Tongue rings?!?

You may talk funny for the first few days. It's getting used to the jewelry in your mouth, and the swelling from having it pierced. Swelling can be reduced by lots of ice for 5-7 days (ice chips, popsicles, slurpees). Taking Motrin, Tylenol, or Alieve will help with pain and swelling. It's all really on you. This piercing heals/closes very quickly. Tongue piercings are to be the painless of all piercings unless you allow it to swell. You already have an insight as to how to prevent it. They are also the fastest to heal-- 6 to 8 weeks to heal completely. Most people are fine after 2 weeks. Nothing with alcohol for 30 days & lots of non-iodized sea salt rinses. The procedure itself is fast. Your tongue is actually a very soft tissue and pierces easily. The most uncomfortable parts are the clamps used to hold your tongue (a little pinch) and you getting used to the jewelry once it's in your mouth. Find a reputable piercer who is licensed, trained, bloodborne pathogens certified, and autoclaves all intstruments touching you. Just breathe and relax. It will make is that much easier on you and your piercer. Hope this helps. Good luck & happy piercing =)