What Are The Risks Of Snake Bite Piercings?
Snake bites look bold and symmetrical on the lower lip. Two small studs or hoops sit evenly apart, creating a clean visual line that draws attention without shouting. They’re popular across Mississauga because they photograph well and heal faster than many oral piercings. Still, like any body mod, they come with real risks that deserve a plain-spoken review before booking.
This article keeps it simple: what snake bites are, where people run into trouble, how to lower those risks, and how Xtremities Tattoo and Piercing in Mississauga handles safety, jewelry, and aftercare so clients can decide with confidence.
Snake bites vs. other oral piercings
Snake bites are two separate piercings on the lower lip, one on each side. They sit outside the mouth, though the posts pass through soft tissue and rest inside the lip. That’s different from a snake eye tongue piercing, which connects the tip of the tongue side to side with a barbell. Many professionals avoid the snake eye tongue piercing because it can restrict tongue movement, chip teeth, and irritate the tongue’s muscles. Snake bites, done correctly, don’t bind muscle and carry a lower long-term risk than a horizontal tongue bar. Comparing the two helps many clients land on the safer choice.
Why placement and anatomy matter
Everyone’s lip shape, tooth line, and frenulum position are a little different. Good placement keeps the jewelry off the gum line and away from the lower incisors. If the piercings sit too low or too central, the back discs can rub the teeth and gums, raising the risk of recession or enamel wear. A short lip or a strong underbite can add friction points. An experienced piercer checks these details in the mirror with the client, marks options, and has them smile, talk, and sip water before committing. That small test run often prevents a year of irritation.
Common risks with snake bite piercings
Infection risk is real with any piercing, but especially near the mouth. Saliva carries bacteria, and food debris can collect on posts. Early signs look like redness that’s hot to the touch, a yellow discharge with odor, and throbbing that doesn’t ease after the first few days. True infections usually come from unsterile technique, dirty hands, or improper aftercare, not the piercing itself.
Swelling and pressure happen in the first 48 to 72 hours. It’s normal to feel puffy and tender. The risk comes if the starter jewelry is too short and the swelling compresses the tissue, which can cut circulation and trap bacteria. Proper jewelry length leaves breathing room early on, then gets downsized once swelling fades.
Gum recession and enamel wear are long-term concerns. If the backing presses the gum line daily, the tissue can creep down over months. Light, flat-back ends and placement that clears the teeth protect the smile. A quick check-in at the six to eight week mark helps catch friction early.
Scarring and hyperpigmentation can occur, especially on deeper skin tones if a piercing is irritated for weeks. While most snake bites heal to tiny points, habitual fussing, alcohol-based products, and constant jewelry changes can push a small bump into a larger mark.
Allergic reactions to nickel or low-grade alloys show up as itching, redness that won’t settle, and a rash-like edge around the entry point. Starting with implant-grade titanium or solid 14k gold prevents most metal sensitivity issues.
Tissue damage from heavy hoops or oversized ends is less common but worth naming. Large diameter rings tug with talking, laughing, and eating. That pull can stretch the fistula and slow healing. Many studios in Mississauga start with sleek flat backs for this reason, then switch to hoops later if clients still want the ring look.
Keloids are frequently mentioned online. True keloids are rare and tied to individual tendency rather than a piercing style. Most “keloids” around lip piercings are hypertrophic bumps caused by friction or moisture. They often resolve with consistent care and better-fitting jewelry.
The studio factor: what changes the odds
Technique and environment set the tone for healing. A controlled, sterile process reduces variables before aftercare even begins. Here’s what that looks like at a professional level in Mississauga:
- Medical-grade sterilization and single-use needles. Tools are packaged and opened in front of the client. Surfaces get disinfected between each appointment.
- True implant-grade jewelry. ASTM F136 titanium is the default for sensitive mouths. It’s nickel-free, light, and stable in tissue.
- Measured, symmetrical marking. Clients get time to assess placement from different angles. The piercer checks speech and bite alignment before piercing.
- Calm pacing. Rushing invites mistakes. A steady workflow keeps discomfort brief and accuracy high.
Studios that value these steps see fewer infections and lower rates of irritation bumps. It’s not hype. It’s habit, and it shows up months later in cleaner, happier piercings.
