A tongue injury is typically the result of an accidental bite. Since it is an organ of the body that is heavily supplied with blood, just like the rest of the oral cavity, its injury causes abundant bleeding. Fortunately, most of these wounds are easily treatable with some first aid practice and typically heal without problems and complications. Keep reading this tutorial to learn how to heal minor tongue injuries.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: First Aid
Step 1. Calm the injured person
Mouth and tongue injuries often involve children, who need to be reassured. A cut to the tongue can be very painful and frightening the victim, so it is important for them to relax. If you both stay calm, the treatment will be easier.
Step 2. Wash and protect your hands
Before touching or helping someone who has cut themselves, you should wash your hands to reduce the risk of infection. It is also advisable to wear medical gloves while you work, so as not to infect yourself with possible blood-borne diseases.
Step 3. Help the victim sit up
The upright posture, with the head and mouth tilted forward, allows blood to flow out of the mouth instead of into the throat. If the victim swallows blood, he or she may vomit, so the sitting and reclining position prevents this from happening.
Step 4. Evaluate the cut
A tongue injury typically causes profuse bleeding, so what you need to consider is the depth of the wound itself. If it is superficial damage, you can proceed with home care.
- If the cut is 1-2 cm deep or longer, you should take the victim to the doctor.
- If it is a puncture wound caused by a foreign object, it is best to seek medical attention.
- If you suspect foreign material is stuck in the wound, take the person to the doctor.
Step 5. Apply some pressure
Use gauze or a clean cloth to press on the injury site for about 15 minutes. If you find that blood is emerging from the cloth or gauze, add more fabric without removing the first.
Step 6. Make some ice
Wrap an ice cube in a clean, thin cloth. Place it on the wound to reduce blood flow, numb pain, and avoid edema.
- Hold the ice pack directly over the wound for no more than three minutes at a time.
- You can repeat this treatment up to 10 times a day.
- You can also ask the victim to suck on an ice cube.
- To apply ice in a pleasant way, you can offer a popsicle to the injured person.
- Ice therapy should only be followed on the first day.
- Make sure both your hands and the cloth are clean.
Step 7. Rinse your mouth
If you are the victim, you should rinse with warm saline up to 6 times a day the day after the injury.
This procedure allows you to keep the wound clean
Step 8. Continue with your normal oral hygiene procedures
If you didn't damage your teeth during the accident, you can continue brushing and caring for them as usual. Before brushing and flossing, make sure there are no chips or other dental problems.
- Don't brush a broken tooth or floss near it.
- If you have suffered a tooth injury, go to the dentist as soon as possible.
Step 9. Monitor the injury
As the wound heals, you should observe it to make sure no complications arise and that everything is proceeding normally. Go to the doctor if:
- The bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes.
- Have you got a fever.
- The wound is very painful.
- You notice pus coming out of the wound.
Step 10. Change power
The tongue will most likely be sore and very sensitive. For a few days after the injury, you should vary the foods you usually eat. This way you limit the discomfort and prevent the damage to the tongue from spreading.
- Don't eat too hard foods, choose soft foods.
- Avoid dishes that are too hot or too cold.
Step 11. Wait for the wound to heal
Most tongue cuts heal without any problems. After a first intervention and some general care, all that remains is to wait for the healing to occur. The exact recovery times depend on the severity of the cut.
Method 2 of 2: When Suture is Needed
Step 1. Explain the procedure, if the victim is another person
Very often the victims of mouth injuries are children who get into some accident while playing. The child may be curious or nervous before the sutures are applied. Explain to him what is going to happen and why he needs to undergo the dressing. Reassure him that the stitches are a good thing and will help him get better.
Step 2. Take the antibiotics prescribed for you
If your doctor feels that antibiotics are needed to ward off infection, you should take them exactly as directed. It is essential to complete the entire course of therapy, even if you start to feel better or think the infection has stopped.
Step 3. Check the language
He may be sensitive, and consuming certain foods or drinks may make the wound worse or worse. If you find yourself experiencing discomfort or pain while eating something in particular, stop and change your diet until your tongue is completely healed.
- You shouldn't eat hot foods or drinks if your tongue is still under anesthesia after applying the stitches.
- Don't eat hard or chewy foods.
- Your doctor will give you other advice on nutrition.
Step 4. Don't tease the stitches
While they are quite annoying, avoid pulling or chewing on them. The only result you would get would be to weaken the suture and make it fall out.
Step 5. Check your progress
As the wound heals, you should make sure everything is going well. Monitor the stitches, the injury, and go to the doctor if you notice one or more of the following complications:
- The stitches have come loose or have become loose.
- The bleeding has returned and you can't stop it with just the pressure.
- The pain and swelling increase.
- Have you got a fever.
- You have difficulty breathing.
Advice
- Eat soft foods while the tongue heals.
- As you recover, check the wound for signs of infection or other problems.
