleeding afterward. Good job, surgeon!)
(And yes, it looks a bit crooked in photo E, but you can see how much space the jewelry has. In photo F, when the tongue relaxes or moves, you can tell how easily the jewelry could press out if there wasn’t enough room.)
⊹ Why This Study Matters for Piercers
For the research team, the tongue piercing was a tool for independence. It became part of a system that allowed people to move, type, and communicate again through a small titanium barbell.
For us, it is a reminder that body piercing has always been about more than appearance. It is about connection, autonomy, and empowerment.
Every piece of jewelry, every needle we hold, and every healed piercing carries the same potential: to help someone feel more control and confidence within their own body.
⊹ For Piercers and Mentors
If you are a professional piercer who mentors apprentices, this study is a great reference.
It shows how deeply technical and scientifically grounded our craft can be. The piercing was completed with a 14G Venflon cannula, careful placement around 20 mm from the tip of the tongue, chlorhexidine rinse for aftercare, and 24-hour hospital observation.
No infections were recorded, and even long-term follow-ups showed no enamel cracks or gum recession. It is proof that precision, cleanliness, and correct materials are what keep our clients safe and our industry respected.
Including case studies like this in apprenticeship reading lists helps the next generation understand that piercing is both art and applied anatomy.
Reference
Bentsen, B., Gaihede, M., Lontis, R., & Struijk, L.N.S. (2014).
Medical tongue piercing – development and evaluation of a surgical protocol and the perception of procedural discomfort of the participants.
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 11:44.
⊹ Closing Thought
Piercing is not just art. It is applied anatomy guided by precision and care.
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