It is not uncommon for people to accidentally bite their tongue while eating, talking, or doing other things. A small bite can heal in one day, while a more severe bite can heal within a week. To speed up the healing process, you should immediately assess the wound and apply a cold compress. You should then rinse your mouth daily to relieve pain and prevent infection. Consult your doctor or orthodontist for repeated tongue bite wounds.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Providing Immediate First Aid
Step 1. Wash your hands
Before touching the inside of your mouth, take a minute and wash your hands in warm, soapy water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer. It is necessary to prevent germs from getting on the open wound of the tongue from the hands, which can lead to infection.
Persistent viruses can also cause infection if they enter a bleeding wound
Step 2. Apply pressure
The bitten tongue is more likely to bleed because it contains a large number of blood vessels. The pressure on the affected area will slow down the bleeding and help the blood clot faster. This must be done immediately after receiving a wound.
- If the tip of the tongue is damaged, press it against the upper palate for 5 seconds. You can also press your tongue against the inside of your cheek.
- If you can reach the wound, take a piece of ice and apply it to the bitten area. You can even place an ice cube on the palate and press it down with your tongue, if it doesn't cause severe pain. Move the piece of ice until it melts. When doing this, you can also apply a clean cloth or medical bandage to the damaged area and lightly press on them.
Step 3. Examine the wound
Open your mouth wide and use a mirror to examine your tongue. If the bleeding has stopped and the wound seems shallow, you can continue with home treatment. If the bleeding continues or worsens and the wound looks deep, call your dentist to see if a suture is required.
You may also need urgent help if you have heavy bleeding. In this case, call the emergency room
Step 4. Check for other damage
Tongue bite is often the result of a sports injury or a fall. Feel the entire mouth and check that all teeth are in place and that they are not damaged, and if the gums are not bleeding, which happens when a tooth decays. Move your lower jaw up and down to see if you are experiencing additional pain. If you have any of these injuries, contact your doctor or dentist.
Step 5. Apply a cold compress
Immediately after injury, your tongue will begin to swell. This can lead to re-bite of the tongue. Apply something cold to the damaged area, such as a piece of ice wrapped in a clean cloth. Hold the compress for one minute until you feel numb, then remove it. Repeat. You may need to repeat this procedure over the next few days.
If a child is injured, a frozen fruit bar can be applied to the wound
Step 6. Take a pain reliever
Choose an anti-inflammatory drug that you tolerate well, such as Advil, and take the recommended dose as soon as possible. This will help reduce swelling as well as relieve pain that is likely to occur soon after injury.
Step 7. Use a mouthwash
If you have a mouthwash on hand, rinse your mouth with it lightly. This will cleanse the wound and prevent infection. This is especially important if you bite your tongue while eating. Spit out the liquid, and if there is blood in it, rinse your mouth again.
Method 2 of 4: Cleaning and rinsing the wound
Step 1. Prepare a saline rinse solution
Take 1 cup (250 ml) warm tap water. Add 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt and stir the water with a spoon. Swish this solution into your mouth for 15-20 seconds, then spit it out. You can do this up to three times a day until the wound heals. This method is especially effective immediately after a meal.
Salt kills harmful bacteria in the mouth. This will cleanse the wound and reduce the chance of infection. In addition, salt has medicinal properties, making the wound heal faster
Step 2. Rinse your mouth with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water
Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide (3%) and water in a glass. Swish this mixture into your mouth for 15-20 seconds, then spit it out. Be careful not to swallow the solution. This procedure can be repeated up to four times a day.
- Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antiseptic and helps limit the growth of bacteria in the mouth. In addition, it has a cleansing effect and removes dirt from the wound, and also delivers a constant amount of oxygen to the cells, which helps to stop bleeding.
- Hydrogen peroxide is also available in gel form that can be applied to a wound with a clean cotton swab.
Step 3. Rinse your mouth with an antacid / antihistamine
Take one part of diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl antiallergic fluid, and one part of an antacid, such as milk of magnesia, and mix them together. Rinse your mouth with this solution for a minute, then spit it out. You can do this 1-2 times a day.
- Antacids lower the acid level in the mouth, which helps the wound heal. Antihistamines reduce inflammation. When combined, these products form a liquid that is sometimes referred to as a “magic mouthwash”.
- If you are not comfortable with rinsing your mouth with liquid, you can make a thicker mixture in the form of a paste and apply it to the wound.
