The snake eyes piercing is a horizontal piercing placed near the tip of the tongue, where a curved barbell passes through the tissue, giving the appearance of two eyes when the tongue is extended. This placement, which tethers the two independent muscles of the tongue together, creates a unique, high-risk scenario for complications. While initial pain and swelling are expected, the persistence of pain on only one side for months suggests a localized issue beyond the normal healing process. The tongue is a highly mobile organ dense with nerves and blood vessels, making any chronic, unilateral discomfort a signal that the piercing may be causing asymmetrical stress or damage.
Distinguishing Chronic Irritation from Normal Healing
The full maturation period for a tongue piercing can extend beyond six months, and minor fluctuations in comfort are not uncommon during this time. Normal healing discomfort is typically a generalized, intermittent soreness that decreases steadily over time.
Chronic irritation, however, is characterized by persistent, localized pain that does not improve or that flares up severely in one specific spot. If the discomfort is consistently focused on the left or right side of the piercing, it suggests mechanical friction, uneven tissue stress, or the beginning of a specific complication.
Mechanical Causes of Unilateral Pain
Unilateral pain is frequently caused by asymmetrical stress or movement related to the jewelry and the tongue’s anatomy. The horizontal barbell connects the two major muscle groups of the tongue, and uneven scar tissue formation or slight initial misalignment can cause one side to pull more than the other during movement. This asymmetrical tension can lead to constant strain on the piercing channel on the more stressed side, resulting in chronic discomfort.
Jewelry fit is another primary culprit. A bar that is too long can allow one ball end to catch repeatedly on the teeth or gums on one side. Conversely, a bar that is too short can embed or press against the tissue unevenly, causing localized pressure. Since most people favor one side for chewing or have slight anatomical variations in their bite, the friction damage often becomes localized to a single side.
The constant motion of the tongue can also initiate migration, where the body slowly pushes the jewelry toward the surface. If the piercing is migrating, the pain is often concentrated on the leading edge where the jewelry is exiting the tissue, manifesting as one-sided pain and redness. Additionally, if the piercing sits slightly off-center, one ball may cause more significant friction against the gum line, leading to localized pain and recession.
Recognizing Severe Complications and Damage
Localized Infection
Persistent unilateral pain can also be the first sign of a more serious medical complication that requires immediate attention. A localized infection will present with symptoms beyond simple pain, including the discharge of thick, colored pus, intense localized heat, and significant swelling that does not respond to anti-inflammatory measures. The confined space and movement of the tongue mean that infections can become serious quickly, sometimes accompanied by a fever or swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Dental and Gum Damage
The snake eyes piercing carries a heightened risk of dental and gum damage because of the jewelry’s position directly behind the lower front teeth. Unilateral pain could be a sign of the jewelry constantly rubbing or clicking against the enamel on a specific tooth, potentially leading to chipping, cracking, or erosion of the tooth’s protective layer. The constant pressure or friction can also cause gum recession, where the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth on the affected side, exposing the sensitive root surface.
Potential Nerve Trauma
A more serious concern is potential nerve trauma, which may manifest as chronic pain on one side. The tip of the tongue contains a dense network of nerves, and trauma during the piercing or ongoing irritation can lead to symptoms like persistent tingling, localized numbness, or an altered sensation of taste on one side. If the pain is accompanied by any change in sensation or muscle function, it signals a possible issue with the lingual nerve or hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement and feeling.
Immediate Steps and Professional Consultation
Self-Care Measures
The first immediate step to manage localized pain is to rigorously maintain oral hygiene using a non-alcoholic, saline-based mouthwash, especially after eating, to minimize the bacterial load. Avoiding any habit of playing with the jewelry, which introduces additional bacteria and mechanical stress, is also necessary. Applying a cold compress or sucking on ice chips can help reduce localized inflammation and pain on the affected side.
Consulting a Professional Piercer
If the unilateral pain persists for more than a few days, the next action should be to consult with a reputable professional piercer, ideally the one who performed the piercing. A professional can assess the jewelry’s fit, check for signs of migration, and determine if a change in barbell material or length is necessary to relieve the pressure on the painful side. They can also examine the piercing angle, which may be uneven and contributing to the unilateral stress.
Seeking Medical Attention
Should symptoms of infection—such as severe swelling, throbbing pain, or pus—or signs of nerve damage or dental trauma be present, a medical professional must be consulted promptly. Chronic pain often necessitates a discussion with the piercer or a doctor about removing the jewelry entirely. Removal is frequently the only definitive solution to prevent irreversible damage to the teeth, gums, and tongue tissue.