Mayan Tattoos

In ancient history the Aztecs and Mayans practiced tongue piercing as part of rituals. Tongue piercing was done because Aztecs thought it was a way to communicate with the gods. The Mayan’s also practiced tongue piercing as a way to demonstrate courage and virility.

In today’s society oral piercing and tattoos are considered a form of self-expression and body art. It is most common among people between the ages of 18 and 30 years old. Those who chose to have tongue piercing and oral tattoos believe that it reflects fashion, a daring personality, independence, and their sexuality. In other cases oral piercings and oral tattoos may be done because of the need for acceptance into a peer group, desire to assert individuality, or for spiritual

reasons.
Many of these piercings and tattoos are done as the result of an impulsive decision or by peer pressure among young adults. College student are more likely to undergo oral piercing and oral tattoos. Statistically women are more likely to undergo oral piercing than men. Women are more likely to perform this procedure to enhance their physical image. The most popular sites for piercing are tongue, lips, frenulum, cheeks and uvula. As for tattoos, the most popular sites are on the tongue and inner lip. The reason these locations are chosen for oral tattoos are because they think it can be an artful and unique way to express themselves. It is also convenient for to have it hidden from the public’s view. This way they can share their tattoos with those they desire to do so and also allows them to get tattoo anything they want that may be offensive to the public. Another reason an oral tattoo is chosen because the ink fades away rapidly, allowing them to get rid of it when they decide to.
Although if it is well taken care of, it can last up to five years. However, if not taken good care of it can last a year or two, but in some cases it can only last a couple of weeks. The rapid fading is due to moisture and acid in the mouth. As with most tattoos you would need to have multiple touch ups, the more touch ups the more prone you are to an infection. Another side effect of oral tattoos is that the ink can rub against the gums and erode the gum tissue over time. This will lead to the exposure of the roots of the front teeth.
Even though oral piercings and tattoos may be seen as a form of art and self-expression it can lead to several complications in the oral health. Oral piercings as with any puncture wound or abrasion can cause pain, swelling, and can lead to infection. After two year with the piercing it can cause gingival injury or gum recession, which has been reported on the labial aspects of the lower central incisors. Gum recession can happen fairly quickly within even weeks before you can notice. Piercing gum recession can expose your teeth and gums leading to gum and tooth disease and loose teeth. It also causes extreme sensitivity will cause pain when eating or drinking hot and cold foods. Unfortunately, gum recession is irreversible but in many cases surgery is required to prevent further complications such as gum or tooth disease, loose teeth and root sensitivity. This surgery would include skin graft from another area of your mouth to be transplanted into the damaged area.
Another side effect of oral piercing is cracked teeth that can become sensitive to cold or hot foods and drinks. Tongue jewelry, habitual biting, or chewing of the device will cause trauma to the teeth or develop hypersensitivity from metal. The piercing can break or be swallowed or inhaled if the individual tends to clench their teeth, more likely while sleeping. Oral piercing can cause interference with speech which can interfere with daily interaction.
Chronic consequences of oral piercing may include widening of the piercing hole, scar tissue formation, and paresthesia which is an abnormal sensation, typically tingling or pricking. Jewelry stimulates the production of saliva. Consequences of increase saliva production can lead to temporary or permanent drooling. Because of the tongues vascular nature prolonged bleeding may occur if a vessel or vascular nerves is cut during piercing procedure. Significant absence of blood can lead to hypotensive collapse and will put the individual in an emergency situation. A few other effect after piercing includes persistent mucosal atrophy, transient alteration of taste, and leakage of blood and serum.
Oral piercing and tattoos can be an open entry for disease transmissions from contaminated piercing instruments.

The instruments can carry a potential risk of contracting herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex virus is an infection in the mouth, lips, and gums that causes small painful blisters commonly called cold sores or fever blisters. Contaminated instruments can also transmit Hepatitis B, C, and D. These infections can cause viruses that directly attack the liver. HIV is a virus an individual can contract from contaminated instruments, it attacks the body’s immune system and destroys CD4 cells. CD4 cells helps the body fight disease. Tetanus which is an acute, often fatal disease caused by exotoxin produced by the bacterium clostridium tetani can be also caused by contaminated instruments. It is characterized by generalized rigidity of convulsive spasms of the skeletal muscles. These different types of viruses can be transmitted from a contaminated work environment or needles.

There are many other adverse outcomes that an oral piercing can cause. Nerve damage which is loss of sensation to the piercing site or movement problems is one of the outcomes. Swelling of the tongue can also occur, which can lead to obstruction of the airway or suffocation. Another serious outcome from an oral piercing can be Endocarditis. Endocarditis is caused by an open wound created by a piercing that leaves an open way to bacteria to enter the blood stream which can cause inflammation to the heart or inflammation of the heart

valves.
Important things to take into consideration when deciding to get oral piercings or oral tattoos consist of, taking time when choosing a professional, looking for someone who is licensed and is working in a clean shop or office. Visit the office to make sure it looks clean and discuss any concerns arising about the procedure. One important question to ask is, if the jewelry being used for the procedure is titanium or medical grade stainless steel. When at the shop, one should always make sure that the technician uses only new instruments and ink. If the instruments are new, they should be coming out of a sealed sterile bags, preferably opened at the moment the procedure is taking place. For safety measures one should not be afraid to ask as many questions or concerns arising before the procedure takes place. A true professional would not mind if a client double checks any safety concerns they may have. An extremely important part of the procedure is to listen carefully to the aftercare instructions. The professional at this time will go over any sanitary instructions as to treating the newly pierced or tattooed area. If possible ask for written instructions about the proper care and procedures to follow. Infections can occur after getting a piercing or tattoo. It is important to look out for signs and symptoms. Some of these signs or symptoms can include excessive redness and heat, severe swelling, fever, puss, repeated sharp pains or persistent throbbing. These symptoms are serious and should not be ignored. They make look cool and seem harmless but they have serious consequences on one’s health. The smartest choice to make is to stay away from oral piercings and tattoos all together.