Did you know that your tongue is one of the strongest muscles in the body? It’s highly vascular and plays an essential role in eating, digesting and communicating. Biting your tongue, then, can be a more serious injury than you might expect. It can happen when playing sports, if you accidentally trip or take a tumble on your bike, or even while eating too fast. When it happens, a tongue injury can result in pain, bleeding and a potential infection. It’s important to address this issue right away and we’ve got everything you need to know to help relieve that painful bite.

Wash your hands right away. Before inspecting the injury with your hands, make sure you won’t be transferring bacteria into the open wound. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water will prevent you from inadvertently causing an infection down the line.

Focus on stopping the bleeding. Because your tongue is so vascular, it may start bleeding as soon you bite it. Try pressing the wounded part of the tongue against the side or roof of your mouth for five-second intervals. This pressure will help stop the bleeding. If you can reach the bleeding with your hands, press ice, a clean cloth or gauze against the injury.

Examine the bite to determine its severity. If you’re experiencing intense bleeding that doesn’t seem to be stopping, seek medical attention. If the bleeding increases or you have a particularly deep cut, head to your dentist. TenderCare Dental in Tigard offers emergency exams for these types of situations.

Limit the swelling. As soon as the bleeding stops, apply an ice pack to the tongue to minimize the swelling. Consider reapplying the ice pack consistently over the next few days as needed. Pain and swelling can also be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

Rinse to help recovery. One way to help speed up the healing process is to swish with a antibacterial mouthwash or a solution that’s approximately one part warm water and a teaspoon table salt.

Consider a mouth guard to prevent future incidents. If you frequently bite your tongue while playing sports or in your sleep, consider wearing a mouth guard. Find one that will conform to your teeth to ensure the best protection. Your dentist can recommend several appropriate options.

Remember: dental checkups and cleanings aren’t just important when you’re having an issue. Regular brushing and flossing should be supplemented with a trip to the dentist. This can help mitigate any potential problems before they start. Not sure where to start? Your dentist is the best person to deliver the latest and best information about your specific needs, as well as determine what procedures to schedule right away. Whether you’re suffering from a painful tongue injury or looking for tips on how to prevent it in the future, the dental professionals at Tigard TenderCare Dental are here to help!