Sometimes, when eating your favorite foods, you might accidentally bite your lips or tongue. It can be a painful experience and cause swelling and discomfort. It can happen because you were distracted or too eager to take a bite. Regardless, this small injury can be more annoying than you think. It might even be painful when you take the next bite and ruin your meal.
Most of the time, people do not tend to think too much about it as the pain goes away pretty quickly. However, in some severe cases, ignoring it can lead to bigger problems, like infections or wounds that take longer to heal. If the bleeding does not stop, the swelling is too much, or the wound does not seem to be healing, it is time to get help.
If you often bite your tongue or lip, or if the pain is serious, visit a Gladstone, MO dentist. A local dentist can treat the injury and even help you understand why it keeps happening. This can help you stay safe when you eat the next time. Taking care of these little accidents is important for your oral health.
Immediate steps to take after biting your tongue or lip
Biting your tongue or lip happens to everyone at some point—maybe while eating, playing, or just by accident. Even if it seems small, it is important to handle it the right way so it does not get worse.
Stop the bleeding
If your tongue or lip is bleeding, make an effort to stop the bleeding first. You can do that with the help of a clean cloth or some gauze and press it gently but firmly on the bleeding spot. Hold it there for 5-10 minutes without lifting your finger to check if the bleeding has stopped.
Rinse with warm saltwater
Once your bleeding has stopped, it is time to clean the area. You can do that with a warm salt water rinse. Take some salt water and swish it around your mouth gently before spitting it out. Saltwater cleans and soothes the wound, helping it heal and preventing infection.
Use a cold compress for swelling
If you experience swelling because of the injury, you can use ice or a cold pack to get relief. Wrap it in a cloth and hold it against the outside of your lip or cheek for 10–15 minutes. The cold helps reduce swelling and makes the pain feel less intense.
Understanding the severity of your injury
In a minor injury, you might see a little cut or scrape, and there could be some bleeding. But the bleeding should stop if you press on it with a clean cloth for a few minutes. You might feel some swelling or soreness, but it won’t make talking or eating too hard.
A serious injury is different. You might see a deep cut or have bleeding that won’t stop, even after pressing on it for 10–15 minutes. If the bleeding continues, it is time to see a doctor. Other signs of a bad injury include:
- Big swelling or trouble breathing.
- A lot of pain that does not get better.
- Loose teeth or a change in how your tongue or lip looks.
When to go to the doctor
If you are unable to fix the injury on your own or if it is very severe, you should go to the doctor. Here are some signs:
- The bleeding does not stop.
- You see signs of infection like pus, fever, or more swelling after two days.
- The pain is too much, or you have trouble eating or talking.
Bit your lip or tongue? Get fast relief!
Do not let the pain of biting your lip or tongue ruin your day. Find immediate relief by visiting your local dentist!
