Minor tongue injuries, like accidentally biting on your tongue while eating, are relatively common and rarely severe. However, there are other instances when an automobile accident, hard fall, or sports injury causes significant harm to the tongue.In a situation this severe, you will need to apply some basic first-aid measures while assessing the need for professional care. In a situation where your tongue is bleeding excessively, you might need to go directly to the Emergency Room or some form of urgent-care clinic.
Sometimes blood or other debris from the oral trauma can block your view of the tongue injury. In a situation like this, you can rinse them away gently with a little lukewarm saltwater. This can also help soothe injured tissues. Avoid using antiseptic mouthwash as it can easily irritate the tongue injury. If your tongue is bleeding excessively, you shouldn’t swallow the blood as this can upset your stomach.
If your tongue is bleeding, you can wrap it in a few layers of sterile gauze and apply light pressure. If you can’t easily hold the gauze with your fingers, you might want to try pressing it to the roof of your mouth.
If after 20 minutes the bleeding persists or you feel that the pain is getting worse, you should strongly consider going to the Emergency Room or a nearby urgent-care facility for more advanced treatment.
If you live in the Bellaire, Texas, area and you’ve suffered a tongue injury that requires further care, you can always call (713) 667-8080 to seek treatment from Dr. David B. Fisher dentist in Houston at David B. Fisher D.D.S..