A snake eyes piercing is a horizontal piercing through the tip of the tongue, designed to resemble two eyes when extended. This body modification is highly controversial within the professional piercing community. Reputable piercers strongly warn against it due to significant anatomical risks and potential long-term health complications.
Unique Anatomical Vulnerabilities
The tongue is a complex organ, composed of eight distinct muscles. A snake eyes piercing passes horizontally through the tip, pinning together two muscle masses. This restriction can damage muscles, potentially forming scar tissue that limits the tongue’s elasticity and movement. The tongue also has a dense network of nerves and blood vessels, making it highly susceptible to damage during piercing.
This carries a significant risk of nerve damage, leading to permanent loss of sensation, altered taste, or even partial paralysis. Damage to major blood vessels can cause severe bleeding and hematomas, which may result in painful swelling and, in some cases, airway obstruction.
Oral and Dental Damage
The metal jewelry of a snake eyes piercing constantly threatens oral health, especially teeth and gums. Its placement means the barbell frequently contacts front teeth during speech, eating, or unconscious movements like grinding. This friction can chip or crack teeth, particularly on biting surfaces, and prematurely wear down enamel, increasing sensitivity and cavity risk.
The jewelry also damages gums. Chronic irritation from the barbell, especially on lower front teeth, often causes gum recession, exposing sensitive tooth roots. Exposed roots are more prone to decay, increased hot/cold sensitivity, and can lead to tooth loss.
Increased Risk of Infection and Healing Challenges
The oral cavity’s high bacterial load makes it inherently prone to infection after any piercing. For snake eyes piercings, this risk is significantly heightened by constant tongue movement and difficulty maintaining hygiene. Infections are more likely and severe, manifesting as prolonged swelling, redness, pain, pus, or abscesses.
These can range from localized issues to life-threatening conditions like Ludwig’s angina, a severe bacterial infection of the mouth’s floor that can obstruct the airway.
The tongue’s dynamic nature also makes these piercings susceptible to migration, where jewelry moves from its placement, and rejection, where the body pushes it out, often causing tissue damage and scarring.
Impairment of Tongue Function
A snake eyes piercing’s horizontal placement severely impedes the tongue’s natural mobility and coordination. By tethering two muscle groups at the tip, it restricts independent movement vital for various functions. This limitation can cause noticeable articulation difficulties, leading to speech impediments like lisping or slurring.
Eating also becomes difficult, as the piercing interferes with the tongue’s ability to manipulate food for chewing and swallowing. This can result in discomfort, prolonged meal times, and choking hazards.
Severe swelling, common during healing or infection, can further restrict tongue movement, potentially obstructing the airway and posing a breathing risk.
Professional Consensus and Warning Signs
Most reputable piercing professionals worldwide strongly advise against snake eyes piercings due to significant health risks. Many refuse to perform them, prioritizing client safety. A piercer willing to perform this piercing may not adhere to industry best practices or understand oral anatomy and its dangers.
Individuals with or considering a snake eyes piercing should recognize warning signs: persistent pain, excessive swelling, pus discharge, numbness or tingling, or increasing difficulty with speech or eating.
Any of these symptoms warrant immediate consultation with a healthcare professional or qualified medical piercer. Early intervention can mitigate long-term complications from this high-risk piercing.