Munching on your favorite snack is all fun and games until your tongue gets caught between your teeth. Ouch, talk about painful!
That feeling of sheer agony is incomparable. And by the end of the whole ordeal, you’re left with a cut on your tongue.
Depending on the gravity of the injury, a tongue cut can signify many things. Not to mention, sometimes, it can occur due to a hereditary condition rather than an accident. But how are you supposed to handle it? Should you be worried? — In this blog, we’ll answer all your burning questions about the cut on your tongue, so keep on reading.
Why is There a Cut on My Tongue?
Typically, a tongue laceration is nothing more than an accident. On rare occasions, though, it can surface due to an infected tongue piercing or as a sign of an underlying health condition.
However, most cases report that biting your tongue while eating, playing a sport, or even stabbing it with a fork by mistake can leave behind a mark. Because of their seizures, people with epilepsy can also get frequent cuts or bite marks on their tongues. Although indirect, here are a few other conditions that can lead to a fissured tongue:
- Poor Oral Hygiene Neglecting to maintain good oral hygiene can lead to cuts and cracks on the tongue. Besides brushing your teeth, it’s essential to clean your tongue properly.
- Down Syndrome People with down syndrome have an additional set of chromosomes. This causes developmental disabilities, one of which can affect their tongue.
- Psoriasis Although mainly on the skin, psoriasis patches can also sprout on the tongue, causing cuts and lacerations in their wake.
- Xerostomia Xerostomia is a disorder where people suffer from intense mouth dryness. This requires them to stay hydrated all the time; otherwise, deep cuts and fissures appear on the tongue.
- Nutritional Deficiency Lack of proper nutrition, such as vitamin b, zinc, and iron, is one of the causes of the cut on your tongue.
Is a Cut on Tongue Dangerous?
Tongue lacerations are far from dangerous. Your tongue is a unique muscle in your body that tends to heal on its own. With proper care and attention, you can fix up the nip on your tongue in no time. So, if you woke up and spotted a cut on the tip or the bottom of your tongue, don’t worry. It will likely resolve on its own.
How to Treat The Cut on Your Tongue
Considering how tongue injuries usually happen unexpectedly, there are five easy ways you can treat them.
- Medication — Pain relief medication helps to soothe the throbbing pain.
- Proper Diet — Avoid eating foods that could deepen the cut. Instead, opt for soft foods.
- Saltwater Solution — Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution to prevent bacterial infection.
- Apply Ice — If the cut is deep enough to bleed, ice the wounded area to keep it from swelling.
- Use a Gauze — If icing the laceration doesn’t help, use gauze to stop the blood and contact a dental professional immediately.
How Long Does it Take to Heal?
According to the depth and severity of the cut, healing time can vary from person to person. If the laceration is too deep, it might require stitches. However, if it’s a simple crack with no bleeding, it would only take a few days for your tongue to heal itself.
What’s The Takeaway?
Lastly, just keep in mind that a cut on the tongue is usually not a big deal. But in case the cut is too deep and won’t stop bleeding, seek help urgently. Contact Royalty Dental Associates at (281) 655-0500 (Spring Cypress Road) or (281) 288-0900 (Interstate Highway 45) for more information.
