In some cases, when the tongue swells, it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention because it may be an allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock that impairs breathing. On the other hand, if it does not represent an urgent problem, it is possible to deal with it independently, although it is always advisable to consult your doctor. You can take an over-the-counter medication and apply ice to relieve swelling and discomfort. If you have recently had a tongue piercing, be aware that the swelling may last at least 3 or 5 days, followed by progressive improvement. However, by properly medicating and caring for it, you will prevent it from becoming infected and make the situation worse. If you have severe or persistent swelling or if you suspect an infection, see your doctor. If you have trouble breathing, go to the emergency room.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating the Swelling Yourself
Step 1. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory
Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen are able to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Choose one of these two drugs and take it following the instructions in the package insert.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen, as the combination of these substances can damage the liver
Step 2. Apply ice or a cold cloth for 20 minutes
Wrap ice or an ice pack in a clean tea towel and hold it on your tongue for 15-20 minutes. You can also use a washcloth soaked in cold water, chew on ice cubes, or suck on a popsicle.
During the day, apply ice, chew cubes, or consume cold food or drinks until the swelling subsides
Step 3. Take an antihistamine if you suspect a mild allergic reaction
Call emergency services if you have a food allergy that leads to life-threatening complications, have difficulty breathing due to glossitis, or have other severe symptoms. If the swelling is slight or fluctuating, it could be due to a mild allergy. Try taking an over-the-counter antihistamine.
- Always follow the medication's instructions.
- Take into account the foods and drinks you have consumed and ask yourself which ones may have caused the swelling. See if, by avoiding these foods, you are able to improve the condition of the tongue and prevent a flare-up of swelling.
Step 4. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Hard-bristled toothbrushes can irritate your tongue, especially if you accidentally bite it. Don't neglect oral hygiene, so brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Also, if the toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate, it can irritate the tongue. Read on the packaging and, if necessary, change the product
Step 5. Gargle with salt and warm water if you bite your tongue
If the swelling is due to trauma, such as an accidental bite, use salt water to soothe and clean the wound. Mix 1.5 g of kosher or sea salt with 240 ml of warm water. Gargle after meals and before bed.
The iodine in table salt can irritate wounds, so use kosher or sea salt if you bite your tongue
Step 6. Avoid alcohol and hot, spicy or acidic foods
Irritants, such as heat, spicy foods, and alcohol, can make swelling worse. So, stay away from hot coffee and tea, chillies, citrus fruits (even fruit juices), and alcoholic beverages until your tongue gets better.
If you use mouthwash, make sure it doesn't contain alcohol
Step 7. Stop smoking if necessary
Tobacco products can swell the tongue and taste buds. If you are a smoker or use tobacco products, try to limit your consumption or try to quit.
Check with your doctor to find out what remedies can help you fight nicotine addiction
Part 2 of 3: Relieving Swelling After a Tongue Piercing
Step 1. Follow the piercer's instructions
He will most likely provide you with an oral rinse solution or sell it in his shop. He will tell you how to clean the piercing, how often to clean it, and how it relieves pain and swelling. Follow his instructions carefully and ask him for some clarification if in doubt.
Step 2. Please note that the tongue will be swollen for about 5 days
This reaction is normal and inevitable after the trauma caused by the perforation. However, check your tongue often to make sure the situation is improving. In most cases, the swelling lasts 3-5 days, but it may get worse and last longer if the hole is more in the center than towards the tip.
Usually, the piercing heals completely within 2-4 weeks. Redness, swelling, and tenderness are normal reactions during this time
Step 3. Apply ice, chew cubes, and eat ice cream to relieve pain and swelling
Cold weather is the best way to keep swelling and pain from puncturing at bay. Wrap the ice in a cloth and hold it on your tongue for 15-20 minutes. When you are away from home and unable to apply the cold pack, chew a few cubes.
- Sucking on a popsicle, drinking ice water, and eating ice cream can also help. However, do it gently to avoid irritating the piercing.
