Tongue Biting - Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Tongue biting is when a person bites their own tongue, either accidentally or on purpose. This happens for a variety of reasons, such as when a person is having a seizure or if they are experiencing a high level of stress. Tongue biting can be painful and may cause bleeding or swelling in the affected area. In most cases, tongue biting is not a serious condition and can be treated at home. However, if the bleeding is severe or the person is experiencing other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, they need medical attention with the help of the top dentist in Bangalore.

Causes of tongue biting

Tongue biting can be caused by various factors, including:

Intense concentration or stress: When a person is focused on a task or situation, they may accidentally bite down on their tongue.
Physical activity: During exercise or other physical activity, a person may accidentally bite down on their tongue due to the movement of their mouth.
Seizures: Seizures can cause a person to involuntarily bite down on their tongue.
Sleep disturbances: In some cases, a person may bite down on their tongue during sleep or while sleepwalking.
Mouth injuries: An injury to the mouth or tongue can cause a person to accidentally bite down on their tongue.
Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy, can increase the likelihood of tongue biting.

In some cases, tongue biting can cause excessive bleeding, swelling, or infection. It is important to seek medical attention if the tongue is severely bitten or if the person is experiencing other symptoms, such as dizziness or difficulty swallowing.

When to consult with doctors?

A person should see a doctor for a tongue bite when,

The wound is severe and does not stop bleeding after applying pressure.
The person is experiencing symptoms such as fever, dizziness, or difficulty swallowing.
The wound is not healing within a few days.
The person has underlying medical conditions that may affect their ability to heal from the tongue bite.
The person has bitten their tongue multiple times or has a history of tongue biting.

In these cases, a doctor can assess the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment or recommendations.

Diagnosis and medical treatment of tongue bite

A doctor will typically diagnose a tongue bite by examining the wound and asking the person about their symptoms and medical history. In some cases, additional tests may be performed to rule out underlying medical conditions or to assess the extent of the injury.

If the tongue bite is severe or if the person has underlying medical conditions, the doctor may recommend medical treatment, such as antibiotics to prevent infection or pain medication to alleviate discomfort. In severe cases, a person may need to undergo surgery to repair the wound.

The doctor may also provide recommendations for preventing future tongue biting, such as avoiding certain foods or activities or seeking treatment for underlying medical conditions.

Treatment of tongue bitting at home

If an individual has bitten their tongue, there are several steps that one can take to treat the injury at home, including:

Application of pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or tissue
Cleaning the wound using warm water and a mild soap
Applying ice to reduce swelling and pain
Taking over-the-counter pain medication to help alleviate pain
Avoiding spicy or acidic food
Monitoring the wound

Prevention of tongue biting

To prevent tongue biting, an individual can try the following strategies:

Practice good oral hygiene
Avoid biting down on hard or sharp objects
Avoid stress or anxiety
Avoid certain foods or activities such as chewing gum or playing sports
Seek treatment for underlying medical conditions

While tongue biting can cause pain and discomfort, it is not a serious condition and will not result in the loss of the tongue but in severe cases, a person may need medical treatment to repair the wound at the best hospital in Bangalore, Sakra World Hospital where the eminent doctors play a vital role in providing the best tongue-biting treatment in Bangalore.