Watch Our Welcome Video It’s a relatively common occurrence to accidentally bite your tongue when you’re eating food or chewing gum. Even if it leaves a minor welt, it’s rarely a cause for concern. Unfortunately, there are some rare occasions when a blow to the face or other accident causes a more serious injury. In a situation like this, your dentist, Dr. Amir Nikraz, recommends these basic tips to provide first aid for an injured tongue.
The first step is to rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm saltwater. This will help wash away any blood or debris in your mouth and give you a better look at the situation. The salt water can also help soothe injured tissues.
If your tongue is bleeding profusely, or if you’ve bitten through it, you likely need to seek professional treatment at the emergency room or urgent care clinic.
Wrapping your tongue in a few layers of sterile gauze and applying light pressure can help control the bleeding. If you can’t easily hold the gauze with your fingers, you could try pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Try not to swallow too much blood as this can lead to stomach upset.
For further insights on how to provide first aid for an injured tongue in San Clemente, California, you can always call Artistic Dentistry at 949-366-1177 to seek professional advice.