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.
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