The snake eye piercing is a distinct type of oral modification that involves a single horizontal curved barbell passing through the tip of the tongue. The two visible ends of the jewelry create the serpentine appearance from which the name is derived. Because this piercing is situated in a high-motion, high-bacteria environment, a rigorous cleaning protocol is necessary for successful healing. Constant exposure to saliva, food debris, and the natural oral microbiome means that neglecting aftercare can quickly lead to complications.
Essential Cleaning Products and Materials
Cleaning a snake eye piercing requires solutions that are gentle enough for an open wound yet effective against bacteria. A packaged sterile saline solution, containing 0.9% sodium chloride and water, is the gold standard for exterior cleaning. For the internal oral cavity, an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash is necessary, as alcohol-based rinses can severely irritate the piercing, dry out the tissue, and delay healing. Mixing your own sea salt solution is no longer recommended by piercing professionals, as the concentration is often too strong and causes irritation.
You should also procure a new, soft-bristled toothbrush to minimize the introduction of new bacteria and avoid damaging the healing tissue. Soft gauze or clean paper towels are the best choice for gently drying the exterior of the piercing and removing any discharge. Avoid using products like hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, or harsh antibacterial soaps, as these substances are too aggressive for a fresh piercing and can prolong the healing time.
Step-by-Step Daily Cleaning Procedure
Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water before touching your jewelry or the surrounding area. The internal cleaning focuses on minimizing the bacterial load within the mouth, which is best achieved through rinsing. After every instance of eating, drinking anything other than water, or smoking, you must rinse your mouth thoroughly with clean, bottled, or filtered water to flush out debris.
The use of an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash should be limited to two times a day, typically morning and night, to avoid over-cleaning and drying the piercing. Swish the mouthwash gently for about 30 seconds, ensuring it reaches the entire piercing site without aggressive motion that could cause trauma. Alongside rinsing, gentle oral care is maintained by brushing your teeth, tongue, and the jewelry itself twice daily with your soft-bristled toothbrush. Be cautious not to catch the jewelry with the brush bristles during this process.
For the external aspects of the piercing, a sterile saline spray should be used two to three times daily. Spray the piercing directly or use a saturated gauze pad to gently clean the area around the jewelry ends. If any crust—often a whitish or yellowish lymph fluid—has formed on the jewelry, use the moistened gauze to soften and gently wipe it away. After external cleaning, carefully pat the area dry with a clean, disposable paper product to prevent moisture from causing skin irritation.
Recognizing Normal Healing vs. Serious Complications
The initial healing phase typically involves significant swelling and tenderness for the first three to five days. It is normal to experience some light bleeding, minor bruising, and the secretion of a clear to yellowish-white fluid called lymph. This lymph fluid may dry and form a crust around the jewelry, which is a natural part of the healing process. The minimum healing time for this type of oral piercing is 6 to 8 weeks, but full recovery can take several months.
Signs of infection include excessive and spreading redness, increased heat radiating from the area, throbbing pain that worsens rather than subsides, and the presence of thick, discolored discharge, such as green or dark yellow pus. A high risk specific to the snake eye piercing is the potential for jewelry migration or tissue erosion, which can lead to permanent damage to the gums and teeth due to the barbell constantly rubbing against them.
If you notice the jewelry beginning to shift position in the tongue, or if you see visible indentations, chipping, or recession on your teeth or gums, consult your piercer immediately. Any swelling that extends beyond the first week or becomes severe enough to embed the jewelry within the tissue also warrants professional intervention. If you suspect a true bacterial infection, characterized by fever or severe pain, contact a medical professional for appropriate treatment.