Was your tongue accidentally bitten or injured by something sharp such as crushed ice or a broken tooth? Sores on the tongue are common. Although uncomfortable, it will usually go away on its own after a few days. Even in severe cases, the wound will heal if it gets medical attention, is treated, and waited for some time. Generally, you can heal sores on your tongue by controlling the bleeding, speeding up healing at home, and minimizing pain and discomfort.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Controlling Bleeding
Step 1. Wash your hands
Wet hands with warm or cold running water. Then, soap and scrub for 20 seconds. Rinse and dry with a clean towel. Washing hands with soap can prevent infection in the mouth.
Use an antiseptic gel if running water and soap are not available
Step 2. Put on latex gloves
If available, wear latex gloves. You can find gloves like this in first aid kits. Gloves can prevent infection in sores on the tongue.
If gloves are not available, make sure your hands are thoroughly washed before touching the inside of your mouth
Step 3. Clean the mouth
Gargle with warm water for a few seconds. Focus gargle on the tongue. Gargling can clean the wound and remove the remnants of particles on the tongue.
Do not pick up anything stuck to the wound, such as fish bones or broken glass. Instead, stop gargling, cover the wound with gauze, and seek medical attention
Step 4. Apply light pressure with a clean bandage
Take sterile gauze or a clean towel, then gently press the wound. Do not remove the bandage until the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding doesn't stop, apply a new gauze or towel to the wound until it stops, or seek medical attention.
Do not throw away used bandages or gauze if you are planning to see a doctor. Put it in a plastic bag and take it to the clinic. By looking at it, the doctor can tell how much blood has come out
Step 5. Apply ice cubes to the wound
Wrap ice cubes in cloth. Apply it to the wound and hold it for a few seconds. Ice can constrict blood vessels and stop bleeding. Ice cubes also reduce pain or discomfort.
Remove the ice cube if it is too painful or too cold. This is to prevent a burning sensation in the wound
Step 6. Seek emergency medical help if necessary
You should see a doctor if the tongue does not heal on its own, but if the wound is very severe or you are in shock, seek emergency medical attention immediately. You can also cover your body if you are in shock. If a sore on the tongue is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, go to the ER as soon as possible:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Sores along the edge of the tongue
- Wounds open
- Shock
- Particles in the wound
- Pale, cold, or clammy skin
- Shortness of breath or fast
Part 2 of 3: Speeding Up Healing
Step 1. Gargle with an alcohol-free mouthwash
Use an alcohol-free mouthwash, such as a children's mouthwash, twice daily. Concentrate gargle on the tongue. Mouthwash can kill bacteria, prevent infection, and speed healing.
Avoid mouthwash with alcohol. Mouthwashes that contain alcohol can cause pain and discomfort on the tongue
Step 2. Gargle with salt water
Salt is a natural antiseptic that can kill bacteria. Mix 1 tsp. salt with warm water, then use to gargle twice a day. Salt water can speed healing and reduce discomfort on the tongue.
Use a medical saline solution if you prefer that option to regular salt water
Step 3. Apply aloe vera gel
Rub the wound and the area around it with a thin layer of aloe vera gel. Aloe vera can relieve pain and discomfort, as well as speed up wound healing.
Step 4. Eat foods high in vitamin C
Soft foods that contain vitamin C can accelerate the healing of sores on the tongue. Eat the following fruits so that the wound heals faster without additional discomfort:
- Mango
- Wine
- Blueberries
Part 3 of 3: Minimizing Tongue Pain
Step 1. Eat soft foods
During the healing process, choose soft foods. Soft foods can minimize pain and speed up the healing process. In the meantime, you can try baby food, puree food in a blender, or choose foods that are soft. Some examples of soft foods that you can try are:
- Egg
- Ground beef or tender cuts of meat
- Smooth peanut butter
- Canned or cooked fruit
- Steamed or boiled vegetables
- Rice
- Pasta
Step 2. Avoid irritating foods and drinks
Salty, spicy, and dry foods can make the pain worse. Drinks containing alcohol and caffeine also add to the discomfort. Stay away from these foods and drinks so that the wound heals faster and the pain is reduced.
Step 3. Drink lots of water
Dry mouth can make the pain or discomfort on the tongue worse. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day will minimize pain and speed healing. Liquids can also prevent bad breath.
Drink warm water with a few drops of lemon or lime if you think it tastes better
Step 4. Take pain medication
Due to the wound, your tongue may be swollen and uncomfortable. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can relieve pain and reduce swelling. Follow the dosage recommended by your doctor or on the medicine package.
