Resistant viruses can also cause an infection if they come into contact with a bleeding wound.
If the tip of your tongue is injured, push it up against the roof of your mouth and hold for five second intervals. You can also press your tongue against the interior of your cheek. If you can reach the wound, grab a piece of ice and place it on the bitten area. You can even hold the ice cube using your hard palate and pressing on it with your tongue if it’s not too painful. Move the ice on and off until it melts. You can also place a clean cloth or medical gauze on the area, pressing down a bit as you do so. [3] X Research source
It may also be an emergency if the bleeding is intense. In this case, you should call emergency services.
If a child is the one injured, they may prefer that you use a frozen fruit bar to numb the area. [6] X Research source
The salt helps to kill off bad bacteria in the mouth. This makes the area cleaner and lowers the possibility of infection. [10] X Expert Source Alina Lane, DDSBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020. It also has healing properties that may help the wound to heal faster.
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antiseptic which will help to control bacterial activity in your wound. It will also act as a cleansing agent by removing debris from the cut and delivering a constant quantity of oxygen to the cells, which also helps to stop the bleeding. It also comes in a gel form that you can apply directly to your cut using a clean cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also help whiten your teeth. However, it may cause some tooth sensitivity. [12] X Expert Source Alina Lane, DDSBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
Antacids control the acid levels in the mouth which promotes healing. An antihistamine will lessen the inflammation. Combining these medicines creates what some people refer to as a “miracle mouthwash. ”[13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you don’t feel comfortable swishing the mixture, you can also make the solution a bit thicker and apply it as a paste.
This will stop the bleeding if your cut reopens and it will reduce your pain during the healing process. Be patient—it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks or longer for your tongue to heal, depending on how severely you bit it. During that time, avoid crunchy, spicy, hot, or cold foods that could irritate your tongue. [15] X Expert Source Alina Lane, DDSBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
Aloe vera is a natural plant-based remedy that has been shown to improve blood circulation. It also combats certain types of harmful bacteria. Just be careful not to swallow the gel directly. [17] X Research source You can also apply the gel to a piece of sterile gauze and keep it on the wound. This may provide a longer lasting effect by preventing your saliva from diluting the gel.
For example, if your teeth are not aligned properly, you might find yourself biting your tongue repeatedly. Your dentist or an orthodontist will be able to offer preventative suggestions.
