Splitting your tongue is a body modification practice that has been gaining traction in recent years, but it is important to note that it is a risky and potentially harmful procedure. Not only can it lead to permanent scarring, but it also increases the risk of developing an infection.
Splitting your tongue also usually requires the use of unsterilized tools and unskilled individuals, which can further increase the risk of infection. Further, it can also be a painful process, both during and afterward, and the healing process can be lengthy.
Additionally, splitting your tongue can have lifelong impacts beyond the sentence successful of the procedure. It can change the way you eat and speak, and it can also lead to a decrease in self-confidence once the initial novelty wears off.
Due to the high risk of infection and potential for permanent damage, it is best to avoid splitting your tongue if possible. There are other forms of body modification available that don’t pose the same risks and can provide a better way of expressing yourself.
What are the dangers of splitting your tongue?
There are various dangers associated with splitting one’s tongue or ‘forks’. The main risks include:
• Infection: When splitting the tongue, it is very important to ensure that the environment is sterile and instruments are sterilised. Any bacteria, fungi or viruses that could be transferred to the tongue could cause a significant infection if proper hygiene is not carried out.
• Risk of excessive bleeding: Unless one is very careful when splitting the tongue, inexpert cutting can cause excessive bleeding. This can be dangerous and sometimes lead to the need for a blood transfusion.
• Nerve damage: There is also a risk of damage to nerve endings ending in the tongue which could potentially cause a partial or complete loss of sensation in the split tongue. In extreme cases, this could cause partial or complete paralysis of the tongue itself.
• Psychological repercussions: Some people might not be able to handle the physical pain associated with tongue splitting. Furthermore, the psychological pressure of having a physically altered tongue could put some people off eating, speaking and engaging in social activities.
It is highly recommended that one consults a qualified medical professional before considering tongue splitting, as the risks could outweigh the rewards.
What are the negative effects of tongue splitting?
Tongue splitting, also known as forked tongue or tongue bifurcation, is a cosmetic body modification procedure that involves surgically splitting the tongue down the middle. While people get tongue splitting for aesthetic reasons, it can have some serious negative effects.
Firstly, tongue splitting carries a risk of infection and scarring, although these can be managed with an experienced and skilled practitioner. As with any other wound, tongue splitting carries a risk of infection, such as tetanus as well as bacterial infections.
Scarring can also occur and may be permanent, which can affect an individual’s speech and ability to interact properly.
The risks of tongue splitting don’t stop at infection and scarring. Because it involves surgically cutting the tongue, individuals can face nerve damage that can result in numbness, paralysis or even loss of taste.
If a person experiences any of these changes they may need additional medical treatments.
Lastly, the effects on speech may be an issue. Speech can be affected in ways such as slurring, increased lisping, and difficulty in pronouncing certain words. Additionally, individuals may experience a decrease in salivary flow and difficulty with hot or spicy foods, as the split makes it harder to detect the temperatures.
In conclusion, while tongue splitting carries a risk of infection, scarring, nerve damage and other potential speech impairments, it is still a popular choice for some people. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and see an experienced and skilled practitioner.
How long can you split your tongue?
The length of time that you can safely split your tongue varies depending on the individual and the method used. As with any body modification, it’s important to do your research and select a reputable piercer for the procedure.
Generally, it’s advised that you avoid leaving the split in your tongue for more than 1-2 weeks at a time, as the longer it is left, the more difficult it is for the split to heal properly. Aftercare instructions vary, but typically include avoiding eating spicy or crunchy foods and drinking cold beverages for several weeks after the procedure.
Additionally, it’s important to keep the area clean with a saline rinse, as infection can develop if it isn’t properly cared for.
Can you speak normally with a split tongue?
Yes, you can speak normally with a split tongue, but it is not something that would typically be recommended. A split tongue is a form of body modification in which the tongue is split along its length, starting at the tip and extending back to where it connects with the mouth.
Because of the nature of the procedure, speaking clearly can be quite difficult, and some even report difficulties in eating or drinking as well. Speech therapy may be necessary to regain the ability to speak correctly.
Additionally, the procedure does not last forever and will have to be reinserted over time if the person wants to maintain the split. If a split tongue is something you are interested in, it is important to make sure that the practitioner who does the procedure is experienced and reputable, and that you understand all the risks and implications of having such a procedure done.
Do split tongues grow back?
No, split tongues do not grow back. This is because the tongue is composed of many tightly-packed muscle fibers that are difficult to reconnect when the tongue is split. Additionally, the tongue is regularly exposed to food, saliva and other contents of the mouth, which can make healing and regeneration of the tongue difficult.
Split tongues can be surgically repaired, but this is not the same as the tongue growing back. Surgical repair typically involves cutting the tongue and stitching it back together, using local anaesthetic.
Although the tongue will remain one tissue again after the procedure, there may be a permanent visible scar.
If a person has a split tongue, they should consult a medical professional to discuss their options, as attempting to repair the tongue at home can be dangerous.
