How to handle biting your tongue

Biting your tongue while chewing food, speaking, or during a moment of clumsiness is a common occurrence. This article from Mytour will provide advice on how to treat a tongue injury. If you frequently bite your tongue and get hurt, it's advisable to consult a general practitioner or a dentist.

Wash your hands thoroughly. Before touching the inside of your mouth, take a moment to wash your hands with warm water and soap. If soap and water are unavailable, you can use hand sanitizer. The purpose is to prevent germs from your hands from spreading to the open wound on your tongue, which could lead to an infection.

• Antibiotic-resistant viruses can also cause infections if they come into contact with the bleeding wound.

Apply pressure. When you bite your tongue, you may initially experience bleeding since the tongue has many blood vessels. Applying pressure to the injured area helps slow the bleeding and aids clotting. It's crucial to act immediately after the injury occurs.

• If the tip of your tongue is injured, press it against the roof of your mouth and hold for 5 seconds at a time. You can also press your tongue against the inside of your cheek.
• If you can reach the wound, apply an ice cube directly to the bitten area. You can also use your jaw to hold the ice in place if the pain isn't too intense. Move the ice around until it melts. Alternatively, you can place clean cloth or gauze on the injured area and apply gentle pressure.

Check the wound. Open your mouth wide and use a mirror to inspect your tongue. If the bleeding has stopped and the wound appears shallow, you can continue treatment at home. If the bleeding continues and the cut seems deep, you should contact your dentist to determine whether stitches are needed.

• If there is severe bleeding, call emergency services.

Check for other injuries. Biting your tongue often happens due to trauma during sports or accidents. It's important to examine the rest of your mouth for any damaged or loose teeth, or bleeding gums caused by a broken tooth. Move your jaw up and down to check for pain. If you notice any of these issues, you should contact your doctor or dentist immediately.

Apply cold compress. Your tongue will swell immediately after the injury, making it more prone to further biting. Apply something cold, such as an ice cube wrapped in a clean cloth, to the wound. Hold it in place for 1 minute until you feel numbness, then remove it. You can repeat this process multiple times over the next few days.

• If the injured person is a child, they may prefer a frozen fruit bar to numb the injury.

Take pain relievers. Choose an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as Advil, that you tolerate well, and take it according to the recommended dosage as soon as possible. The medication can help reduce swelling and alleviate the pain that often follows an injury.

Rinse with mouthwash. If you have mouthwash available, use it immediately. This helps clean the wound and prevent infection, especially if you bit your tongue while eating. Spit it out and rinse again if you notice any bleeding.

Prepare a saltwater mouth rinse. Take 250 ml of tap water, add 1 teaspoon (5 g) of salt, and stir until dissolved. Rinse for 15-20 seconds, and do this 3 times a day until healed. It’s especially effective if you rinse right after meals.

• Salt kills harmful bacteria in the mouth. Saltwater helps cleanse the wound and reduce the risk of infection. It also has healing properties that aid in faster recovery.

Rinse with hydrogen peroxide and water. Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. Swish this solution in your mouth for 15-20 seconds and spit it out. Be careful not to swallow. You can do this up to 4 times a day.

• Hydrogen peroxide is a strong disinfectant that inhibits bacterial activity in the wound. It also acts as a cleanser by removing debris from the cut and supplying oxygen to cells, which helps with blood clotting.
• Hydrogen peroxide also comes in gel form, which can be applied directly to the wound using a cotton ball.

Rinse with antacid/antihistamine solution. Mix a portion of diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl antihistamine solution) with an equal portion of antacid (like milk of magnesia). Swish this mixture for one minute and spit it out. You can do this once or twice a day.

• Antacids regulate the acid levels in the mouth, speeding up the healing process. Antihistamines reduce inflammation. When combined, these ingredients create what some call a 'miracle mouthwash.'
• If you don’t like rinsing with this mixture, you can make it thicker and apply it as a paste.

Use traditional mouthwash. Benzydamine hydrochloride, chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12%, or standard mouthwash are also excellent options. Follow the recommended dosage and rinse for 15-30 seconds, then spit it out. Rinsing after meals helps remove food particles from the wound and promotes faster healing by preventing infection.

