Snake Bites Piercing: The Ultimate Guide to Embracing Your Inner Edge
Sep
The world of body modification offers a vast landscape for self-expression, and among the more striking choices are snake bite piercings. These distinctive piercings, placed symmetrically below the lower lip, have become a popular way to showcase unique style . The name evokes the subtle yet powerful image of snake fangs or a bite mark . This guide provides essential information for anyone considering or curious about snake bites piercing.
What Exactly Are Snake Bites Piercing?
Snake bite piercings are paired lip adornments situated below the bottom lip, typically placed symmetrically near the outer corners of the mouth . It’s important not to confuse them with “snake eye” piercings, which are horizontal tongue piercings considered dangerous . The positioning can vary based on preference, from wider to closer, resembling vampire fangs . Common jewelry includes rings (hoops) and labret studs . The choice affects the look, procedure, and healing . “Snake bite” is one of many “bite” piercings, like spider bites and angel bites . Understanding the placement is key to achieving the desired look .
The Journey to Snake Bites: The Piercing Procedure
Getting snake bite piercings requires a reputable and experienced piercer focused on safety . Resources like the APP can help find qualified professionals . Verify licenses, sterilization, and review their portfolio . The procedure involves consultation, paperwork, disinfecting the area, and marking the spots . Antibacterial mouthwash is usually provided . The piercer uses clamps to hold the lip taut and a sterile needle to create the piercing . The chosen jewelry is then inserted, and the process is repeated on the other side . The area is cleaned, and aftercare instructions are given . Pain is often reported as low to moderate, around 3 to 5 out of 10 . Many find the clamp pressure more uncomfortable than the piercing itself .
Healing and Aftercare: Ensuring a Smooth Recovery
Snake bite piercings typically take 2 to 4 months to fully heal, with initial healing around 6 to 8 weeks . Healing time varies based on individual health and aftercare . Proper aftercare includes cleaning both inside and outside the mouth . Rinse the inside with sterile saline after meals and before bed, avoiding alcohol-based mouthwash . Clean the outside twice daily with saline or piercing spray and pat dry with paper towels . A modified R.I.C.E. method can help:
Rest (avoid excessive mouth movement), Ice (apply gently for swelling), Cleanliness (as described), and Elevation (during sleep) . Avoid touching the piercings, playing with jewelry, oral sexual contact, sharing items, smoking, alcohol, carbonated/sugary/spicy/hot foods, swimming, makeup around the piercing, chewing on objects, and harsh toothpaste . Recognize signs of infection: increased pain, redness, swelling, heat, thick discharge, foul odor, or fever . Seek professional advice if infection is suspected.
Snake Bite Piercing Healing Timeline
| Phase | Typical Symptoms | Key Aftercare Focus |
| Initial Swelling (Days 1-5) | Swelling, tenderness, potential slight bleeding, yellowish discharge | Strict cleaning with saline solution, avoiding touching, modified R.I.C.E. method |
| Early Healing (Weeks 1-2) | Swelling and tenderness begin to subside, continued potential for slight discharge | Continue saline soaks/rinses, maintain good oral hygiene, avoid irritants |
| Partial Healing (Months 1-2) | Most initial discomfort is gone, piercing may appear healed on the outside | Continue cleaning routine, be mindful of potential snags, consider jewelry downsizing with a professional |
| Full Healing (Months 2-4) | Piercing is fully healed, no more tenderness or discharge | Maintain regular cleaning, jewelry can be changed (ideally after consulting piercer initially) |
Potential complications include infection, swelling, tooth and gum damage, trauma, nerve disruption, and allergic reactions . Infection can occur from bacteria entering the site . Swelling is normal initially . Jewelry can cause tooth and gum issues by rubbing . Snagging can cause trauma . Nerve disruption is rare . Allergies, often to nickel, can occur . A small scar is normal . Choose a reputable piercer and follow aftercare to minimize risks .
Choosing Your Fangs: Jewelry Options for Snake Bites
Jewelry options include labret studs, circular barbells, seamless hoops, and captive bead rings . Labret studs have a flat disc inside and a decorative end outside . Circular barbells are horseshoe-shaped . Seamless hoops are continuous rings . Captive bead rings have a bead closure .
Choose body-safe materials like implant-grade titanium, surgical steel, niobium, or 14k+ gold . Avoid low-quality jewelry and nickel . Initial jewelry is often larger to accommodate swelling . Downsizing by a professional is recommended after swelling subsides (2-8 weeks) . Proper fit minimizes teeth and gum rubbing . Flat-back labret studs are often preferred initially .
Living with Snake Bites: Everyday Tips and Considerations
Eat slowly and carefully to avoid biting jewelry, especially with longer initial bars . Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, and hot foods/drinks during healing . Be cautious with salty and acidic items . Avoid chewing gum and straws initially . Maintain excellent oral hygiene by gently brushing teeth with a soft toothbrush and using saline rinses . Alcohol-free mouthwash can be used after initial tenderness subsides . Avoid alcohol, smoking, and excessive touching .
Snake Bites and Their Cousins: Exploring Other “Bite” Piercings
“Bite piercing” refers to various paired lip piercings . Spider bites are two close piercings on one side of the lower lip . Dolphin bites are two close piercings in the center of the lower lip . Angel bites mirror snake bites on the upper lip . Shark bites are four piercings, two on each side of the lower lip. Canine bites combine angel and snake bites (four total) . Cyber bites are a Medusa and a labret piercing . Dahlia piercings are at the corners of the mouth . A single piercing in the snake bite location is a side labret .
Comparison of “Bite” Piercings
| Piercing Name | Location | Number of Piercings |
| Snake Bites | Symmetrically on either side of the lower lip | 2 |
| Spider Bites | Two piercings very close together on one side of the lower lip | 2 |
| Dolphin Bites | Two piercings close together in the center of the lower lip | 2 |
| Angel Bites | Symmetrically on either side of the upper lip | 2 |
| Shark Bites | Two piercings on each side of the lower lip | 4 |
| Canine Bites | One piercing on each side of the upper and lower lips | 4 |
| Cyber Bites | One Medusa piercing (upper lip) and one labret piercing (lower lip) | 2 |
| Dahlia Bites | At the corners of the mouth | 2 |
Finding the Right Professional: Choosing a Piercing Studio
Research studios with positive reviews and high safety standards . Get recommendations and verify credentials and hygiene practices . Review the piercer’s experience and portfolio . Ensure they use high-quality, body-safe jewelry . A good piercer will offer a consultation and detailed aftercare instructions . Ask questions and ensure you feel comfortable with their expertise .
Conclusion: Embrace Your Unique Style with Confidence
Snake bite piercings are a striking form of self-expression . Understanding the procedure, healing, and aftercare is crucial . Be aware of risks and choose a qualified piercer . Proper care ensures a successful piercing experience . Embrace your individuality with this unique modification .
Sources
Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Snake Bite Piercings
