I Accidentally Bit Off Part of My Tongue and It's Bleeding—What Should I Do?
If you're unfamiliar with what I refer to as "tongue tentacles," you might want to do a quick search. I’m a 16-year-old male, and I accidentally got one of these tongue extensions caught between my bottom teeth, resulting in it being torn off. Now, I’m experiencing significant bleeding. At the moment, I have some tissue paper in my mouth to help manage the bleeding. Out of panic, I applied some expired Bonjela, but that just exacerbated the situation. What are my next steps? I also fear that I may have risked developing an infection by using expired medication.
Answers (1)
8/18/2025, 4:40:58 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel worried after such an incident, especially with the bleeding. Here’s what you should do to manage the situation effectively.
Main Points:
- Control the bleeding.
- Clean the area gently.
- Monitor for signs of infection.
Explanation:
Accidentally biting off a part of your tongue can lead to bleeding due to the rich blood supply in this area. The tissue paper you've used is a temporary solution, but let’s focus on controlling the bleeding and preventing infection.
Next Steps:
-
Control the Bleeding:
- Remove the tissue paper and apply gentle pressure with a clean piece of gauze or a sterile cloth to the area where the bleeding is coming from. Hold this pressure for about 10-15 minutes without checking if it has stopped.
-
Clean the Area:
- After the bleeding has decreased or stopped, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) to help clean the area and reduce bacteria. Avoid using any expired products, as they can cause irritation or complications.
-
Avoid Irritants:
- Refrain from spicy, acidic, or hard foods that may further irritate your tongue during the healing process.
-
Monitor for Infection:
- Keep an eye out for symptoms like increased swelling, persistent pain, or fever, which could suggest an infection. Contact a healthcare professional if you notice any of these signs.
These steps should help in managing the injury and reducing the risk of complications. If bleeding reoccurs or you have concerns about healing, seeking professional care would be a good next step. Take care of yourself, and it’s normal to feel anxious, but with proper care, your tongue should heal well.
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