Tongue piercings first became popular in the 1980’s when the availability of high quality, surgical steeltongue rings and other types of body jewelry were readily available for the first time. The tongue piercing is largely associated with the Gauntlet which was the first professional piercing studio in the United States and from which many extreme piercings emerged.  Jim Ward, found of the Gauntlet was known for promoting this piercing throughout his career.

When a tongue is pierced, it is done so with straight barbell style jewelry, rather than a ring. However, the term tongue ring has, over time, become the slang term used by many to describe the piercing. As the popularity of tongue piercings has grown, so has the variety of tongue rings available for individuals with such piercings.  Originally only metal balls, the decorative ends of tongue rings have evolved into everything from acrylic balls to soft plastic designs.  As a way to accommodate corporate Americans with a liking for this body jewelry, manufacturers have developed clear, flat and “no show” tongue rings. Others can enjoy neon, metal, glowing and shaped beads and balls.

Proper placement of tongue rings and proper care is essential to avoid infections and even damage to an individual’s gums and teeth.  The traditional and proper placement of a tongue ring is in the center of the tongue, near the center of the mouth. The tongue ring should be angled to slightly lean back from the teeth to make talking and eating easier. Although there are concerns about teeth damage, this can be avoided when the tongue piercing is carefully done and properly cleaned.  Other than a slight impact on the way a person talks for the first few days, there is only a very slight chance of any teeth, gum or tissue damage due to a tongue ring.

Piercings are good, temporary way for individuals to express themselves in a world in which places more and more value on being an individual and not a “follower”. With proper care and research, a tongue piercing can be a way for an individual to accomplish this.

Before you even purchase the rings, check that they are made from a reliable material that won’t irritate your skin. Just because the piercing site appears healed and healthy, doesn’t mean you are immune to germs and infection. The best materials for belly button rings are 316L surgical steel (a form of stainless steel), titanium, Bioplast or Bioflex, 24K plated gold and 14K real gold. Jewelry made from these products are strong and sturdy and won’t break.

Before inserting the belly button ring, sterilize each product with warm soapy water to remove any dirt and oil.  When you prepare to change the belly ring, clean your hands with soap and water as you would any other time you touch the ring.

Twist and remove the top ball from the new belly ring and put it off to the side. Hold the bottom ball of the belly button ring you are wearing between two fingers. Gently twist the top ball of the navel ring you are wearing to remove it from the barbell. Slowly pull the belly button ring down and out of your navel piercing.

Immediate grab the replacement belly ring and position the ball-less part of the barbell near the inside of your belly button (where the piercing hole is). Slowly and gently apply pressure and continue until the barbell pokes through the top hole of your piercing.

Grab the top ball of your new ring and gently screw it on while holding the barbell still with your thumb and forefinger. After that is complete, immediately wash your hands, as well as the old belly button ring

Historically, the Aztecs, the Haida, Kwkiutul, Mayas of Central America and the Tlinglit tribes in the American Northwest had customs of body piercing.  It was often used as a form of self sacrifice or for religious reasons in these cultures.  Tongue rings were thought to be especially holy during these times because it was a way to draw blood to please the deities.

In Native American tribes, tongue piercings and other body jewelry were considered a way to bring people nearer to their gods through bleeding.  Aztec and Mayan tribes reportedly pierced their septum, a part of the nose, to appear fierce and intimidating to their enemies.  Rather than the modern day steel jewelry, they used bones, tusks and feathers as body jewelry.

Today, the tongue ring, as well as other body piercings are primarily for decorative reasons.  They are a means of self expression and personal decoration. The jewelry used is typically made from surgical steel and while it is often referred to as a tongue “ring,” it does not resemble the circular shape that it might imply.  In reality, it is a straight or curved barbell with a ball screwed to each end.  The ball on the bottom is often much smaller and used only to prevent the barbell from slipping out.  The ball on the top is used for decoration and expression

Most importantly, bioplast belly button rings can be cleaned and sterilized very easily. Bioplast can be heated to 121 degrees Celsius, or approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit.  These scalding temperatures will easily kill any bacteria and ensure that the belly button rings are clean and safe to wear.

In addition to being so sterile, this material is more flexible than titanium and surgical steel navel rings.  This allows for a greater range of movement and will reduce any tearing or stretching in the navel area. Because bioplast is a bio-compatible material, it is less likely than metallic body jewelry to be rejected by the body.  When the body rejects a new piercing, it will become infected and not heal properly.

Belly button ring retailers are also fond of this style of navel ring because it is “self-threading.” When the belly ring reaches the consumer, this is typically not an issue but manufacturers certainly appreciate it.  A self-threading belly button ring is one that can be cut to any size. Bioplast body jewelry are typically no more expensive than the metallic body jewelry of compatible styles.  They are reportedly “the best material for belly button rings” because they offer so many more benefits than metallic rings but do not have a higher price.