Does tongue biting need stiches?

Tongue injuries resolve and heal quickly if happen because of just a bite when chewing or speaking. You hardly go under surgical operations that need stiches. In serious tongue biting like accidents, violent fights, falls and severe traumas to the tongue, you may get deep lacerations and cuts. Here doctors will use sutures to close the cuts on your tongue.

How to prevent a bit tongue

1. Eat patiently and avoid eating foods that are too hot or too cold

2. Use orthodontic devices recommended by your dentist especially for children when bit tongue is the result of sleeping disorders

3. Use athletic guards or mouthguards when exercising or playing hard physical sports

4. Consult a psychologist when too much stress is the cause

5. Have your dentures fixed and refit if the dentures are to blame

Treat a bit tongue at home

For most minor injuries of tongue, you don’t need to go to a doctor. Do the following disinfecting and cleaning tasks to help the tongue heal fast. Possibility of infection and appearance of tongue ulcers is high when there is a wound or cut, so don’t let your guard down. Steps to treat a bit tongue:

• wash your tongue and clean it with a clean piece of cloth

• put a sterilized gauze on the wound to stop bleeding

• when bitting swells, wrap ice pack or ice peas around a clean cloth and lay it on your TONGUE

• rinse your mouth with solution from salt water (try it a few days until healing is complete)

Bleeding a tongue as a result of chewing or biting will stop within minutes unless the cut is deep, which you will require doctors’ intervention. If you realize that the wound or the cut of your tongue is not serious, try home disinfection and cleaning your tongue carefully at home. You will see if the cut is deep or not when your tongue is cleaned. After removing debris and disinfection is done, put a sterile gauze or a clean cloth on the injured area until it heals.njured area until it heals.