How much is a tongue split cost?
The cost of a tongue split can vary depending on where you get it done, as well as the complexity of the procedure. On average, the cost of a tongue split can range from around $500 to $2,500, but it can be more or less depending on the clinic or body modification artist performing the procedure.
Some clinics may also offer discounts for bulk splits or couples, so it is best to do your research beforehand and find out the exact cost for the clinic you plan on using. Furthermore, some clinics may charge more for complex procedures such as multiple tongue splits, or if the procedure requires general anesthesia which may incur additional cost.
It is important that you also take into consideration any follow-up visits and aftercare instructions, as well as additional supplies such as antiseptic mouthwash that may be needed.
How do you heal a split tongue fast?
Healing a split tongue is a process that generally can take a few days or weeks, depending on the individual. To help speed up the healing process, good oral hygiene is necessary. This includes:
1. Properly washing the tongue with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and irritants.
2. Avoiding contact with irritants such as cigarettes, spit, and food particles that can cause infection.
3. Refraining from contact sports or activities that could potentially cause further damage or inflammation to the tongue.
4. Applying a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling and inflammation.
5. Applying a natural remedy such as honey or Aloe Vera to the split to bring down the inflammation.
6. Taking an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
7. Refraining from consuming hot or spicy foods as those may irritate the split further.
8. Eating food that is soft and gentle on the tongue such as mashed potatoes and oatmeal.
9. Keeping the area clean by rinsing with warm salt water and applying an antibacterial ointment.
It is important to consult your doctor to receive the best advice about how to heal your split tongue. The treatment prescribed by the doctor would be individualized to your situation and may include more than the above-mentioned remedies.
Can split tongues move independently?
No, split tongues cannot move independently. This is because the tongue is made up of several muscles and ligaments that work together to enable its movement. When the tongue is split, it no longer has the ability to move independently due to the disruption of the muscle and ligament structure.
Some people may be able to make some limited movements with the split tongue, but the tongue will not be able to move or respond in the same way as it did before it was split.
How many people in the world have their tongue split?
As there is no accurate way to track how many people have had their tongue split as a form of body modification. It is estimated that a small percentage of the population choose to have a tongue splitting procedure done, but because this statistic is hard to measure, it is difficult to give an exact number.
Without counting those who have had their tongue split in non-traditional medical settings, like in tattoo and body piercing studios, the number is likely to be even smaller. In countries where tongue splitting is illegal, the number may be even lower.
Is the tongue numbed for splitting?
No, the tongue is not generally numbed for splitting. Splitting a tongue is a relatively simple procedure that does not require numbing. It is usually done with a scalpel or laser, and while it will likely cause some discomfort and discomfort, it should not be painful.
Swelling, redness, and minor bleeding may follow the procedure, but this should all subside within a few days. The procedure is generally done in one or two sessions depending on the desired results, and it is essential to follow aftercare instructions and to keep the area clean and dry for proper healing.
Does getting your tongue split hurt?
The process of getting your tongue split (also known as a “tongue bifurcation”) can be a painful experience. Generally, the amount of pain felt during the procedure will vary depending on how many cuts are being made, the shape and size of your tongue, and the amount of tissue that needs to be removed.
Additionally, the anesthesia used during the surgery can also affect the level of pain felt. During the procedure, many people experience severe discomfort or even excruciating pain while the tongue is being cut.
Afterwards, a person can usually expect to feel some swelling, burning, and soreness that can last for several days. In some cases, there can also be bleeding, throbbing, and a feeling of tightness in the tongue.
People who have had the procedure often report that their mental preparation was the key to helping them manage the pain and discomfort associated with the surgery. It is important to speak to a medical professional about the potential risks and discomfort associated with the procedure and to make sure you are mentally prepared for the experience before getting your tongue split.
Do they numb your tongue before piercing it?
Whether or not you get numbed prior to tongue piercing depends on the piercing studio and their general safety protocols. Generally, most reputable piercing shops will use a topical anesthetic to numb the area before beginning the piercing procedure.
This numbing may be applied directly to the tongue, or it may be swabbed onto the area by a professional with a cotton swab. The anesthetic works by blocking the nerves that detect pain, helping to reduce the pain associated with the piercing.
It is important to note that an anesthetic may only reduce the pain associated with the initial piercing and may not completely eliminate it. Aftercare is also very important for successful piercing healing and many piercing shops will recommend products designed specifically for tongue healing.
How painful is getting your tongue pierced?
Getting your tongue pierced can be quite painful because it is a sensitive area. Many people find that the actual piercing isn’t as bad as the after-effects. The tongue is a muscle, so it can throb and swell afterward.
It’s normal to experience swelling that lasts up to four days after the piercing, and you may feel slight discomfort for a couple of days. If your tongue is swollen, it may be difficult to eat or talk.
In addition to pain, you may also experience numbness and an increased sensitivity to spicy or hot foods. Since the tongue is filled with nerve endings, the piercing site can be very sore and tender.