How To Unscrew Tongue Ring

Unscrewing a tongue ring can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time. The thought of potentially causing pain or damage to your piercing can be enough to make you hesitate. However, with the right preparation and technique, you can safely and easily unscrew your tongue ring at home.

Before you begin, it’s important to gather the necessary tools. You will need a small, clean pair of pliers, a mirror, and a flashlight. It’s also helpful to have a bowl of warm water nearby to rinse your mouth after you remove the ring. Once you have your tools, you can proceed with the following steps:

Start by thoroughly washing your hands and rinsing your mouth with water. This will help to remove any bacteria or debris that could potentially cause an infection. Next, use the mirror and flashlight to locate the ball on the underside of your tongue ring. Once you have found the ball, use the pliers to gently grip it and turn it counterclockwise. Be sure to apply even pressure and avoid over-tightening the pliers.

Gather Necessary Materials

Before attempting to unscrew your tongue ring, it’s crucial to gather the necessary materials to ensure a safe and effective procedure. The essential items you’ll require include:

Gauze (or Clean Cloth):

Gauze or a clean cloth will be used to protect your fingers from contamination while handling the tongue ring and piercing area. It can also be used to hold the tongue still during the removal process.

Mirror:

A mirror is essential for providing visibility and enabling you to precisely see what you’re doing. It will help you align the tools properly and ensure the tongue ring is unscrewed accurately.

Bulb Syringe or Water Pick:

A bulb syringe or water pick is recommended to rinse the area after removing the tongue ring. Oral irrigators or saline solution can also be used for this purpose.

Tongue Depressor:

A tongue depressor or a similar tool (such as a spoon) can be used to hold the tongue down and provide better access to the tongue ring. Please handle it gently to avoid any discomfort or injury.

Gloves (Optional):

Wearing disposable gloves is recommended for added hygiene during the procedure. They will help prevent the spread of bacteria or cross-contamination.

Antibacterial Soap or Mouthwash:

Having antibacterial soap or mouthwash on hand is essential for cleaning your hands and the piercing area before and after removing the tongue ring. This will help minimize the risk of infection.

Position the Tongue Ring

2. Identify the Type of Fastening

Tongue rings come with various fastening mechanisms, and the method for removing them depends on the type.

Ball Closure Rings

Ball closure rings have a small ball that screws onto a threaded post. To unscrew it, hold the base of the bar steady with one hand and use a pair of pliers or ring-opening tool to grip and twist the ball counterclockwise.

Barbell Closure Rings

Barbell closure rings have a removable bead that slides along the bar. To unscrew it, grip the bead with your fingers or a pair of tweezers and pull it towards the opposite end to release the bar. Note that some barbell rings may have a screw-on bead instead of a sliding one.

Clamp the Ball onto the Barbell

3. Clamp the Ball onto the Barbell

This step requires a bit more precision and patience. First, locate the small ball that is attached to the end of the barbell. This ball is what will hold the barbell in place while you unscrew it from the tongue piercing.

Now, take a pair of needle-nose pliers and gently clamp them onto the ball. Be careful not to squeeze too tightly, as this could damage the ball or the barbell.

Once the pliers are securely fastened around the ball, you can begin to unscrew the barbell from the piercing. Grip the barbell with one hand and use the pliers to turn the ball in the opposite direction.

As you unscrew the barbell, be sure to apply even pressure to both sides of the ball. This will help to prevent the ball from slipping off the pliers.

Once the barbell has been completely unscrewed, you can remove the pliers and the ball from the barbell. The tongue piercing is now safely removed.

Additional Tips:

Tip	Details
Use a mirror	This can help you see what you’re doing and make the process easier.
Take your time	Don’t rush the process or you could make a mistake.
Be gentle	Avoid using too much force, as this could damage the piercing or your mouth.

Rotate the Ball Counterclockwise

Once you have located the ball of your tongue ring, you will need to rotate it counterclockwise to unscrew it. To do this, hold the ball between your thumb and forefinger and gently twist it to the left. Be careful not to overtighten the ball, as this can damage the ring or your tongue.

If you find that the ball is too tight to rotate by hand, you can use a pair of needle-nose pliers to help you. Gently grip the ball with the pliers and rotate it counterclockwise until it is loose.

Tips for Removing a Tongue Ring

Here are a few tips to help you remove a tongue ring safely and easily:

Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tongue ring.
Use a clean, sharp object to remove the ball, such as a pair of nail clippers or a cuticle pusher.
Be gentle when removing the ball, and avoid pulling or yanking on the ring.
If you have any difficulty removing the ring, consult a piercer for assistance.

Tips for Removing a Tongue Ring
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tongue ring.
Use a clean, sharp object to remove the ball, such as a pair of nail clippers or a cuticle pusher.
Be gentle when removing the ball, and avoid pulling or yanking on the ring.
If you have any difficulty removing the ring, consult a piercer for assistance.

Remove the Ball Completely

1. **Gather your tools.** You will need a pair of needle-nose pliers, a small screwdriver, and a tongue ring ball remover (optional).
2. **Clean your hands and the tools.** This will help to prevent infection.
3. **Gently hold the ball of the piercing with the pliers.** Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as you could damage the piercing.
4. **Unscrew the ball by turning it counterclockwise.** If the ball is stuck, you can use the screwdriver to gently pry it loose.
5. **If you are having difficulty removing the ball, you can use a tongue ring ball remover.** This is a small tool that is specifically designed to remove tongue ring balls. To use the ball remover, simply insert the tool into the hole in the ball and turn it counterclockwise.
6. **Once the ball is removed, you can clean the piercing with a mild soap and water solution.** Be sure to rinse the piercing thoroughly and dry it completely before inserting it back into the tongue.

