Did you bite your tongue or do you have a cut caused by something sharp like a piece of ice or a broken tooth? This is a fairly common injury; it is painful, but usually heals on its own in a few days. Even in the case of a very serious injury, it can still heal with due medical attention, treatment and a little patience. Generally, you can take care of it by stopping the bleeding, promoting healing with home remedies, and minimizing pain and discomfort.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Stop the Bleeding
Step 1. Wash your hands
Wet them with hot or cold running water, lathering them thoroughly for at least 20 seconds; when finished, rinse them completely eliminating the foam and dry them with a clean cloth. This way, you prevent the risk of infections.
If you don't have running water and soap, you can use a hand sanitizer
Step 2. Put on a pair of latex gloves
If available, it is important to put them; you can often find them in first aid kits. This reduces the risk of the cut on the tongue becoming infected.
If you don't have access to gloves, make sure your hands are perfectly clean before putting your fingers in your mouth
Step 3. Rinse your mouth
Gargle with warm water for several seconds, focusing mainly on the tongue; in this way, you eliminate the blood present and other possible residues of dirt.
Do not remove any foreign objects stuck in the tear, such as a fish bone or a piece of glass; in this case, stop rinsing immediately, cover the cut with gauze or a plaster and go to the emergency room immediately
Step 4. Apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage
Use a clean gauze or towel and gently place it on the cut. do not remove it until the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding does not subside, keep putting on new gauze or clean cloths until the cut stops bleeding or until you can see a doctor.
Do not throw away the bandages or patches if you plan to see a doctor; keep them in a plastic bag and take them with you to the doctor's office so that the doctor can see how much blood you have lost
Step 5. Place an ice cube on the wound
Wrap it in a cloth and hold it on the lesion for a few seconds; in this way the blood vessels are constricted and the bleeding stops, moreover the pain and discomfort you feel are reduced.
Remove the ice if it is too painful or too cold to avoid chilblains
Step 6. Go to the emergency room if necessary
If the cut does not heal on its own, you need to see a doctor, but - more importantly - you need to seek immediate medical attention if the injury is very serious or you fear you may be in shock. in this case, it would be helpful to wrap yourself in a warm blanket. If you experience any of the following symptoms in conjunction with the injury, you should go to the emergency room:
- Out of control bleeding
- The cut cuts the edge of the tongue;
- The wound is wide open;
- You are in shock;
- There is dirt in the cut;
- The skin is pale, cold or clammy;
- Breathing is rapid or shallow.
Part 2 of 3: Promote Healing
Step 1. Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash
Choose an alcohol-free one, such as one suitable for children, and rinse twice a day focusing mainly on the tongue area. This substance kills bacteria, prevents infections and promotes healing.
Avoid alcohol-based products, as they can cause pain and discomfort
Step 2. Gargle with salt water
Salt is a natural antiseptic that can kill bacteria; mix a teaspoon of salt in hot water and rinse twice a day; in this way, you stimulate the healing process and relieve discomfort.
Alternatively, you can use a medical saline solution if you prefer
Step 3. Dab some aloe vera gel
Apply a thin layer of gel directly to the cut and surrounding skin; by doing so, you quickly soothe the pain or discomfort; aloe also helps to heal the lesion more quickly.
Step 4. Eat foods rich in vitamin C
Soft foods with a high content of this vitamin can promote healing; incorporate the following foods into your diet to speed up the recovery process without increasing pain:
- Mango;
- Grape;
- Blueberries.
Part 3 of 3: Minimizing Tongue Pain
Step 1. Eat soft foods
You should only consume soft foods as the cut heals to reduce pain and aid in the recovery process. You can temporarily opt for baby food, chop the food in a blender or simply choose products with a soft texture. Here are some examples of foods suitable for promoting healing and reducing discomfort:
- Egg;
- Minced meat and tender cuts;
- Creamy nut butter;
- Cooked or canned fruit;
- Steamed or well cooked vegetables
- Rice;
- Pasta.
Step 2. Avoid irritating foods and drinks
Salty, spicy, and dry products can aggravate tongue discomfort, as can alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Stay away from these foods if you want to heal well, quickly and save yourself from unnecessary pain.
Step 3. Drink lots of water
Dryness of the mucous membranes is a factor that increases the discomfort and pain of the tongue; By drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day, you can reduce this discomfort and promote healing, as well as preventing unpleasant bad breath.
Drink warm water with a few drops of lemon or lime if you like it better
Step 4. Take some pain relievers
Cutting can cause discomfort or swelling of the tongue; by taking medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium you can soothe this discomfort and reduce edema. Follow the instructions on the leaflet regarding the dosage.
