The initial healing phase of a snake eyes piercing takes two to three months. One-sided pain long after this period suggests mechanical irritation or a subtle complication. This horizontal piercing at the tongue’s tip is subject to high stress due to constant muscle movement. Chronic, localized discomfort typically means the fully formed piercing channel is being repeatedly aggravated by forces affecting one side more than the other.
Anatomy and Inherent Risks of the Snake Eyes Piercing
The snake eyes piercing passes horizontally through the tip of the tongue, connecting the two separate intrinsic muscle groups. These muscles are responsible for fine movements during speech and eating, and they naturally move independently. The curved barbell links these muscles, restricting their natural range of motion and creating constant, uneven tension on the piercing channel.
This constant movement increases the risk of the body expelling the jewelry, a process known as migration or rejection. Since the piercing sits at the tongue’s tip, it is in near-constant contact with the teeth and gums. This placement creates a persistent risk of dental complications, including chipping front teeth and gum recession, which contributes to localized pain. The high mobility also makes maintaining a stable healing environment difficult, even months after the initial swelling subsides.
Specific Causes of Persistent Pain on One Side
The most common reason for unilateral pain months after healing is asymmetrical irritation caused by the jewelry or movement. An uneven initial piercing angle, which might not have been noticeable when the tongue was swollen, can become a source of chronic pain. If the barbell sits slightly crooked, one ball will consistently rub against a specific spot on the gum line or a tooth during speaking or swallowing, leading to irritation on only that side.
The constant friction of the jewelry against oral tissues creates localized micro-trauma. This often manifests as an irritation bump or uneven scar tissue formation on one side of the exit hole. This unevenness can result from habitually chewing food more on one side or sleeping with the tongue resting against a particular tooth. The repetitive mechanical stress prevents the tissue on that side from stabilizing completely, causing intermittent, dull, or sharp pain.
Subtle migration or rejection often begins on a single side, which is another frequent cause of unilateral pain. As the body tries to push the jewelry out, the piercing channel shortens and becomes shallow. This process causes the barbell to pull or impinge on localized nerve endings near the piercing tract where rejection is most active. Since the tongue has two muscle halves, one side may experience this rejection process before the other, focusing the pain on a single exit point.
Immediate Care and When to Consult a Professional
When experiencing unilateral pain, begin by performing a careful self-assessment of the piercing and surrounding area. Check for visible signs of localized swelling, redness extending beyond the site, or any unusual discharge that might indicate a mild localized infection. Ensure the jewelry is clean and that the balls are securely fastened, as a loose ball causes excessive movement and irritation.
Immediate care involves minimizing mechanical stress and maintaining rigorous hygiene. Gently rinse your mouth with a sterile saline solution two to three times daily, especially after eating, to flush debris from the irritated area. Switch to softer foods for a few days and consciously chew on the side opposite the pain to reduce pressure. Avoid manipulating the jewelry with your tongue or fingers, as this is a primary source of micro-trauma.
If the pain worsens rapidly, is accompanied by deep tissue swelling, yellow or green pus, or if you notice the tissue between the jewelry ends shortening, consult a professional. A piercer can assess the fit and angle of the jewelry, which is often the root cause of chronic unilateral pain. They can determine if a change in jewelry material, length, or style is necessary, or if the angle is so compromised that the piercing needs to be retired to prevent further damage.