Tongue trauma most often occurs when a person accidentally bites down on it with their teeth. The tongue is an organ with an abundant blood supply, so trauma to the tongue can lead to severe bleeding. However, it is not difficult to stop bleeding if you know how to do it correctly. Trauma wounds often heal on their own. After reading this article, you will learn how to treat minor injuries to the tongue, as well as how to stop the bleeding from the tongue.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: First Aid
Step 1. Calm down the trauma person
It is very common for children to have these kinds of injuries, so you need to reassure your child if this happens to him. As a rule, a tongue injury causes painful sensations and experiences in the person with whom it happened. So try to calm him down first. Calm yourself down and help your loved one relax. This is the key to a quick recovery.
Step 2. Wash your hands
You should disinfect your hands before touching the wound to reduce the risk of infection. You can also wear medical gloves when treating your loved one to prevent infection.
Step 3. Sit down the victim
If you (or your loved one) is bleeding, sit up straight and tilt your head forward so the blood will flow out of your mouth rather than down into your stomach. Otherwise, the blood you swallow may cause vomiting. To prevent this from happening, sit down and tilt your head forward.
Step 4. Examine the injury
If you've injured your tongue, you are more likely to bleed, but pay attention to the depth and size of the wound. If the wound is shallow, you can treat it at home.
- If the wound is deep or more than one centimeter long, consult your doctor.
- If you have something pierced your tongue, you will most likely need medical attention.
- If there is a foreign object in the wound, be sure to see a doctor.
Step 5. Apply pressure to the injured area
Use gauze or a clean towel to apply pressure to the injured area of the tongue. Do this for fifteen minutes. This will reduce blood flow. If you notice that the towel or gauze is soaked in blood, attach an extra piece of gauze without removing the old one.
Step 6. Apply ice to the injured area
Wrap the ice cube in a clean, thin cloth. This will reduce pain and swelling and stop bleeding.
- Apply ice to the wound for three minutes at a time (no longer).
- You can repeat the procedure up to ten times a day.
- You can also just suck on an ice cube or hold it in your mouth.
- You can use popsicles on a stick instead of ice.
- Apply ice only on the first day of injury.
- Keep your hands and fabric clean.
Step 7. Rinse your mouth
The day after your injury, rinse your mouth with warm saline. Repeat the procedure six times a day.
This will keep the wound clean
Step 8. Take care of your teeth as you normally would
If your teeth have not been injured, perform hygiene procedures such as brushing your teeth as you normally would. However, you must be completely sure that there are no dental injuries. Only then can you use dental floss and a toothbrush.
- Don't use a toothbrush or floss if your teeth have been damaged too.
- If your teeth have been injured, be sure to consult your dentist.
Step 9. Monitor the condition of the injured area
As the healing progresses, monitor the condition of the damaged area. Pay attention to any symptoms that might indicate something is wrong. Be sure to consult your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- If the bleeding has not stopped after 10 minutes.
- If you have a fever.
- If the wound causes severe pain.
- If you notice pus at the site of the injury.
Step 10. Change your diet
Chances are, if there is a wound on your tongue, you will experience discomfort and soreness. Therefore, you will have to give up some foods in the first few days after the injury. This will help reduce discomfort and prevent further injury to the tongue.
- Eliminate solid foods from your diet. Prefer soft foods.
- Try to avoid foods that are too hot or too cold.
Step 11. Wait for the wound to heal
In most cases, wounds heal on their own. After you've done all of the above, you can calm down and just wait for the wound to heal completely. The healing time depends on the severity of the injury.
Method 2 of 2: Treating Injury If Stitches Have Been Applied
Step 1. Explain to your child why stitches are needed
It is very common for children to get injured while playing. Perhaps the child is very worried if he knows that he will be stitched. Explain to your child why this is necessary and how it will be done. Tell your child that it is very important to do this if he wants to feel good.
Step 2. Take the prescribed antibiotics
If you have been prescribed antibiotics to treat an infection, take them as directed by your doctor. It is very important to continue treatment until the prescribed course is complete, even if you think the infection has already passed.
Step 3. Pay attention to what you eat
Your tongue will be very sensitive after injury, so certain foods can make unpleasant symptoms worse. If you notice that you have a reaction to certain foods in the form of pain, then exclude them from your diet for a while.
- Avoid hot or cold food if the tongue is numb after anesthesia.
- Eliminate solid foods or those that need to be chewed from your diet.
- Your doctor will give you the advice you need regarding your diet.
Step 4. Do not touch the seams on the tongue
Although you may experience severe discomfort, do not pull or try to remove the stitches. This can weaken them or even cause them to fall out.
Step 5. Monitor the condition of the injury
Pay attention to improvements. Watch out for the wound and the stitches that have been placed on it. Be sure to see your doctor if you notice the following:
- The stitches are loose or fell out.
- Bleeding that continues or recurs even after you put pressure on the wound.
- Swelling or pain
- Heat
- Breathing problems.
Advice
- Eat only soft foods while the wound heals.
- Watch for signs of wound infection or other problems with wound healing.