I like to have a little space just in case my tongue ever swells up for any reason. May sound strange but it does some times. (when you are sick, if something gets stuck in the hole etc) But not too much space though other wise it bothers my teeth.

I liked to have my balls pretty snug against my tongue when I had mine pierced. If they weren't I found it easier to chip a tooth..

I also prefer a snug fit, as it doesn't bother my teeth. Anyways, you can always keep and use the longer one if it swells later on.

I keep mine with a bit of extra space - if you stick your tongue out of your mouth, and push the bar on the top and then the bottom, mine has room to slide up and down quite a bit

I prefer mine with just a little space..I'm wearing the usual 5/8" barbell but I could afford to go a size smaller more than likely..and if my tongue was pierced properly I could probably go way smaller.

to minimize damage to your teeth and palate, you need the smallest bar which your tongue can encompass!

If, as Shellectra says, you have quite a bit of up and down play--it's too long! It may be fun to play with, but dental bills are less fun.

ETA: uh, hello, since when is "encom.pass" a swear word?

encom_pa_ss

Maybe I should look to downsize mine?? I just got used to it because I NEVER bite the ball and it never hits my teeth etc. Hm I may just get it downsized then!

When my tongue is really thin (I can flatten it) I have a bit of playspace but when it's normal sized I have a couple mm at most.

I think it just really depends on the person. Obviously you do not want too much length where you are biting down on the ball. Mine is perfect enough where I can move it, but it does not hit my teeth at all. When I was at the dentist recently for a root canal he said I had no tooth damage or gum errosion from the barbell, and I have had it pierced for about 5 years now. So ya it is just about getting the proper length. I did have it where it fit snug and I hated it because I did not like feeling the barbell on my tongue.

i have room to move mine a bit up and down...i still have a little crater where if its tight it sinks into so i opt for the longer bar. its all what is comfortable and what you can handle. just try diff things!

Just had mine downsized to the regular 5'8 whatever size today, boy what a difference! My original bar was 4mm longer. This is a definate snug fit but it doesn't feel 'tight'. It sorta sits in the permanent crater thing I have though, when my tongue is relaxed, I dont know if this is bad. It doesn't hurt or anything. How do you know when a tongue barbell is TOO tight? It's not like it can disappear into the crater cos its just this lil extra flap of skin that sits in front of the piercing hole I think *shrug* And it feels comfortable

Jewellery is TOO tight when it causes pain, discomfort and problems. Sounds fine to me Shell.

Thanks Kat!! Ain't no way my gums and teeth are getting wrecked now