Healing timeline clients can expect
Most snake bite piercings feel tender for 3 to 7 days. Initial swelling peaks by day three. The outer tissue usually closes and stabilizes by 6 to 8 weeks, but deeper healing continues for 3 to 4 months. Downsizing posts often happens at the first follow-up, around week three to six, once the swelling is gone. A safe downsizing prevents biting the posts accidentally and reduces pressure on gums.
Clients who smoke, vape, or drink often may see a slower timeline. So does constant contact with spicy or acidic foods. Good care and patient jewelry changes beat any “quick fix” product.
Aftercare that actually works
An uncomplicated plan wins. Saltwater rinses after eating remove debris. Gentle cleansing twice daily on the outside keeps the skin balanced. Alcohol-free products matter, because alcohol dries the tissue and invites cracking. Hands off unless cleaning. If lipstick is part of daily life, choose a fragrance-free, skin-safe formula and wait until the first week has passed.
One list is helpful here as a quick refresher clients can screenshot:
- Rinse with sterile saline or a sea-salt solution after meals and before bed.
- Clean the outside with saline twice daily; pat dry with clean paper towel.
- Skip alcohol, peroxide, and harsh scrubs; they damage healing tissue.
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase; switch it every two nights the first week.
- Book a downsize visit once swelling settles to relieve pressure on gums.
If a bump shows up, many times it links back to friction from a long post, heavy ring, or snagging. A check-in at the studio usually beats guessing with random home remedies.
Eating, speaking, and daily life
Most clients return to work or class the next day. Talking feels normal, though the lips can be stiff. Eating soft, cool foods helps for the first day or two. Think yogurt, smoothies, oats, rice, and sliced fruit. Avoid spicy sauces, citrus, and crunchy chips during the first week. Cut burgers and wraps into manageable bites to avoid dragging the jewelry. A reusable straw helps keep food away from the posts.
Athletes and gym-goers can train as long as they keep sweat away while healing and clean the area after workouts. A breathable mask or clean towel barrier helps during heavy sessions. Contact sports carry obvious snag risks; a short break, or at least protective gear, is smart.
The teeth and gum question
This is the top worry for people who care about their smile, and rightly so. The back discs sit behind the lower lip, which brings them close to the gum line. The risk goes up if the discs ride high or if the posts stay long for months. The fix is straightforward: good placement, flat low-profile ends, and timely downsizing. Regular dental cleanings don’t interfere with healed piercings. During early healing, tell the hygienist so they can work gently near the area.
Clients who grind their teeth at night should mention it at the consult. Jaw pressure can push the lip against the discs. A night guard and shorter posts help. The studio may also angle placement slightly, within aesthetic limits, to clear the gum line better.
What pain feels like
The piercing itself is quick, with a sharp pinch and pressure, often described as a 4 to 6 out of 10 for a few seconds. The lip swells and feels warm, then settles into a dull ache for a day. Cold compresses wrapped in clean cloth help. Over-the-counter pain relief is fine if it doesn’t thin the blood; clients often pick acetaminophen during the first evening and skip high doses of ibuprofen right before the appointment.
Who should wait or choose another style
If a client has an active cold sore, recent dental surgery, or ongoing oral infections, they should heal first. Those with poorly controlled diabetes, clotting disorders, or immune concerns should talk with a healthcare provider before booking. If someone has a heavy history of gum recession or orthodontic appliances that sit low against the lip, a different lip placement or a non-oral piercing might be wise. A good studio will say so openly and suggest options.
What about hoops?
Rings look great with snake bites, but the safest path is usually flat backs first, hoops later. Rings move more with speech and eating, and that motion slows early healing. Many clients switch to small captive rings or seamless-style hoops after six to eight weeks, once the tissue is stable and the posts have been downsized at least once. A quick fit test in the studio ensures the diameter sits cleanly against the lip without pulling.
Costs in Mississauga and what they include
Prices vary by jewelry material, brand, and studio experience. tongue piercings In Mississauga, most clients can expect a per-piercing fee plus the cost of jewelry, with an average total per side in a reasonable range. Titanium ends cost less than solid gold. Quality implant-grade pieces hold up for years, so starting right saves future swaps. A reputable studio includes sterile setup, a thorough consult, and at least one follow-up. Ask up front about downsizing fees, as those visits are part of healthy healing.
