Cuts on tongue is a mild and common condition that usually resolves without medical treatment. Patients simply need to take preventive steps to avoid aggravation of the condition and/or alleviate the symptoms via home remedies.
Symptoms
Some of the signs and symptoms accompanying cuts on tongue are listed below:
- Fissure, cut, or wound on the surface of tongue
- Minor inflammation in some cases
- Redness of the affected region
- Burning sensation
- Minor pain or discomfort
- Increased sensitivity to spicy and hot foods
- Swelling
- Mild bleeding
- Sores
Causes of cuts on tongue
Cuts on tongue can develop at any place on the tongue, under the tongue, the top of tongue, or on its sides. A few common causes of cuts on tongue are listed below:
- Eating hot food especially soup can cause blisters which can turn into cuts.
- Intake of foods with sharp borders or edges can cause tongue injuries and cuts
- Eating excessive amounts of spicy foods or hot foods, like hot soup, can trigger formation of blisters which may worsen to become cuts on tongue
- Accidental biting of the tongue
- Increased stress
- Any kind of injury or trauma to the mouth, face, or tongue
- Hormonal surges, often affecting women, occurring during periods, pregnancy, or menopause
- Tongue ulcers may have cuts on tongue as one of its symptoms along with bleeding, bumps on tongue, and burning sensations.
- Deficits in vitamin B and vitamin C
- Allergic reactions to eating some types of food items
- A harmless condition called fissured tongue. It is an inherited disorder and is marked by cuts on entire tongue as well as grooves. It does not cause a lot of pain and is more prominent in older people.
- Different kinds of oral and tongue infections
- Certain disorders of the immune system may cause cuts on tongue
- A condition called geographic tongue which is caused due to inflammation or irritation of the tongue. The tongue may be discolored with cracks and cuts on the surface.
Treatment of cuts on tongue
Cuts on tongue is a harmless condition and can be easily treated with home remedies and preventive care. A few common home remedies are discussed below:
- Cuts on tongue are at increased risk to infection by bacteria and other pathogens. Gargling with salt water will help prevent it.
- Discomfort and pain can be alleviated with milk of magnesia
- Cold water, vegetable juices, ice cubes, and ice creams can help soothe the cuts on tongue and ease pain and burning sensations. Eat lots of frozen and cold foods.
- For best results when using ice cubes, put the cubes on tongue, close the mouth, and let them melt. Repeat the process many times a day to quicken the healing process.
- Infections can also be prevented by use of mouth washes. This option may result in minor stinging on the tongue areas with the cuts.
- Paste or Indian lilac leaf or Neem has healing properties and can be quiet effective in treatment of cuts on tongue
- Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply on the affected area on tongue. It will help soothe as well as contribute in the healing process.
- Cuts on tongue caused by vitamin C or B deficiencies can be treated with intake of diet rich in these nutrients. Patients can also take vitamin B and C supplements to overcome the deficits.
- Application of aloe vera juice can aid and promote the healing process
- Rinse the mouth with a combination of hydrogen peroxide and water on a daily basis. This therapy tends to sting a bit, but can be very helpful in faster healing of cuts on tongue.
- Avoid spicy, acidic, and hot foods as well as those with ragged sharp edges.
- Avoid the intake of caffeine, alcohol, citric fruits, and chocolates
- Quick smoking
- Preparation of goldenseal root is a very effective treatment for cuts on tongue. Boil the root in a glass of water in low to medium flame. Cool the preparation and strain it. Then rinse the mouth with the solution on a daily basis.
- Turmeric has natural healing properties and honey provides a soothing effect. Hence, a paste made of honey and turmeric is a great home remedy for cuts on tongue. The turmeric will promote healing while honey will not only provide a protective coating on the tongue but also provide relief from pain and burning sensations. Patients may apply the paste on tongue and let it remain so for a few hours for best results.
- Butter is also a good remedy. Rub some butter all over the tongue and then place a piece of butter on it. Then, instead of swallowing let the butter melt.
- Bruised, bitten, and other kinds of tongue injuries can be treated with use of a combination of lemon balm extract, aloe vera juice, and olive oil.
