The Procedure Your surgeon may either use local anesthesia (similar to Novocain used by the dentist) or general anesthesia (in which you will be put completely asleep). Once the area is numb, your surgeon will then split your tongue down the middle with a knife, cautery, or a laser.
Laws relating to skin penetration and body piercing are different in each state or territory. In Victoria it is illegal for any person to perform scarification, tongue splitting, branding or beading on any person under the age of 18 years.
It's worth mentioning that most split owners feel that having a jagged tongue is more natural to them than when they had the tongue as a whole. Supposedly, it is similar to when you take off your mittens after a long time and spread your fingers.
Yes, tongue splitting is legal in the United States; however, there are some restrictions. These restrictions can vary from state to state. Illinois was the first state that addressed tongue splitting specifically, passing a law in 2003. Since then, other states have followed.
So more good news for you: It's totally reversible. In fact, if the exposed flesh isn't closed properly after the split (either with sutures or cauterization), your tongue will just go ahead and remerge on its own [source: Loftus].
Surgical tongue splitting may result in inflammation, bleeding (including hemorrhage), infection, and injury to nerves or arteries on the tongue. A bifurcated tongue may also perceptibly alter fricative production. Resulting scar tissue may also affect speech.
Surgical resections alone create volumetric muscle loss whereby muscle tissue cannot self-regenerate within the tongue. In these cases, the tongue is reconstructed typically in the form of autologous skin flaps.
If you're under 18 in any U.S. state, you won't be allowed to have your tongue split without parental consent -- and even then things get kinda murky. Although tongue splitting falls under the broader category of body modification, because of its nature, it's generally considered a medical procedure.
Many cuts to the tongue heal without complications. However, as with any open wound, tongue lacerations carry the risk of infection. Keeping the wound clean can reduce this risk, but if a person notices swelling, pus, or fever, they should speak to a doctor. Tongue lacerations can also result in scarring or swelling.
Most cuts on the tongue or palate heal on their own and do not need stitches, unless they are very large or don't stop bleeding on their own. Cuts on the inside of the lip don't usually need stitches. If you have a cut on the outside of your lip, you may need stitches.
Having a split tongue won't affect your speech but there will be a slight distortion of certain sounds that some people might notice.
Cracked tongue does not usually require treatment. People typically have no symptoms, other than the tongue's characteristic appearance. However, it is crucial to remove any debris, such as food, that can get stuck in the tongue's grooves. Doing so can prevent infections and issues with oral hygiene.
Splitting cannot extend as far back as the submandibular ducts under the tongue, otherwise, the procedure may cause obstruction of the ducts. Many men and women across the country have caught onto this trend and tongue splitting has become increasingly popular.
There is no numbing medicine given to ease the pain or discomfort during or after the procedure. There may be discomfort during the procedure and that is normal. The pain is typically bearable and may last for less than a week.
Less severe tongue injuries tend to heal on their own within a week, while more severe injuries will need a dentist's attention and may require stitches and medication. These may take several weeks or even months to fully heal.
A bifid tongue may be an isolated deformity and has also been reported to be associated with maternal diabetes. Two infants with a bifid tongue born to diabetic mothers were reported. Those infants were also noted to have other malformations, including a cleft palate and polydactyly.
A cut or tear to the tongue can bleed a lot. Small injuries may often heal on their own. If the injury is long or deep, it may need stitches that dissolve over time. If a piece of your tongue was cut off or bitten off, it may have been reattached.
In some cases, your surgeon can create a new tongue. To do this, they'll take a tissue graft from your forearm, chest or thigh. Your healthcare provider can talk to you about your options prior to your surgery.
Because the tongue is all muscle and no bone, it is very supple, boasting a huge range of motion and shape while preserving its volume. “It's kind of like a water balloon,” says Tasko.
The Right Way – Your dentist in Madison will recommend that you gently rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth and about a half an inch away from the back of your front teeth. At the same time, your lips should be closed, and your teeth held slightly apart to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on your teeth.
Forcing Floss Between Teeth
If you have two teeth that sit tightly together in your mouth, you should avoid forcing a piece of floss between the small space. If you force or snap the floss into the congested area, the floss can cut your gums, resulting in bleeding and sore gums.
Considering our tongue and teeth touch all the time and share a ton of bacteria, you don't need a separate toothbrush to clean them. You can clean your tongue before or after brushing your teeth. You should always rinse out your mouth with water after this type of cleaning, as well as the tool of choice itself.
If you have pain, take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. It may help to cool the inside of your mouth with a piece of ice or a flavoured ice pop.