Biting your tongue during a meal, a fall or a game is common. Because the tongue has a rich blood supply, even a small cut can bleed a lot and look alarming. The good news is that the same blood supply helps most tongue injuries heal quickly.
How do you stop a cut tongue from bleeding?
- Rinse your mouth gently with cool water so you can see the cut.
- Fold a clean piece of gauze or cloth and press it firmly on the cut.
- Hold steady pressure for 10 to 15 minutes without peeking.
- Suck on ice or a popsicle afterward to reduce swelling and discomfort.
How do you keep a tongue cut clean while it heals?
- After the first day, rinse gently with warm salt water a few times a day, especially after meals. See how to make a salt water rinse.
- Keep brushing your teeth gently, avoiding the injured area.
- Choose soft, cool foods for a few days.
- Avoid spicy, acidic, salty or crunchy foods and alcohol, which can sting and slow healing.
Most minor cuts and bites feel noticeably better within a few days and heal within one to two weeks.
When does a tongue injury need professional care?
Go to urgent care or an emergency room if:
- Bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure
- The cut is deep, gaping or goes through the tongue
- A piece of the tongue is hanging loose
- There is difficulty breathing or swallowing
See a dentist or physician if:
- Pain, swelling or redness gets worse after two days
- You notice pus, a bad taste or a fever
- The injury was caused by a sharp or broken tooth, filling or appliance
- You keep biting the same spot
- A sore on the tongue has not healed in two weeks
Why do I keep biting my tongue?
Repeatedly biting the same area can be caused by a sharp edge on a tooth, a new crown or filling that changed the bite, an orthodontic appliance or swelling from a previous bite. A quick adjustment often solves it. A persistent sore should be examined; read more about mouth sores that will not heal.
Preventing sports injuries
Many tongue, lip and tooth injuries happen during sports. A properly fitted mouthguard reduces the risk. Learn more about choosing a sports mouthguard and our sports dentistry services.
Mouth injury care in Palo Alto
If a tongue injury is slow to heal or was caused by a broken tooth, Palo Alto Oral Health on Middlefield Road can help. Call (650) 321-9693 or request an appointment. For heavy bleeding or trouble breathing, call 911.
This article provides general education and does not replace an examination.