Grip the Barbell with Tweezers

To remove the barbell, start by gripping it with a pair of tweezers. The tweezers should be clean and sterilized to prevent infection. Grasp the barbell firmly, but not too tightly, as you do not want to damage it. If you are having difficulty gripping the barbell, you can try using a pair of needle-nose pliers.

Use a Twisting Motion

Once you have a firm grip on the barbell, begin twisting it gently in a counterclockwise direction. The barbell should loosen as you twist it. If the barbell does not loosen, you may need to apply more pressure. Be careful not to twist the barbell too much, as this could damage it or cause pain.

Remove the Barbell

Once the barbell is loose, gently pull it out of your tongue. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this could cause pain or bleeding. Once the barbell is removed, rinse it with warm water and soap to clean it.

Care for the Piercing

After removing the barbell, it is important to care for the piercing properly. Rinse the piercing with warm water and soap twice daily. You can also apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the piercing to help keep it moist. Avoid touching or playing with the piercing, as this can increase the risk of infection. If you experience any pain, redness, or swelling, contact your doctor immediately.

Tongue Piercing Care Tips
Rinse the piercing with warm water and soap twice daily.
Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the piercing to help keep it moist.
Avoid touching or playing with the piercing.
Contact your doctor if you experience any pain, redness, or swelling.

Twist the Barbell Gently

Once you have located the two ball ends of the barbell, gently twist one of them counterclockwise while holding the other ball securely. This will loosen the connection between the balls and the bar. Continue twisting the ball until it is completely detached from the bar.

Repeat the same process for the other ball end of the barbell. Once both ball ends are detached, the barbell can be removed from the tongue piercing. It is important to twist the balls gently to avoid damaging the jewelry or your tongue.

If you encounter any resistance while twisting the balls, do not force it. Apply a small amount of pressure and twist gently until the ball loosens. If you continue to have difficulty, it is best to consult with a professional piercer for assistance.

Tip	Description
Use a clean pair of gloves	To protect your hands and the piercing from bacteria.
Wash your hands thoroughly	With soap and water before touching the piercing.

Pull the Barbell Out of Tongue

8. Stand with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.

This will help to keep your tongue steady and prevent you from accidentally moving it.

8. Grab the barbell with your fingers.

Use your thumb and forefinger to grip the barbell firmly, but gently. Do not squeeze too hard, as this could damage the barbell or your tongue.

8. Pull the barbell out of your tongue quickly and gently.

Do not yank the barbell out too quickly, as this could cause pain or tearing. Instead, pull it out slowly and gently.

8. Inspect the barbell for any damage.

If the barbell is damaged, do not put it back in your tongue. Instead, discard it and get a new one.

8. Wash your hands and mouth thoroughly.

This will help to prevent infection.

Clean the Piercing and Area

Before you attempt to unscrew your tongue ring, it’s essential to clean the piercing and the surrounding area thoroughly. This will help to prevent infection and make the process easier.

Materials you’ll need:

Item	Quantity
Warm water	1 cup
Antibacterial soap	A small amount
Cotton balls or swabs	Several

Instructions:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Fill a cup with warm water and add a small amount of antibacterial soap.
Dip a cotton ball or swab into the soap solution and gently clean the piercing and the surrounding area.
Rinse the piercing and area thoroughly with clean water.
Pat the piercing and area dry with a clean towel.

Use Clean Hands and Tools

Before handling your tongue ring or its parts, thoroughly wash your hands and the tools you’ll use with warm water and antibacterial soap. This will help prevent the introduction of bacteria into your piercing.

Apply a Lubricant

To ease the removal process and prevent discomfort, apply a small amount of lubricant like petroleum jelly or Vaseline to the inside of your lip and the bottom of the tongue ring.

Open the Closure

Depending on the type of closure you have, there are different ways to open it. For captive bead rings, simply pull the bead out using your fingers or a pair of pliers. For other closures, refer to the specific instructions provided by your piercer.

Grip the Jewelry Firmly

Hold the tongue ring with a pair of pliers, one on the top and one on the bottom. Ensure that the pliers have rubber or silicone tips to prevent damaging the jewelry.

Turn Counterclockwise

Gently twist the bottom part of the tongue ring counterclockwise, while holding the top part steady. Apply slow and even pressure to avoid snapping the jewelry.

Remove the Jewelry

Once you have loosened the ring, carefully pull it out through your tongue piercing. Be mindful of the sharp edges of the jewelry and avoid touching the wound excessively.

Rinse Your Mouth

After removing the tongue ring, rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water or a mild saline solution to remove any debris or bacteria.

Inspect the Piercing

Check the piercing site for any signs of irritation, redness, or swelling. If you notice any abnormalities, contact your piercer or a healthcare professional promptly.

Clean the Jewelry

Soak the tongue ring in a solution of warm water and antibacterial soap for 5-10 minutes to disinfect it. Rinse it thoroughly and allow it to air dry before storing it or reinserting it.

Seek Professional Assistance if Needed

If you encounter any difficulties or discomfort during the removal process, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance from your piercer or a doctor. They can safely and effectively remove the tongue ring and provide you with aftercare instructions.