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

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