I’ll never forget the day I removed my tongue piercing for what I thought would be just a few hours. By the time I tried putting it back in, the hole had already started closing. It was frustrating, and I had so many questions: How long does it take a tongue piercing to close? Is it too late to put my jewelry back? If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, you’re not alone.

In the U.S., approximately 20% of young adults have an oral piercing, with tongue piercings being one of the most popular choices. But what many people don’t realize is just how quickly a tongue piercing can close once the jewelry is removed. The tongue is a highly vascular muscle, meaning it heals rapidly compared to other body parts. If you’re thinking about taking yours out or worried about it closing too soon, this guide will answer all your questions.

Before we dive into how long it takes for a tongue piercing to close, let’s first understand whether tongue piercings do close at all and why they heal so quickly.

Do Tongue Piercings Close?

Yes! Tongue piercings can close incredibly fast, sometimes within hours of removing the jewelry. The speed of closure depends on several factors, including how long you’ve had the piercing and how well your body heals. If you remove your jewelry and don’t replace it quickly, you may find it difficult or even impossible to put it back in.

Now that we know tongue piercings close quickly, let’s explore why the tongue is one of the fastest-healing body parts.

Is the Tongue One of the Fastest Healing Body Parts?

Absolutely. The tongue has an incredible ability to heal quickly because of its high blood supply. Unlike ear or nose piercings, which might take weeks or months to close, a tongue piercing can begin shrinking within hours. This is why piercers always recommend not leaving jewelry out for extended periods unless you’re ready for it to close.

So, how long does it actually take for a tongue piercing to close? Let’s get into the details.

How Long Does It Take a Tongue Piercing to Close?

The closure time depends on different factors, such as the age of the piercing, individual healing rates, and whether the piercing has fully healed. Here’s a general timeline:

• New Piercing (Less than 6 months old): Can start closing within a few hours to a couple of days.
• Healed Piercing (6 months to 1 year old): Can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to close completely.
• Long-Term Piercing (Several years old): Might never fully close, but the hole can shrink significantly within weeks or months, making reinsertion difficult.

If you remove your jewelry temporarily, it’s a good idea to use a retainer to keep the hole open, especially if you don’t want to lose the piercing permanently.

Speaking of jewelry, does the size of your tongue piercing affect how quickly it closes? Let’s find out.

Does Size Matter for Tongue Piercings?

Yes! The gauge (thickness) of your tongue jewelry plays a role in how fast the hole will close. A thicker barbell may take slightly longer to close compared to a thinner one, but the difference isn’t drastic. Regardless of size, tongue piercings close much faster than most other body piercings.

But before we discuss closure any further, let’s take a quick look at how long a tongue piercing takes to heal.

How Long Does It Take for a Tongue Piercing to Heal?

Healing and closure are two different things. A fresh tongue piercing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to heal completely, assuming you follow proper aftercare. During this period, removing the jewelry even briefly could lead to rapid closure.

Since proper care is essential, let’s go over the best practices to keep your piercing healthy.

What Are the Best Practices for Tongue Piercing Care?

If you’re planning to keep your tongue piercing, good aftercare is crucial:

• Use an alcohol-free mouthwash after eating or drinking.
• Avoid spicy or acidic foods during the healing process.
• Stay hydrated to help with tissue regeneration.
• Don’t play with the jewelry, as this can irritate the piercing and prolong healing.
• Replace jewelry with a retainer if you need to remove it for professional or medical reasons.

But what if you’ve decided you no longer want your tongue piercing? Let’s discuss how to properly close it.

How Can You Properly Close a Tongue Piercing?

If you’re ready to close your tongue piercing for good, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Simply remove the jewelry and allow the body to heal naturally.
• Rinse with saline solution to promote healthy healing and avoid infection.
• Be patient—your body will work to close the hole, but it may take time, especially if the piercing has been there for years.
• If you experience discomfort or persistent irritation, consult a professional piercer or doctor.

At this point, you might be wondering just how fast a tongue piercing can close. Let’s break it down.

How Fast Does a Tongue Piercing Close?

To put it simply:

• Fresh tongue piercings close in hours to days.
• Healed piercings can take a few days to weeks.
• Older piercings may never fully close but will shrink significantly over time.

Still unsure if your piercing is closing properly? Let’s talk about the healing process and how it affects closure rates.

How Does the Healing Process Affect the Closure Rate?

A well-healed tongue piercing will generally take longer to close compared to one that had complications like infections or irritation. The healthier the healing process, the more stable the piercing hole will be, meaning it could stay open for a longer period once the jewelry is removed.

But what if your piercing has already closed? Let’s look at your options.

What Are the Risks and Considerations for Tongue Piercings?

While tongue piercings are popular, they do come with risks. Some of the key considerations include:

• Infections – If not properly cared for, bacteria can lead to infections that may require medical attention.
• Swelling and Pain – Initially, tongue piercings can cause significant swelling, which may lead to discomfort while eating or speaking.
• Teeth Damage – Accidental biting or prolonged wear of metal jewelry can lead to chipping or cracking of teeth.
• Speech Difficulties – Some people experience temporary speech changes or difficulties adjusting to the presence of jewelry.
• Allergic Reactions – Some materials used in tongue jewelry may cause allergic reactions, particularly for individuals sensitive to nickel.

Before deciding on a tongue piercing, it’s essential to understand these risks and take preventive measures to keep your piercing healthy.

What Should You Do If Your Tongue Piercing Hole Has Closed Up?

If your piercing has closed and you want it back, here’s what you can do:

• See a professional piercer to check if the hole is still slightly open.
• Don’t try to force the jewelry in, as this can cause damage.
• Consider getting re-pierced if you still want your tongue piercing.
• Be patient—if your piercing has fully closed, you’ll need to wait before getting it redone.

FAQs About Tongue Piercing Closure

Will My Tongue Piercing Close Up After 10 Years?

Even after a decade, your tongue piercing hole can shrink significantly. While it may not close completely, reinserting jewelry after a long period without wear can be difficult.

Will My Tongue Piercing Close Up Overnight?

If your piercing is fresh, yes—it can begin closing within hours. Older piercings take longer but can still start to shrink overnight.

How Long Does It Take for a Tongue Piercing to Close After 2 Years?

It depends on your body’s healing process, but a piercing left without jewelry for weeks may become difficult to reopen without re-piercing.

If I Take My Tongue Piercing Out, Will It Close?

Yes, most likely. Because the tongue is a muscle, it heals rapidly. If you don’t want it to close, consider using a retainer or reinserting jewelry frequently.

Conclusion

So, how long does it take a tongue piercing to close? The short answer: very fast! The exact time depends on various factors, but if you love your piercing, keep jewelry in or use a retainer to prevent closure. If you’re ready to let it go, just remove the jewelry and let nature take its course. Whatever your decision, take care of your tongue and make the choice that’s best for you!

Have you had a tongue piercing close up? Share your experience in the comments below!