Tongue splitting is becoming very popular among teenagers and young adults in our society today especially, those involved in body modifications( piercing, tattoos, etc.).

Tongue splitting involves having the tongue cut lengthwise so that it is forked at the end.

People who are planning on having this procedure done should give it a lot of thought because, this procedure can carry serious, long-term consequences and should not be taken so lightly.

According to Dr. David Miller, an Illinois who was instrumental in getting legislations passed outlawing tongue splitting in the state. The law also requires that tongue splitting be done by a doctor or dentist, and only for medical reasons.

Tongue splitting is a complicated surgical procedure because, the doctor or dentist could hit an artery or vein and cause some serious trauma. There is also the risk of a sub-mandibular (below the lower jaw) infection that could lead to blocking of the airways, paralysis, speech problems and other dangers.

If a person decides they are not happy with their split tongue later in their life, the procedure to restore the tongue could be more risky than the original splitting process.

The reversal procedure involves opening the healed split and stitching the lobes of the tongue back together, and long-term side effects such as; nerve damage, scarring and decreased tongue flexibility can occur.

Resources: ADA org. IN THE NEWS 2004
The San Francisco Examiner/National News May 14, 2003
by Martha Irvine

Learn more about this author, Louise Tucker.
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