My 22 month old fell off the bed and bit his tongue pretty badly. It bled for a bit and he is whimpering every time he eats anything. Is there anything I can do to make it better?? How long before he recovers? Argh. I feel so guilty for not watching him more closely. Please spare any advice you have. Thanks :(
Poor bunny!
Tongues heal rather quickly, but if its a big cut maybe 4 or 5 days. I'd stick with a cool and soft diet the first day or two. Avoid foods that can sting like orange juice, pizza sauce, etc.
I'd give him some ibuprofin for a day or 2. It helps with both pain and inflamation. An ice pop might feel good to him also.
He'll bounce back pretty quickly :)
It does heal fast, and don't worry. I've watched my son fall and bite his tongue. It doesn't matter how closely we watch our kids, they're kids! They're going to get hurt, and it's not your fault.
Tongues heal fast.
But yes it will be sore in the meantime.
But, you might want to check with the Doctor, in case of infection.
Just in case.
Or call a Nurses/Doctor help line... if this is off hours.
Stay away from acidic foods. It will sting more.
The first thing I'd like to tell you is that the mouth heals more quickly than any other part of the body.
He's pretty young, but does he understand the concept of gargling? Or just holding some slightly salted warm water in his mouth for a bit and then spitting it out?
The tongue is pretty sensitive and it does hurt to bite it. I would give him things like cool yogurt and he might like rubbing an ice cube on it. The ice is numbing and soothing. After he eats anything, have him rinse out with some tepid water just to rinse the owie off.
If you can tell that it's not bad enough to need stitches, it should heal pretty quickly.
Your little one will be okay. Please don't feel guilty. I don't think there's a kid alive that hasn't bitten their tongue at least once.
Best wishes.
Ditto what the others said, but also give him popsicles. This will help numb the pain and he'll be getting liquids. oh well if he isn't eating much other food right now...let him have a few popsicles, the good fruit ones, and at least he's getting fruits! Poor kiddo! Oh and don't feel guilty...it happens. I can be standing right there and my son will do something crazy and injure himself so don't blame yourself it was an accident!!
