A swollen tongue can be a medical emergency if it causes an allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock.If you don't need an emergency, you can treat your tongue at home.You can apply ice and take over-the-counter medication.If you have recently gotten a tongue piercing, you can expect swelling for at least 3 to 5 days with continued improvement.It is possible to keep swelling to a minimum with proper piercing.Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you experience persistent or severe swelling.Emergency care should be sought if tongue swelling makes it hard to breathe.
Step 1: You can take an over-the-counter medication.
Ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain.Take your medication according to the instructions on the label.It's a bad idea to drink alcohol while taking a drug.They can cause damage to the liver.
Step 2: For 20 minutes, apply ice or a wet cloth.
Wrap ice or an ice pack in a cloth and hold it to your tongue for 15 to 20 minutes.You can use a cloth soaked in cold water, chew on ice chips, or suck on a popsicle.If you experience tongue swelling, apply ice, chew ice chips, or consume a cold beverage throughout the day.
Step 3: If you suspect a mild allergic reaction, take an antihistamine.
If you have a life-threatening food allergy, have trouble breathing, or experience other severe symptoms, call the emergency services.It might be due to an allergy.Take an over-the-counter medication.Take the medication according to the instructions on the label.Take note of which foods and beverages caused tongue swelling.Flare-ups of tongue swelling can be prevented by avoiding those items.
Step 4: The toothbrush has bristles.
If you accidentally bit the brush, it could cause irritation to your tongue.You should brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.If your toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate, it could cause irritation to your tongue.If necessary, check your toothpaste's label.
Step 5: If you bite your tongue, Gargle with salt and warm water.
saltwater can be used to soothe and clean wounds caused by trauma.Take 1 cup of warm water and mix 1/3 of kosher or sea salt with it.Gargle before you go to sleep.If you bite your tongue, stick with kosher or sea salt.
Step 6: Don't eat hot, spicy, or acidic foods.
Hot temperatures, spicy foods, and alcohol can make the swelling worse.Don't drink hot coffee, tea, chili peppers, or alcoholic beverages until your tongue feels better.If you use it, make sure it doesn't contain alcohol.
Step 7: It is possible to quit smoking.
Tobacco products can cause the tongue and taste buds to swell.Limit your tobacco use or try to quit if you are a smoker.Talk to your doctor about products that can help you quit.
Step 8: Follow the instructions of your piercer.
A mouth rinse will most likely be provided by your piercer.They'll show you how to clean and minimize pain and swelling.If any of their care guidelines are unclear, ask them for clarification.
Step 9: You will have a swollen tongue for about 5 days.
Swelling is normal after a tongue piercing.Make sure that the swelling is not getting worse by checking your tongue often.The swelling lasts for 3 to 5 days.If your piercing is in the center of your tongue,Swelling could be worse and last longer.Within 2 to 4 weeks, tongue piercings heal completely.Redness, swelling, and tenderness are normal during this time.
Step 10: Apply ice, chew ice chips, and eat ice cream.
Cold temperatures are the best way to control swelling after getting your tongue pierced.Wrap ice or an ice pack in a cloth and hold it to your tongue for 15 or 20 minutes.If you can't hold an ice pack to your tongue, eat ice chips.Eating ice cream and drinking ice water can help.Don't suck on ice or popsicles if you have a piercing.Blood flow can be affected by too much ice in some parts of your body.Ice is often used to control swelling and pain in your tongue, because it is packed with blood vessels.
Step 11: Once the bleeding stops, take over the counter medication.
After getting the tongue pierced, there can be persistent bleeding.Ibuprofen and aspirin can make it harder for your blood to clot.If your tongue has stopped bleeding, take medication for pain and swelling.Take the medication according to the instructions on the label.If your tongue starts bleeding again, stop using it.Limit your coffee and alcohol consumption.They can make it harder for your blood to clot.
Step 12: You need to wash your hands.
The piercing should be cleaned with soap and hot water.You don't want to spread germs from your mouth to other people after cleaning your piercing.
Step 13: After meals and before bed, Gargle for 30 seconds.
Purchase an alcohol-free mouthwash or use the cleaning rinse provided.You could mix a small amount of kosher or sea salt with a cup of warm water.Before you go to bed, rinse your mouth for 30 seconds.If you want to avoid irritating the piercing, stick with iodine-free salt.If you gargle with saltwater, you may be able to reduce the amount of salt you use.
Step 14: While it heals, leave your piercing alone.
If you have to clean your piercing, avoid twisting, fiddling with, or biting it while it heals.Playing with jewelry can cause swelling and interfere with healing.
Step 15: After the piercing has healed, you should clean your tongue ring daily.
After 2 to 4 weeks, your piercer will probably have you return to their parlor so they can replace your tongue ring's bar.If you want to clean it daily, ask them to show you how to remove it.The barbell can be boiled for 3 minutes on the stove.You will wear a long bar when your tongue is pierced.The long bar should be swapped for a shorter bar when the swelling goes away.It is important for a professional to swap out the long bar if your tongue is not fully healed.Ask your piercer when it is safe to remove your jewelry.Before playing sports, you should remove your tongue ring.
Step 16: You should see a doctor if you have a piercing.
There are signs of an infection that include pain, burning, throbbing, yellow or green discharge, and worsening pain.Ask your piercer to recommend a local doctor or health clinic with experience treating oral piercings if you suspect they are contaminated.A piercer should be aware of local medical professionals who are knowledgeable about piercings.Give your doctor a call if your piercer isn't sure.A discharge that weeps from a new piercing is normal.A foul odor that is yellow or green is a sign that the piercing is sick.Over time, redness, pain, and swelling should get better.If these symptoms don't go away within 2 to 4 weeks, your piercing might not be healing properly.
Step 17: If you have trouble breathing, seek medical help.
There could be life-threatening swelling that blocks the airway.Get to an emergency room as soon as possible by calling emergency services.A serious allergic reaction can cause sudden, severe swelling.
Step 18: If swelling continues for more than 10 days, you should see your doctor.
If you bite it, it will go away on its own within a few days.You could have an allergic reaction if swelling persists.Inform your doctor if you are experiencing any other symptoms, such as food or medications, and if your tongue is starting to swell.They might recommend antibiotics for an allergic reaction.
Step 19: Do you know if you have a deficiency?
A deficiency of the B vitamins could cause swelling in the tongue.Ask your doctor if they recommend changes to your diet.They may want you to take a supplement or eat more foods that contain vitamins B and C, such as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
Step 20: Discuss possible issues with your doctor.
Blood tests can be ordered if your doctor thinks you have an underlying condition.A bulging or swollen tongue is less common than infections and allergies.If your doctor discovers a disorder, they will prescribe medication to control it.Don't stop taking your medicine without consulting your doctor, take any medication as directed.