How to Care for Your Child with Minor Tongue Laceration

This leaflet will provide you with information about minor tongue laceration treatment and home care advice.

pdf icon Download this Guide

Hematoma

What is a minor Tongue Laceration?

A tongue laceration (cut) is usually due to an injury, like a simple fall where the tongue is accidentally bitten.

How is minor Tongue Laceration treated?

  • 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

Home care advice

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

When should I seek medical advice?

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