What to Do If You Bite Your Cheek or Tongue

Last updated 8 months ago

When you bite your check or tongue, it’s usually an annoying mistake. But sometimes the injury can be much more serious. Falls, accidents, sports injuries, and other traumatic incidents can lead to self-inflicted bites that cause serious health concerns. For both children and adults, cheek and tongue bites often need to be cared for professionally.

Cheek and tongue bites can range from minor to severe depending on the location and depth of the bite. For minor bites, check the area for dirt, especially if the bite occurred due to a fall. If there is dirt in the surrounding area, try to wash it off. If there is any dirt in the wound, a dentist should clean it out thoroughly.

If bleeding occurs apply pressure and try to stop the flow of blood. Make sure the material you use to apply pressure is clean. Once the bleeding is stopped, you can ice the area to prevent swelling and pain. Don’t keep ice on any area for more than 20 minutes at a time. If the pain isn’t controlled with ice, you can also administer over-the-counter pain relievers.

See a dentist right away if you are unable to stop the bleeding or if there are outside contaminants in the wound. Your dentist will assess the injury for related oral health problems and may use stitches to stop the bleeding and close the wound. As the wound heals, you should pay close attention to ensure it doesn’t become infected. If you notice any new pain, swelling, or redness during healing, see your dentist immediately.

If you’ve experienced an injury from biting your cheek or tongue, follow these steps for proper care. If you need to see a dentist, visit Cascade Dental right away. We offer professional services in a relaxed setting so that you feel right at home. Our Vancouver dentists are prepared to serve your dental emergencies day or night, so call (360) 213-1999 right away for any oral health problem.