How to Care for Your Child with Minor Tongue Laceration

• Most tongue cuts heel well without treatment.
• Repair with stitches may be needed in some situations in which tongue function may be impaired after healing. For example, lacerations that:
  • Does not stop bleeding
  • Large enough to trap food particles
  • Goes all the way through the tongue

During the healing process, ensure your child:

• Maintains oral hygiene
• Eats soft food for 3 to 5 days
• Avoids hard, salty and spicy food until the cut has healed
• Does not drink through a straw as there is a slight chance of injury with a straw
• Rinses his/her mouth with water after meals and snacks
• Eats ice pops to soothe the pain and control the swelling
• If your doctor advises giving medicine for pain, you can provide:
  • Paracetamol (any brand) or Ibuprofen (any brand)
  • Follow the instruction on the medicine package for the correct dose for your child
  • Do not give your child Aspirin as this can cause serious complications

Seek medical advice if:

• There is any yellow or greenish discharge from the area
• Your child has a fever
• The injured area is very swollen

Go to the Emergency Department if:

• There is bleeding from the injured area that does not stop
• Your child cannot breathe or swallow because the tongue is swollen