Body Piercing Glossary

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Taper

• An instrument used to enlarge the diameter of piercings.
• Usually consists of a stainless steel rod whose diameter gradually decreases along its length.
• Available in gauges, where the stated gauge represents the diameter of the thicker end.
• The narrow end is inserted through the piercing and the rest of the taper is drawn through the piercing, stretching the tissue, so that larger gauge jewelry may then be inserted.

Tea tree oil

• An essential oil derived from trees of the genus Leptospermum, native to New Zealand and Australia.
• An extremely potent disinfectant.
• Recommended for the disinfecting of instruments prior to sterilization.
• Not recommended for application to piercings.

Thrush

• Infection of the body with the yeast Candida albicans.
• Vaginal thrush occurs when the vagina loses its natural acidity, usually as a result of taking antibiotics or from excess use of soap, which is alkaline.
• Symptoms include itch, white discharge, and pain on intercourse.

Titanium

• A strong very corrosion-resistant white metal.
• Atomic Number 22
• Chemical Symbol "Ti".
• Melting point 1675^oC
• Extensively used in surgical implants because it is chemically inert.
• Very light weight, hence its use in the aerospace industry.

Tongue

• The wiggly thing in your mouth, made of muscle, that moves food around when you eat.
• If you can poke your tongue out of your mouth and hold it between your thumb and finger then it is long enough to be pierced.

Tongue Barbell

• A barbell designed for use in tongues to reduce the risk of aspiration.
• The top ball and the bar are made from one piece of metal.
• There is no top ball to accidentally loosen and inhale into the lung.
• The ball that screws on is fitted underneath the tongue.

Tongue Rim

• Piercings on the lateral assect of the tongue.
• Usually done with rings.

Tongue Tie

• The situation where the front of the tongue has reduced mobility because of a very short frenulum connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
• Usually prohibits piercing of the tongue.

Tragus

• The prominence of skin-covered cartilage forming the front wall of the ear canal.
• To find your tragus:
  • First put your index finger in your ear hole
  • Then raise your elbow high
  • Now you can grab your tragus between your finger and thumb.

Transcrotal

• A piercing passing from the anterior to the posterior surface of the scrotum.

Triangle

• A female genital piercing that:
  1. Enters and exits through the clitoral hood
  2. passes posterior to the body of the clitoris
  3. and passes anterior to the urethra.
• Only suited to persons with a relatively prominent clitoris and adequate hood skin.
• Should only be performed by experienced piercers with a good knowledge of anatomy.