- In some parts of the body, excessive use of ice can decrease blood circulation and impair healing. However, the tongue is full of blood vessels, so apply it as often as you feel necessary to keep swelling and pain at bay.
Step 4. Take an over-the-counter medication once the bleeding has stopped
Because the tongue is full of blood vessels, it sometimes continues to lose blood once the piercing is done. Ibuprofen and aspirin can facilitate clotting. Take medication to relieve pain and swelling only if it has stopped bleeding.
- Follow the instructions in the package insert. Stop taking it if it starts to bleed again.
- Also, avoid alcohol and limit the consumption of caffeinated drinks. These substances can hinder blood clotting.
Step 5. Wash your hands before and after touching the piercing
Before cleaning the piercing, rub your hands with soap and warm water to avoid infecting the wound. When it's done cleaning, wash it again so you don't pass on germs from your mouth to other people.
Step 6. Gargle after meals and before bed
Use the piercer's mouth rinse solution or purchase an alcohol-free mouthwash. You can also mix 1.5g of kosher or sea salt with 240ml of warm water. Hold the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds. Follow this advice after eating and before bed to prevent an infection from developing.
Use iodine-free salt instead of table salt to avoid irritating the wound. If it stings while gargling with salt water, try decreasing the amount
Step 7. Don't abuse the piercing as it heals
Avoid twisting, moving, or biting the jewelry inserted into the piercing as the wound heals. Only touch it when you need to clean it, otherwise you could worsen the swelling and impair healing.
Step 8. Remove and clean the jewelry every day once the wound has healed
The piercer will likely have you back in the store after 2 or 4 weeks to replace the bar inserted into the tongue. If so, ask him to show you how to remove it so you can clean it daily. Every night, scrub it with a saline solution or boil it for 3 minutes.
- Once the piercing is done, a longer bar is introduced so that it does not compress the swollen tongue. When the swelling subsides, the piercer should replace it with a shorter one to prevent wounds inside the mouth.
- It is likely that the wound has not completely healed, so it is important to replace the long bar. Ask the piercer when you will be able to remove the jewelry for daily cleaning.
- You should also take it off before playing sports to prevent injuries inside the mouth.
Step 9. See your doctor if the piercing becomes infected
Symptoms include pain, burning, throbbing, yellow or green discharge, exacerbation of pain, redness and swelling. If you suspect an infection, see a doctor who has experience in treating infected piercings.
- A serious piercer can direct you to a doctor who is competent in treating these complications. If not, contact your doctor.
- It is normal for the wound to produce whitish, odorless secretions. However, the presence of green or yellowish pus that gives off a bad smell indicates that the piercing is infected.
- Pain, redness, and swelling are also normal, but should improve over time. If these symptoms do not subside within 2 to 4 weeks, there is a risk that the wound is not healing properly.
Part 3 of 3: Treating Severe or Persistent Swelling
Step 1. Seek medical attention if you have difficulty breathing
If the swelling is severe enough to block the airways, it could be dangerous. Call the emergency services or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Sudden severe swelling indicates a severe allergic reaction
Step 2. See your doctor if it lasts longer than 10 days
Usually, the swollen tongue will go away on its own within a few days, especially if you have bitten yourself. If it persists, it could be an infection, a mild allergic reaction, or another medical condition.
- Tell your doctor if your tongue begins to swell, if you have other symptoms, and if you are sensitive to certain allergens, such as foods or medications.
- If you have an infection, he or she may prescribe an antibiotic or an antihistamine if it is an allergic reaction.
Step 3. Consider if you have a nutrient deficiency
Vitamin B deficiency could promote swollen tongue. Tell your doctor about your diet and ask if you need to make any changes. They may prescribe a vitamin supplement or advise you to increase your intake of foods containing B vitamins, such as meat, chicken, fish, and eggs.
Step 4. Learn about thyroid or lymphatic system problems
If your doctor rules out an infection, an allergic reaction, and a nutrient deficiency, they may order blood tests to pinpoint the underlying condition. Although diseases of the thyroid and lymphatic system can lead to swelling of the tongue, they are less common than infections and allergies.
