Meet the Expert
Dr. Jennifer Silver earned Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Melbourne, Australia. She now practices at Macleod Trail Dental Clinic and Southcentre Dental where she specializes in General Dentistry.
We asked Dr. Jennifer Silver about interdental brushes. Here’s what she had to say.
The most common causes of cuts on the tongue include:
Depending on the severity and source of the damage, the symptoms of a tongue laceration may vary. Typical symptoms include:
If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about a cut on your tongue, you should consult your healthcare professional. They will provide an appropriate diagnosis and course of treatment.
Medical attention should be sought if a tongue cut is deep, lengthy, or does not heal within one week. Or if you have any of the following symptoms:
The healing time for a cut on the tongue depends on its severity and the cause of the injury. In general, minor cuts or abrasions on the tongue may take a few days to a week to heal. Deeper or more severe cuts may take up to two weeks or longer.
A cut on the tongue is usually not a serious health issue. However, there is a risk of infection if the wound is not adequately cared for or if it becomes contaminated with bacteria.
An infected tongue cut can lead to more serious health issues, including:
If you feel that your tongue cut has grown infected, it is imperative that you get medical assistance immediately.
Infection symptoms include:
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to aid in fighting the infection. It is essential to complete the specified course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms improve before you finish the medicine.
In addition to taking antibiotics, you can also take measures to manage the infection’s associated pain and suffering. Management may involve taking pain medicines orally, avoiding spicy or acidic foods, and consuming enough water to stay hydrated.
To prevent recurring infections, it is essential to maintain proper dental hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Avoid behaviors that can irritate the tongue, such as smoking and drinking excessively.
Some over-the-counter medications can be used to help relieve pain and promote the healing of a cut on the tongue. Some of these include:
Pain medicines available over-the-counter, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help alleviate the pain associated with a tongue laceration.
There are over-the-counter topical anesthetics that can be administered directly to the tongue to numb the area and provide relief, such as benzocaine and lidocaine.
To prevent tongue cuts:
When you have a cut on your tongue, it is typically advisable to avoid eating spicy or acidic foods. These might irritate the wound and make it more uncomfortable.
Hot or acidic foods can delay the healing process and create more harm or inflammation in the affected area.
Antiseptic mouthwashes, such as chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide, can lower the risk of infection and expedite the healing of a tongue laceration.
Pain medicines available without a prescription, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate tongue injury-related discomfort.
In addition, a small amount of numbing gel or rinse applied to the affected area may provide brief comfort.
Furthermore, cold beverages and soft, non-spicy foods might ease discomfort.
Yes, home remedies that can help with the healing process include:
You can keep your tongue clean by:
You should also practice proper oral hygiene and make sure you’re hydrated.
Absolutely, smoking and alcohol consumption can delay the healing of a tongue wound.
Both smoking and alcohol intake can irritate the tongue’s delicate tissues, which can impede the healing process. Moreover, smoking and alcohol intake can impair the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight infections and heal the wound.
Consequently, smoking and consuming alcohol should be avoided while the tongue is recovering from a cut.
It is recommended that you wait until the wound on your tongue has completely healed to drink or eat hot things. Depending on the severity of the wound, this can take anything from a few days to a week or more. Eating hot beverages or foods might irritate the wound and slow the healing process. Therefore it is better to avoid them until the wound has completely healed.