DT News - UK - Surgeons warn of risks involved with tongue splitting

Dental Tribune UK

Wed. 29 August 2018

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LONDON, UK: The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) and the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) at the Royal College of Surgeons of England have released a joint statement warning against undergoing tongue splitting. This procedure, which involves a partial cleaving of the tongue to create a forked effect, can lead to infection, haemorrhage and nerve damage.

In their statement, the professional bodies caution that, owing to a recent ruling in the Court of Appeal, tongue splitting procedures offered by body modification practitioners are currently illegal in England and Wales. The court found that tongue splitting constitutes grievous bodily harm when performed for cosmetic reasons, irrespective of whether the patient’s consent has been obtained. The legal status of this procedure in the rest of the UK remains unclear, however, as it is not covered by any existing legislation.

Though there are no concrete numbers on the number of British people who have undergone tongue splitting, around 1.5 per cent of English adults are estimated to have a tongue piercing. BAPRAS and the FDS highlighted that oral piercings can lead to complications such as tooth fracture, gingival damage, infection and swelling, which can result in breathing difficulties.

“As dental surgeons, we've seen some of the horrific consequences of these procedures,” said Dr Selina Master, Junior Vice Dean of the FDS. “It’s so important that people realise they are putting themselves at serious risk of significant blood loss, infection, nerve damage and problems being able to breath or swallow.”

“In England and Wales, practitioners who offer tongue splitting are doing so illegally as the law currently stands. There is an urgent need for the law in other parts of the UK to be clarified. We would strongly advise people not to have oral piercings or tongue splits, but 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,” she continued.

“No reputable surgeon would undertake this procedure, as it carries high risks, both at the time of the procedure and long term, there are no medical reasons for doing it, and in England and Wales, and maybe elsewhere in the United Kingdom, it is probably illegal,” added Dr David Ward, President of BAPRAS.

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