Why split tongue

The original procedure for tongue splitting was to tie a string around a tongue piercing and pull it until the tongue split; however, the stretching process was lengthy and painful. High Priestess Piercing had also tried a different method where the tongue was pierced and a scalpel was placed in the hole and sliced the tongue.

According to Dr. Karol Gutowski, an assistant professor of surgery at UW-Madison and a plastic surgeon, tongue splitting is a very risky procedure, especially if done in improper conditions under non-medical supervision. Therefore, it should be handled as a medical operation performed by a doctor with the appropriate equipment, in case something goes wrong.

Lanig says his tongue-splitting method involved no bleeding. A scalpel was brought to a torch until it was glowing orange. The scalpel was so hot that when it cut, it automatically cauterized the tongue. Still, it is rare for people with cracked tongue to experience pain routinely. Cracked tongue may also have links to:.

If a person has cracked tongue and geographic tongue, any pain may stem from the latter issue, which can cause burning pain and a loss of taste. Cracked tongue does not usually require treatment. Doing so can prevent infections and issues with oral hygiene.

In the case of a Candida , or yeast, infection, a doctor can prescribe a topical antifungal medication. This type of infection is more common in people who also have geographic tongue and in people who do not brush or otherwise clean their tongues. For anyone with cracked tongue, it is important to have good oral hygiene, including regular visits to the dentist. Prevent food debris from collecting in the grooves of the tongue is key.

To do this, a person might use a tongue brush or scraper as part of their oral hygiene routine. One study found that tongue brushing and scraping alongside regular tooth brushing not only keeps the tongue clean but also reduces plaque. Learn more about tongue scraping here. If the grooves of a cracked tongue trap food, it can cause bacteria or yeast to proliferate, leading to an infection or other oral health issues.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Procedure Cost Pain scale Risks Why do it? When to see a doctor Takeaway Tongue splitting is a type of oral body modification that involves splitting your tongue in half.

The procedure. Risks of tongue splitting. Why do people do it? When to see a doctor. The bottom line. Medically reviewed by J. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. MRI vs. The medical groups said the legal status of the practice in the rest of the UK was unclear and there was an urgent need for it to be resolved. However, if they do, it is crucial they see their dentist on a regular basis so that the impact on their oral health can be closely monitored.

Never try to carry out one of these procedures on yourself or others. This article is more than 3 years old. Medical associations issue warning over tongue and lip piercings and tongue splitting.