Swollen Tongue
The tongue is one of the strongest muscles in the body. It has multiple functions and one of which is helping in the grinding of the food. It also facilitates the first digestive breakdown to occur. There are however instances when an individual will experience swelling of the tongue due to certain factors such as:
- Trauma to the area. Most common if you accidentally bite your tongue, it would usually result to swelling.
- Allergic reaction. This is most common cause especially to those individuals who are allergic to certain food like peanuts or any kind of nuts, cinnamon, or seafood, or any food that can trigger an allergic reaction.
- Underlying oral disease or condition. This is common to those individuals who either have gingivitis or other oral diseases that could have led to the complication of the tongue.
- Canker sores. These are also known or referred to as heat sores. Usually white and shaped like a crater. These are usually seen in the cheeks and it is also common and seen under the tongue.
An Important Reminder
Swelling of the tongue is an indication that it shouldn’t be taken lightly. One must be very keen and careful because there is a possibility of putting your airway at risk once the swelling of the tongue continues.
Treating a Swollen Tongue
If the tongue is not severely swollen and you are still able to talk and breathe without any problem, the following are things you can do to alleviate and to lessen the swelling.
- Take some ice chips and place it inside your mouth. The cold temperature of the ice will help decrease the swelling.
- Take antiallergic medications that have been prescribed to you by your doctor.
- If there is pain, your appetite will surely decrease and you will have difficulty chewing your food. Hence, you can try to eat food that is soft. Follow a soft or liquid diet or any diet you wish as long as you are able to tolerate it.
- Avoid food that will trigger the production of saliva. Once you have a swollen tongue, you will have difficulty swallowing even your own saliva. Hence, avoid sour foods and salty food.
- Observe proper oral hygiene to lessen the risk of any complication.
- Related Topics
- Bitten Tongue Treatment | Bruised Tongue Remedy | Heal Tongue Bruise
- Burnt Tongue Remedy | Burning Tongue Treatment | Cure Burnt Tongue
- Swollen Legs Causes and Treatment | Reduce Leg Swelling
- Natural Remedies for Swollen Glands | Reduce Swollen Glands
- Scalloped Tongue Causes And Treatment For Scalloping Of The Tongue



My tongue has been really swollen for the past two days, I can not eat drink or talk without my tongue throbbing. Also, for some weird reason my tongue keeps on getting caught between my teeth causing it to hurt even more. Should I go to the doctor? How long will it take for my tongue to heal?
I started amoxicillin and biactin for infection of the esophagus. Tongue started to swell. ER gave me a steroid shot and a dose pack 8 days ago and took me off the antibiotics and my swelling has not gone down yet I have Lupus and am on emmuran and plaqunil. What should I do?
You will have to again consult your doctor, because clinical evaluation of your problem is necessary, and it can be done only after the doctor examines you. Meanwhile you can avoid sour and salty food, follow a liquid and soft diet.