Caring for bleeding tongue

Fact Checked

A bleeding tongue causes severe discomfort which makes regular tasks such as eating and speaking difficulty. Biting the tongue strongly or certain injuries to the tongue can result to a bleeding tongue. The tongue is rich with blood vessels and injuries to this area can result to significant bleeding.

Treatment for a bleeding tongue

• Wash hands properly before touching the bleeding tongue to lessen the risk of infection. Wear medical gloves to avoid direct contact with the blood.
• Let the affected person sit straight, tip the mouth and head forward so the blood flows out of the mouth rather than down into the throat to prevent swallowing of the blood that can result to vomiting.

  

• Use a cloth or gauze and apply gentle steady pressure on the affected area for at least 15 minutes to lessen the flow of blood. If the cloth is already soaked with blood, apply another layer of cloth or gauze without removing the orginal cloth.
• Apply an ice pack on the tongue. Wrap the ice pack using a clean thin cloth and place on the injured area to lessen the flow of blood, swelling and pain for at least 3 minutes at a time at 10 times every day.
• Rinse the mouth using warm salt water solution for at least 6 times every day to keep the wound in the mouth clean.
• If the teeth are not injured, continue performing regular dental hygiene such as brushing and flossing of the teeth. Avoid brusing or flossing broken or injured teeth.
• Eat soft foods and avoid foods that very hot or cold to prevent further damage to the area. Avoid hard or chewy food while the area is currently healing.
• Take the prescribed antibiotic to prevent infection. Finish the full course of the medication.
• Consume a cup of unflavored yogurt until the injury fully heals.
• Using lemon balm extract is also beneficial for the condition. Mix lemon juice with a few drops of olive oil or aloe vera juice. Mix well and apply the mixture on the affected tongue for at least 2-3 times every day. This mixture lessens the pain and promotes rapid healing of the condition.
• Consume foods rich in vitamin B and C for fast healing of the area.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages to prevent further damage on the area and reduce the risk of infection.

Disclaimer

The material posted on this page for a bleeding tongue is for learning purposes only. If you have severe case of bleeding from the tongue, consult your local physical. If you want to learn to properly manage bleeding, including from the tongue, register for a first aid course with a training provider near you.