Your tongue is a muscular organ that may suffer from bleeding after trauma. This is mainly because of a cut on the tongue after a traumatic incident. Tongue laceration is not that uncommon and is mostly not a reason for concern. However, you should know how to deal with such a situation and when you should ask for help.
Deep Cut on the Tongue – Symptoms
Cuts on the tongue may not be a grave condition, yet they can decrease the quality of life with immense pain, swelling, or even bleeding at the site. A cut present on the tongue must heal properly for symptomatic relief.
Tongue lacerations are an excellent place for accumulating bacteria that may lead to severe infection. If you suffer from fever, have swelling or throbbing pain, and/or white discharge ooze out with either a small or deep cut on the tongue, you most likely have an infection.
Heal That Cut on Your Tongue
The healing process of a cut on the tongue is gradual. Therefore, it is best to start off with first aid treatment. This includes wound cleaning, removing any object that should not be there, cleaning bacteria and debris, and sealing.
Apart from this, a visual examination will take place to look for infection or nerve damage. After this, the best course of treatment will be followed.
If you have a deep laceration, the doctors may use sutures, commonly known as stitches, to close them up. This process does not involve pain since local anesthetics numb the entire area so that there is little to no pain at all.
The doctors may also prescribe antibiotics to either treat any pre-existing infection or to prevent one from happening.
First Aid Treatment
First aid treatment helps the person get prompt relief as well as prevent further complications from taking place.
- Wash your hands with soap and rinse with water.
- Take a big gulp of water and swish it around in your mouth.
- Spit
- Take a gauze piece or a soft cloth and place it on the deep cut.
- If the bleeding is heavy, put pressure on it and try not to swallow the blood.
After the bleeding stops, you can place an ice cube on the affected part of the tongue. You can either wrap it up in fresh cloth or suck in that ice.
You must monitor your tongue for the next few days to look out for any signs of pus, swelling or bleeding that might indicate infection.
Improve the Healing Process of The Cut on Your Tongue
There is not much you can do; however, some practices can help accentuate the healing process:
- Do not move your tongue unnecessarily.
- Use the saltwater solution as a mouth rinse after every meal to wash away food debris and bacteria.
- Minimize swelling by applying a cold compress every day once at least on the site.
- Take pain killers available over the counter for pain relief.
- Modify your diet to cater to the cuts on your tongue; go for soft and easy-to-swallow food items.
- Must steer clear from acidic, extra spicy, and salty foods.
- Do not consume tobacco, its related products, and alcohol.
Conclusion
Usually, a tongue cut heals easily and does not pose a serious health risk. However, in case there is the development of infection, things can take an ugly turn. Get in touch with the dentists from Pasadena Oral Surgery for help. Call at (281) 299-0053 for more info.