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How can you care for your child who has a tongue injury?
- If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
- Give your child soft foods that are easy to swallow.
- Be safe with medicines. Give pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
- If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask the doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Have your child suck on a piece of ice or a flavored ice pop.
- Rinse your child's wound with warm salt water right after meals. These rinses may relieve some pain. To make a saltwater solution, mix 1 tsp of salt in 1 cup of warm water.
Tongue injury in children: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child has trouble breathing.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has new or worse bleeding.
- Your child has symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if your child has any problems.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.