The tongue is usually injured as a result of being bitten accidentally. Because the tongue and mouth usually have a large blood supply from the body, bleeding in these areas can be profuse. However, most tongue injuries can be treated with simple first aid. Many tongue sores heal completely without problems. Learn what you need to pay attention to and how to treat minor tongue sores.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Performing First Aid
Step 1. Calm the injured person
Tongue and mouth injuries usually occur in children, who need to be soothed. Tongue injuries are usually very painful and frightening; calm anyone who is injured. You will also find it easier to do first aid for the person's tongue.
Step 2. Clean and protect your hands
Before touching or helping anyone with a tongue injury, wash your hands to prevent infection. Also wear medical gloves because exposure to blood can transmit disease.
Step 3. Help the injured person sit up
Sit the injured person up straight, then bend the body and head forward. Thus, the blood will flow out of the mouth and not be swallowed. Do not swallow blood as it may cause vomiting. Sit the person with the head bent forward so that the blood is not swallowed.
Step 4. Pay attention to the wound
Tongue wounds will indeed bleed a lot. However, you need to pay close attention to the depth and size of the wound. If the tongue sore is superficial, you can do home remedies.
- However, if it is deep or more than 1 cm, you should seek medical attention immediately.
- If your tongue is injured by something punctured, take it to a doctor immediately.
- If you notice that there is a foreign object stuck in the wound, take it to the doctor immediately.
Step 5. Apply pressure
Use gauze or a clean cloth to apply pressure to the wound area for about 15 minutes. Thus, the bleeding will stop. If blood is seeping through the cloth, add the cloth, without removing the first one you put on.
Step 6. Prepare the ice
Wrap the ice cubes in a clean, thin cloth. Then, apply the ice pack to the injured area. These ice packs help reduce bleeding and pain.
- Apply the ice pack to the wound for no more than 3 minutes per application.
- You can do this ten times a day.
- Injured people may also crush ice cubes or hold ice cubes in their mouth.
- To make it more appealing to children, you can also use sweet frozen ice.
- This ice treatment should only be performed on the first day of injury.
- Make sure your hands and the cloth you use are clean.
Step 7. Gargle
One day after the injury, gargle with a mixture of warm salt water. This can be done up to six times per day.
This way, your wound stays clean
Step 8. Continue dental care as usual
If the tooth is not injured, you can continue with your usual dental care, for example by brushing your teeth. Make sure you don't hurt your teeth before brushing or flossing.
- Do not rub or rub floss on damaged teeth.
- If you are also experiencing tooth decay, consult a dentist as soon as possible.
Step 9. Pay attention to the wound
As long as the wound is healing, you need to pay attention to the process. Watch for signs that the wound is not healing properly or that other problems have arisen. Seek medical help if you experience:
- blood flow does not stop after 10 minutes;
- fever;
- very painful wound;
- out pus.
Step 10. Change your diet
Most likely, your tongue will feel stiff and sensitive. For a few days after your tongue injury, you should change the food you eat. Thus, you reduce pain and prevent further tongue injury.
- Avoid hard foods and eat soft foods.
- Also avoid foods that are too hot or cold.
Step 11. Wait for the wound to heal completely
Most tongue sores will heal on their own. After first aid and treatment, the next step is to wait for your wound to heal completely. How long, will depend on the size/severity of the wound.
Method 2 of 2: Treating Wounds That Require Stitches
Step 1. Describe the process
Usually, the ones affected by mouth injuries are children, especially when playing. They may feel curious or anxious before seeing a doctor for tongue stitches. Explain to them what will happen and why the stitches are needed. Reassure them that stitches are a good thing and important for healing.
Step 2. Take the given antibiotics
If you are given antibiotics to fight an infection, you will need to take them as given. You need take all the antibiotics even if you feel better or feel that your infection is over.
Step 3. Pay attention to food
Your tongue will feel sensitive and certain foods or drinks will make your injury worse. If you experience pain or discomfort while chewing certain foods, stop eating them until your tongue heals completely.
- Avoid hot food or drinks while your mouth is still stiff after receiving stitches.
- Avoid foods that are hard or need to be chewed for a long time.
- Your doctor may give you additional instructions.
Step 4. Don't play with the stitches
Even though your stitches may feel uncomfortable, avoid playing with your stitches (pulling/biting). Doing so will only weaken your stitches and even loosen them.
Step 5. Watch your healing process
As your wound begins to heal, pay close attention to the process to make sure that everything goes smoothly. Pay attention to your stitches and the wound itself; consult a doctor if you encounter problems such as:
- your seams are loose or loose;
- the blood leaks again, and does not stop after being put under pressure;
- increased swelling or pain;
- fever;
- breathing problems.
Tips
- While in the healing stage, eat refined foods.
- Watch the wound as it begins to heal to see if there are signs of infection or healing problems.
