Injury to Lingual Frenulum
A 40-year-old woman, who does not smoke and is not currently on any medication, experienced a tear on the underside of her tongue, specifically at the frenulum, this morning. It has now been approximately nine hours since the incident occurred. Initially, there was slight bleeding that lasted for about an hour. Fortunately, she reports no difficulties with breathing or swallowing. However, she is experiencing moderate to severe discomfort, particularly when attempting to move her tongue from side to side or up and down. Chewing has become difficult due to the injury, accompanied by some mild swelling observed on the bottom of her mouth. Her primary concern centers around the extent of the tear rather than the pain associated with movement, which she considers understandable. She seeks reassurance regarding whether a medical consultation is necessary.
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 5:30:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a tear in the lingual frenulum, especially when you're experiencing discomfort. Fortunately, in most cases, small tears can heal well on their own, but it's important to monitor the injury and manage any discomfort you have.
Explanation:
The lingual frenulum is the small band of tissue connecting your tongue to the bottom of your mouth. A tear in this area can cause pain and difficulties while eating or speaking. The fact that you've had initial bleeding that has stopped, and are not experiencing breathing or swallowing difficulties, is a good sign. However, the pain and difficulty with movement you’re feeling are indeed common with such injuries.
Next Steps:
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Pain Management: Consider using over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with discomfort. Follow the dosage instructions on the label.
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Hydration and Diet: Stay hydrated and consume soft foods that are easier to chew and swallow. Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods that might irritate the area.
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Oral Hygiene: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) to keep the area clean and help with healing.
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Monitoring Symptoms: Keep an eye on the tear for any signs of excessive swelling, redness, or if bleeding resumes. If you notice any of these symptoms worsening, consider consulting a healthcare professional.
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Rest Your Tongue: Minimize moving your tongue as much as possible until you notice improvement. This can help reduce discomfort.
If the discomfort persists, increases significantly, or if you're worried about the extent of the injury, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for a more thorough evaluation. Your well-being is important, and getting reassurance from a doctor can help alleviate your concerns.
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