Your tongue is one of the most sensitive parts of your body and has a magnifying effect that helps you spot unwanted things like hair in your food.
Yet this sensitivity can make even the smallest cuts feel surprisingly uncomfortable every time you talk, taste, chew, swallow, or even breathe. And cuts (deeper wounds) can be really scary. If you have a tongue tear, read on to learn how to apply first aid to your tongue.
What Are Common Causes of Tongue Tear?
.Deep cuts to the tongue are often the result of some external blunt force facial trauma that occurs during a car accident, fall, or sports injury.
.Epileptic seizures
.Oral trauma during intubation
.Self harm
.Injuries occurring during electroconvulsive therapy
.Some oral trauma from e-cigarette explosions
How to Apply First Aid for Tongue Tears?
.If you have a tear in your tongue, here are some first aid tips that will help you until you reach your doctor;
.Start by applying pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or gauze. Bleeding should stop after 15 minutes of steady pressure.
.Spit out excess blood accumulated in your mouth. Absolutely do not swallow.
.If the wound is not bleeding, flush with clean water.
.If you feel cold or clammy skin, shallow breathing, or a weak pulse, you may be experiencing shock from your injury. Get medical help immediately.
When Does Tongue Need Stitches?
.If you have a deep cut on your tongue, seek medical attention immediately. You probably need stitches to allow your tongue to heal properly. If you’re not sure if your wound is deep enough to require emergency care, here are some guidelines;
.If the tear is greater than ½ inch
.If the wound is open
.If the bleeding does not stop
.If the edges of the wound are rough
.If your ability to swallow or breathe is affected
.If a dirty or rusty object caused the tear
.If you have two wounds crossing each other
.If there is a tear caused by an animal bite
.If your tongue shows signs of infection
You should visit your doctor immediately.
What Should You Expect From Tongue Tear Treatment?
When you visit your doctor, he or she will evaluate and clean your wound. If there is a foreign object such as a piece of tooth, dirt or metal in your wound, they will remove it. Your wound will be sutured, either by giving you a local anesthetic or by sedation. If you have a weak immune system, you may be given antibiotics after the procedure to prevent infection.
After your medical professional has treated your tongue injury, watch for any swelling or excessive bleeding. Stitches on the tongue can tear. Contact your doctor if you notice any abnormal bleeding, swelling or discharge after your procedure.
After Tongue Tear Care
Most tongue stitches will dissolve, fall off, or reabsorb on their own, so it’s probably not necessary to see your doctor so they can have them removed. Your doctor may recommend that you eat soft foods for a few days to ensure you don’t reopen the wound and may even prescribe an antiseptic mouthwash. If you are concerned about how your tongue is healing, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist.
Otherwise, continue to practice good oral hygiene as you always do. Brush at least twice a day and don’t brush your tongue until it’s healed. Instead, use mouthwash to keep your tongue free of bacteria. Be sure to visit your dentist for regular appointments, not only to check the health of your teeth and gums, but also to see how your tongue is healing. Tongue sores may seem traumatic, but with the help of your doctor, they will soon recover.