A snake eyes piercing involves inserting a single curved barbell horizontally across the very tip of the tongue. The two visible ball ends sit on the upper surface, resembling a pair of eyes. Despite its aesthetic appeal, this placement is overwhelmingly considered unsafe by professional piercing organizations and dental health professionals due to the severe and often irreversible health complications it presents. The unique anatomy of the tongue tip and constant movement make this piercing a direct threat to both oral function and long-term dental health.
The Anatomy That Makes It Unsafe
The primary danger of the snake eyes piercing lies in its horizontal placement, which forces the jewelry to pass directly through delicate muscle and nerve structures near the tongue’s tip. Unlike a standard vertical tongue piercing that typically goes through the center’s avascular plane, the curved barbell spans the gap between the two separate, longitudinal muscles of the tongue. These muscles are responsible for the tongue’s precise and independent movements, which are necessary for proper speech and swallowing. Piercing through these muscle groups essentially “staples” them together, restricting the natural, independent side-to-side and curling movements of the tongue tip. This binding can permanently alter the biomechanics of the tongue. Furthermore, the tip is densely packed with a network of nerves and blood vessels. Damage to these structures during the piercing process carries the risk of severe hemorrhage or permanent sensory loss, potentially resulting in chronic numbness or altered taste perception. The forced restriction of muscle movement can also lead to a condition known as tongue bifurcation, or splitting, where the tissue tears as the body attempts to move the restricted muscles.
Irreversible Damage to Dental Structures
The presence of a hard metal or acrylic barbell resting directly behind the lower front teeth introduces constant mechanical trauma to the oral environment. The tongue naturally rests against the lower incisors, and any movement during speech or eating forces the jewelry to repeatedly impact these teeth. This repeated contact significantly increases the risk of enamel chipping, cracking, or fracturing a tooth, particularly the lower anterior teeth. Even minor, habitual clicking of the jewelry against the enamel can lead to micro-fractures and gradual erosion over time. A more insidious form of damage involves the gum tissue surrounding the lower incisors. The friction from the curved barbell constantly rubbing against the gums causes the tissue to slowly wear away, a process known as gingival recession. Once the gum tissue recedes, it exposes the tooth root, which is softer and more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. This gum loss is often permanent, and severe cases can compromise the structural support of the teeth, leading to tooth mobility and, eventually, premature tooth loss.
Long-Term Functional Impairment
Beyond the immediate anatomical and dental risks, the piercing can result in long-term functional deficits that impact daily life. The restriction of the tip’s mobility often creates lasting speech impediments. Individuals frequently develop a noticeable lisp or find it difficult to articulate sounds that require precise tongue placement, such as the “s,” “t,” and “l” sounds. This impaired mobility also interferes with chewing (mastication) and swallowing (deglutition). The tongue must be able to skillfully manipulate food within the mouth to form a cohesive bolus for safe swallowing, and the restriction imposed by the horizontal barbell hinders this ability. Over time, the body’s reaction to the foreign object can involve the formation of dense connective tissue, or fibrosis, within the pierced tract. This internal scarring can further restrict the tongue’s natural range of motion, creating a permanent feeling of stiffness or tension at the tongue’s tip, even if the jewelry is removed.
Acute Risks and Healing Complications
The initial period following the procedure is marked by a heightened risk of acute complications common to oral piercings, which are amplified by the location. Significant and prolonged swelling is almost universal, as the tongue is highly vascular and reacts aggressively to trauma. This swelling can become severe enough to potentially obstruct the airway, requiring immediate medical intervention. The constant presence of a high bacterial load in the mouth, combined with the wound, creates an elevated risk of severe infection. Infection can manifest as localized abscesses, or in rare, severe cases, can lead to systemic issues like Ludwig’s angina. Furthermore, the tip of the tongue is a high-motion area, which subjects the piercing to constant stress and movement. This mechanical stress means the snake eyes piercing has a high probability of migration or rejection, where the body slowly pushes the jewelry out. Rejection leaves behind noticeable, permanent scar tissue, and the shallow nature of the piercing makes the tissue thin and prone to tearing.