Red flags to watch for, and what to do
Persistent heat, pulsing pain after day three, foul odor, and green or thick yellow discharge point to infection. A sudden, hard swelling around the post that doesn’t reduce overnight can mean the jewelry is too short. Don’t remove jewelry during a suspected infection; it can trap bacteria. Instead, contact the studio for an urgent check. Many issues resolve with a jewelry change and focused care. If a true infection is present, a healthcare professional can prescribe antibiotics while the jewelry stays in place to allow drainage.
What clients often ask
How long before switching jewelry styles? After the first downsize and at least 6 to 8 weeks of smooth healing, with the piercer’s go-ahead.
Will it scar if removed later? Most close to a small dot. Keeping irritation low during healing gives the best cosmetic result.
Can lip balms be used? Yes, after the first few days. Fragrance-free, non-tinted balms are safest. Apply sparingly and avoid coating the entry points.
Is makeup allowed? Wait three to five days, then keep foundation and lip color a finger-width away from the piercing. Clean the area gently at the end of the day.
Do snake bites set off airport scanners? No. Titanium and small amounts of metal at the lip don’t trigger standard detectors.
Why many Mississauga clients choose Xtremities
Mississauga clients come to Xtremities for clean technique and calm, friendly service. The studio’s team has been piercing and tattooing locals since the early 2000s, and that history shows in small details: precise marking, honest timeframes, and clear aftercare that doesn’t feel like homework. Every snake bite piercing uses sterile, single-use needles and implant-grade titanium or solid gold ends. Appointments include a placement chat in front of the mirror, a quick test for speech and smile, and time to ask questions without feeling rushed.
Aftercare cards are simple and practical. Follow-ups are encouraged, not treated as an add-on. If a client needs a shorter post, the team helps pick the right length, swaps it under sterile conditions, and checks gum clearance right then and there. That support reduces the stress that often leads to avoidable problems.
Booking smart: what to check before you commit
A short, focused checklist helps anyone compare studios around Mississauga, Port Credit, Streetsville, Meadowvale, and nearby neighborhoods:
- Ask to see jewelry packaging with implant-grade markings, especially titanium labeled ASTM F136.
- Look for a clean, orderly setup with tools opened in front of you.
- Confirm a plan for downsizing and at least one follow-up visit.
- Review placement in the mirror while smiling and speaking before piercing.
- Make sure aftercare is written, simple, and includes contact details for quick questions.
If a studio discourages questions or won’t show sterile packaging, keep walking. Mississauga has enough reputable options that nobody needs to settle.
Final thoughts and a friendly invite
Snake bite piercings can heal smoothly and look fantastic with the right placement, jewelry, and care. The main risks cluster around infection, gum recession, and irritation from poor fit or rough products. Each of those risks drops sharply when the piercing is done in a sterile studio by an experienced professional who prioritizes anatomy and follow-up.
If someone is weighing snake bites and wondering whether to book, a quick consult solves most hesitations. Xtremities Tattoo and Piercing welcomes first-timers and experienced clients alike, with zero-judgment guidance, calm pacing, and clear aftercare. Drop by the Mississauga studio, call ahead, or book online for a placement chat and a look at jewelry options that protect gums and show clean symmetry. Whether the goal is a classic flat-back look or rings down the line, the team is ready to help plan the safest path and keep the smile intact.
Xtremities Tattoo and Piercing offers professional tattoos and piercings in Mississauga, ON. As the city’s longest-running studio, our location on Dundas Street provides clients with experienced artists and trained piercers. We create custom tattoo designs in a range of styles and perform safe piercings using surgical steel jewelry. With decades of local experience, we focus on quality work and a welcoming studio environment. Whether you want a new tattoo or a piercing, Xtremities Tattoo and Piercing is ready to serve clients across Peel County. Xtremities Tattoo and Piercing
37 Dundas St W Phone: (905) 897-3503 Website: https://www.xtremities.ca/
Mississauga,
ON
L5B 1H2,
Canada