A tooth cutting the tongue is a common and uncomfortable experience that can disrupt daily life. This irritation often causes a sharp, stinging sensation when the tongue contacts the tooth. Constant friction can lead to painful sores or cuts, making eating, speaking, and even resting the tongue challenging. Understanding the underlying reasons helps in seeking timely relief and appropriate care.
Common Causes
Various dental conditions can cause a tooth to develop a sharp edge that irritates the tongue. Chipped, fractured, or broken teeth are common culprits, often from trauma, biting hard objects, or teeth grinding. When enamel is compromised, the exposed dentin or a jagged edge becomes abrasive against the tongue.
Existing dental restorations like fillings, crowns, or veneers can also develop rough or broken edges, creating an uneven surface that rubs against the tongue. Misaligned or shifted teeth can cause friction or direct contact with the tongue, leading to chronic irritation.
Erupting or partially erupted wisdom teeth may also present sharp points or new contact areas that can lacerate the tongue. Even recently placed dental work, if not perfectly adjusted, can cause irritation until refined by a dentist.
Immediate Self-Care
While waiting to see a dentist, several temporary at-home measures can help alleviate discomfort and prevent further injury. Applying dental or orthodontic wax directly onto the sharp edge of the tooth creates a smooth barrier, protecting the tongue. This wax is pliable and can be molded over the tooth surface.
Rinsing with a warm saltwater solution (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water, swished for 30 seconds several times daily) can promote healing and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can manage pain.
Temporarily adjust your diet to include soft foods and avoid acidic, spicy, or very hot foods and beverages to prevent further aggravation.
When to See a Dentist
Recognizing when a tooth cutting the tongue requires professional dental attention is important. A dental visit is warranted if self-care measures do not provide adequate relief and pain persists.
Any visible injury to the tongue, such as sores, deep cuts, ulcers, or bleeding, indicates professional evaluation. Signs of infection, including swelling, pus, fever, or increased pain around the affected area, necessitate immediate dental care. If the tongue injury significantly impacts daily functions, making it difficult to eat, speak, or swallow, a dentist should be consulted. If the problem persists without an obvious sharp edge on the tooth, a dental examination can help identify and address any underlying issues.
Professional Treatments
Dentists offer various permanent solutions for a tooth cutting the tongue. For sharp edges, smoothing the tooth surface is a common procedure. If a filling or other restoration is damaged, repairing or replacing it can eliminate the rough surface.
For chipped or fractured teeth, dental bonding can effectively repair the damage and restore a smooth contour. In cases of significant damage, a dental crown may be recommended to cover and protect the tooth, providing a smooth surface.
When misaligned teeth are the cause, orthodontic treatment can shift teeth into proper alignment, preventing further irritation. In severe situations, particularly with problematic wisdom teeth, extraction might be the necessary solution.