Step 4. Use a regular mouthwash
Benzydamine hydrochloride, 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate solution, or a standard mouthwash will work. Take the recommended dose in your mouth and rinse for 15 to 30 seconds, then spit out the liquid. Do this after eating. This procedure will help clear food particles from the wound and speed up healing by preventing infection.
Method 3 of 4: Treating and Relieving Pain
Step 1. Continue applying cold compresses
Place a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and apply it to your tongue until the pain subsides. You can also wrap the bag in a damp thin towel for added comfort. Suck on popsicles or cold drinks, but don't eat anything acidic.
This will stop bleeding if the wound reopens, and will also reduce pain during the healing process
Step 2. Apply aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is available over the counter. You can also cut open an aloe vera leaf and squeeze some pulp out of it. Apply this pulp to the wound up to 3 times a day. This is best done after rinsing your mouth and before bed.
- Aloe Vera is a natural herbal remedy that has been shown to improve circulation. In addition, aloe vera kills some types of harmful bacteria. Be careful not to swallow the gel.
- You can also place the gel on a piece of sterile bandage and apply it to the wound. This will prolong the effect of the gel, as it will not dissolve with saliva.
Step 3. Apply the oral gel
Get an anesthetic and antiseptic gel from your nearest pharmacy. For example, it is convenient to use Orajel, which is sold in small tubes. Simply squeeze a drop of gel onto a clean cotton swab and apply it to the affected area. Repeat the procedure 2-4 times a day until the wound has healed.
Step 4. Try dental adhesive paste
This paste acts like an oral gel. Apply a drop of the paste to a clean cotton swab and lubricate the damaged area with it. Repeat the procedure up to 4 times a day until the wound has healed. You can also apply the paste directly with your finger.
Step 5. Use baking soda
Dilute a teaspoon of baking soda with water until a smooth paste forms. Dip a cotton swab into this paste and apply it to the damaged area. Baking soda reduces acidity and bacteria. It helps reduce swelling and pain from inflammation.
Step 6. Consume honey
Put honey in a teaspoon and lick it or drip honey on the bitten place. Repeat the procedure twice a day. Honey coats the mucous membrane of the mouth and prevents harmful bacteria from growing. Better yet, add a pinch of turmeric to the honey. Turmeric has antibacterial properties and helps fight bacteria, which, when combined with bee propolis, promotes faster wound healing.
Step 7. Apply milk of magnesia to the wound
Dip a cotton swab into a bottle of milk of magnesia and apply it to the affected area. This can be done 3-4 times a day. This method is most effective after rinsing your mouth. Magnesia milk is an active antacid and makes the oral environment more suitable for beneficial bacteria.
Method 4 of 4: Precautions
Step 1. See your dentist
You should visit your dentist for routine check-ups at least twice a year. Visit your dentist more often if you have bite problems. Some people are at increased risk of oral damage. These are those with sharp teeth, or multiple caries, which increases the likelihood of tooth decay with sharp edges. In such cases, the dentist will be able to suggest possible solutions to the problem.
For example, if you have uneven teeth, you may bite your tongue repeatedly. A dentist or orthodontist can help you with this problem
Step 2. Check your dentures
Make sure the dentures fit snugly against the gums and do not move too much. Dentures should not have sharp edges. For chronic bites, visit your dentist to check if these dentures are right for you.
Step 3. Avoid irritation from orthodontic appliances
If you wear orthodontic appliances, make sure they fit well and don't wiggle too much. Ask your orthodontist about the acceptable range of motion. This will help to make the necessary correction and avoid tongue bite in the future. You can also place a small ball of wax on sharp braces that can cut your tongue.
Step 4. Put on protective devices
Wear a mouth guard and / or helmet if you are involved in sports in which there is a risk of injury to your mouth. These attachments will protect your lower jaw in the event of an impact and reduce the risk of tongue bite and other injuries.
Step 5. Take care of your epilepsy safety
If you have epilepsy, tell others in detail how to deal with a seizure. Placing an object in your mouth during a seizure can do more harm than good, including biting. Instead, others should call an ambulance and roll you onto your side before it arrives.
Advice
- If, even after a week, the pain does not decrease or there is no improvement, or the wound is enlarged and smells bad, or you develop a fever, contact your doctor or dentist immediately.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Continue brushing your teeth 3 times a day with a soft bristled brush. Be careful not to irritate the damaged area.
Warnings
- Chew food slowly and refrain from alcohol and tobacco (both smoking and chewing) - they irritate and slow down the healing process.
- Avoid foods that are too hot and / or spicy, and acidic drinks can irritate the damaged area and cause discomfort.