Continue using ice packs or cold compresses. Place a few ice cubes into a plastic bag and apply it to your tongue until the pain subsides. You can also wrap the ice pack in a damp cloth for added comfort. Sucking on an ice pop or drinking cold water can also alleviate pain, but be sure to avoid acidic beverages.

• This action will help control bleeding if the wound reopens and reduce pain throughout the healing process.

Apply aloe vera. You can purchase aloe vera gel at the pharmacy, or you can cut a leaf of aloe vera and extract the gel to apply directly to the wound, up to three times a day. For best results, apply it after rinsing and at night before going to bed.

• Aloe vera is a herbal remedy known to improve blood circulation. It also has antibacterial properties. However, be careful not to ingest aloe vera directly.
• You can also place aloe vera gel on sterile gauze and apply it to the wound for longer-lasting effects, as it helps prevent saliva from dissolving the gel.

Use oral gel. Purchase a numbing and antiseptic gel from pharmacies. For example, Orajel comes in a convenient tube for easy application. Simply squeeze a small amount of gel onto a clean cotton swab and apply it to the wound. Repeat this process 2-4 times a day until healed.

Try using oral cream. This cream works similarly to mouth gel. Take a small amount of the cream on a cotton swab and apply it to the wound. Repeat this treatment up to 4 times a day until healed. Alternatively, you can apply it directly with your finger to the wound.

Use baking soda. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with water until it forms a smooth paste. Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to the wound. Baking soda helps reduce acid secretion and bacteria, as well as alleviate swelling, inflammation, and pain.

Consume honey. Take one teaspoon of honey and lick it off the spoon or apply it directly to the wound. Repeat this process twice a day. Honey will coat the mucous membrane in the mouth and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria. For better results, you can mix turmeric with honey. Turmeric has antibacterial properties and helps speed up the healing process when combined with propolis.

Apply milk of magnesia to the wound. Dip a cotton swab into a bottle of milk of magnesia and apply it to the wound. You can do this 3 to 4 times a day. This treatment is even more effective if applied after rinsing. Milk of magnesia is an active antacid that helps create a favorable environment for beneficial bacteria.

Visit the dentist. You should visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular dental care. If you need additional attention due to issues related to biting, you may need to visit more frequently. Some people are at higher risk for oral injuries, such as those with sharp teeth or multiple cavities, which can cause teeth to crack and leave sharp edges. The dentist will recommend treatment solutions.

• For instance, if your teeth are misaligned, you may find yourself frequently biting your tongue. Your dentist and oral surgeon will provide preventive solutions.

Check the fit of your teeth and gums. Ensure your teeth are properly aligned with your gums and that they aren't too loose. Sharp-edged teeth are also problematic. If you're experiencing injuries from biting, you should see a dentist to confirm your bite is properly aligned.

Avoid irritation from dental devices. If you're wearing any dental appliances, ensure they fit securely in your mouth without moving excessively. Ask your oral surgeon about how much movement is acceptable. This will help you make adjustments and avoid biting your tongue.

Wear protective gear. If you participate in sports that pose a risk to your teeth, you should wear mouthguards and/or helmets. These devices will help stabilize your jaw in the event of an impact, reducing the likelihood of biting your tongue or sustaining other injuries.

Follow safety precautions for epilepsy. If you have epilepsy, you should provide instructions to those around you. Placing an object in your mouth during a seizure can be more harmful than helpful, potentially causing bite injuries. Instead, they should call for emergency help and roll you onto your side until medical assistance arrives.

• Contact your dentist or doctor if the pain doesn't subside or if there's no improvement after a week, if the wound worsens and emits a foul odor, or if you develop a fever.
• Maintain oral hygiene. Continue brushing your teeth three times a day with a soft-bristled brush, being careful not to disturb the wound.

• Chew food slowly, avoid alcohol, and refrain from using tobacco products (such as smoking or chewing) as they can irritate the wound and delay healing.
• Steer clear of spicy foods, overly seasoned meals, and acidic drinks, as they may aggravate the wound and cause discomfort.