Medical Conditions

My Baby Bit or Cut Their Tongue

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, Mayo Clinic, NIH guidelines

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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect bit or cut their tongue, here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

Tongue injuries are common in babies and toddlers and often look worse than they are because the tongue has an excellent blood supply. Most tongue lacerations heal well without stitches. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth for 15 minutes. Small cuts (less than half an inch) on the tip or surface usually heal quickly on their own. Cuts that are deep, gaping, or on the edge of the tongue may need medical evaluation for possible sutures.

Key takeaways

  • Tongue injuries are common in babies and toddlers and often look worse than they are because the tongue has an excellent blood supply. Most tongue lacerations heal well without stitches. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth for 15 minutes. Small cuts (less than half an inch) on the tip or surface usually heal quickly on their own. Cuts that are deep, gaping, or on the edge of the tongue may need medical evaluation for possible sutures.
  • Usually normal when: Bleeding stops within 15 minutes of applying gentle pressure
  • Call your doctor if: Bleeding from a tongue injury does not stop after 15-20 minutes of consistent firm pressure
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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— Fever and Your Child, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

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What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, Mayo Clinic, NIH guidelines, tongue injuries are common in babies and toddlers and often look worse than they are because the tongue has an excellent blood supply. Most tongue lacerations heal well without stitches. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth for 15 minutes. Small cuts (less than half an inch) on the tip or surface usually heal quickly on their own. Cuts that are deep, gaping, or on the edge of the tongue may need medical evaluation for possible sutures. At 0-3 months, tongue injuries are rare in very young babies. If your newborn has bleeding from the tongue or mouth, apply gentle pressure and contact your pediatrician. Ensure the bleeding is from an injury and not from another cause such as a blood-tinged cough or nasal drainage. It is generally considered normal when bleeding stops within 15 minutes of applying gentle pressure. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if bleeding from a tongue injury does not stop after 15-20 minutes of consistent firm pressure.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Bleeding stops within 15 minutes of applying gentle pressure
Bleeding from a tongue injury does not stop after 15-20 minutes of consistent firm pressure
A small surface cut that is less than half an inch and the edges come together naturally
The tongue is partially or completely bitten through, there is a large gaping wound, or the injury involves the base of the tongue near the throat
The area is sore for a day or two but your baby is eating and drinking
A tongue cut is larger than half an inch or the edges do not come together

By Age

What to expect by age

0-3 months

Tongue injuries are rare in very young babies. If your newborn has bleeding from the tongue or mouth, apply gentle pressure and contact your pediatrician. Ensure the bleeding is from an injury and not from another cause such as a blood-tinged cough or nasal drainage.

3-6 months

As babies begin teething, they may accidentally bite their own tongue. This usually causes brief bleeding that stops quickly with gentle pressure. Offer cold teething items to soothe the area. Watch for signs of infection over the next few days: increasing swelling, redness, fever, or foul odor.

6-12 months

Falls while learning to stand or walk with objects in the mouth commonly cause tongue bites. Remove the object, control bleeding with gentle pressure, and assess the injury. If the cut is small and the edges come together on their own, it will likely heal without stitches. Offer cool, soft foods. The tongue heals remarkably quickly.

12-24 months

Toddlers frequently bite their tongues during falls. The bleeding can look dramatic but usually stops within 15 minutes of steady pressure. After the bleeding stops, examine the wound. The mouth heals faster than almost any other area of the body. Offer cold or soft foods and avoid salty, spicy, or acidic foods for a few days.

2-3 years

Tongue injuries from biting during falls, play, or eating are common. Most heal well on their own. Teach your child not to run with objects in their mouth. A tongue injury that creates a flap, involves the edge of the tongue, or is deep enough that you can see fat or muscle tissue needs medical evaluation for possible sutures.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed bit or cut their tongue and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if a tongue cut is larger than half an inch or the edges do not come together.
  • Mention if your baby is avoiding eating or drinking because of tongue pain days after the injury.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Bleeding stops within 15 minutes of applying gentle pressure
  • A small surface cut that is less than half an inch and the edges come together naturally
  • The area is sore for a day or two but your baby is eating and drinking
Mention at your next visit when...
  • A tongue cut is larger than half an inch or the edges do not come together
  • Your baby is avoiding eating or drinking because of tongue pain days after the injury
  • The wound looks like it is not healing or appears infected after a few days
Act now when...
  • Bleeding from a tongue injury does not stop after 15-20 minutes of consistent firm pressure
  • The tongue is partially or completely bitten through, there is a large gaping wound, or the injury involves the base of the tongue near the throat

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice bit or cut their tongue — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that bleeding stops within 15 minutes of applying gentle pressure — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if bleeding from a tongue injury does not stop after 15-20 minutes of consistent firm pressure.

My Baby Has a Split or Cut Lip

Split lips from falls are very common in babies and toddlers. The lip area bleeds heavily because of its rich blood supply, so injuries often look worse than they are. Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth for 15 minutes. Small cuts that do not cross the border between the lip skin and facial skin (the vermilion border) usually heal well on their own. Cuts that cross this border, are deep, gaping, or very long may need stitches for the best cosmetic result.

My Baby's Tooth Was Knocked Out or Loosened by a Fall

If a baby tooth is knocked out, do NOT try to replant it (unlike permanent teeth). Apply gentle pressure with gauze to stop bleeding. If a tooth is loosened or displaced, see a dentist within 24 hours. If a tooth is pushed up into the gum (intruded), see a dentist promptly as this can affect the permanent tooth developing underneath. Save any tooth fragments for the dentist to examine.

Baby Has a Cut or Bleeding Wound

Minor cuts and scrapes are a normal part of childhood. For most small cuts: apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth for 5-10 minutes to stop the bleeding, clean the wound with lukewarm water, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover with a bandage. Most minor cuts heal well without stitches. A cut may need stitches (or skin glue) if it is deeper than 1/4 inch, will not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure, is gaping open, is on the face, or was caused by a dirty or rusty object. If stitches are needed, they work best when placed within 6-8 hours of the injury.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is bit or cut their tongue normal?
Tongue injuries are common in babies and toddlers and often look worse than they are because the tongue has an excellent blood supply. Most tongue lacerations heal well without stitches. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth for 15 minutes. Small cuts (less than half an inch) on the tip or surface usually heal quickly on their own. Cuts that are deep, gaping, or on the edge of the tongue may need medical evaluation for possible sutures.
When should I call the doctor about bit or cut their tongue?
Bleeding from a tongue injury does not stop after 15-20 minutes of consistent firm pressure The tongue is partially or completely bitten through, there is a large gaping wound, or the injury involves the base of the tongue near the throat
When is bit or cut their tongue normal?
Bleeding stops within 15 minutes of applying gentle pressure A small surface cut that is less than half an inch and the edges come together naturally The area is sore for a day or two but your baby is eating and drinking
What causes bit or cut their tongue?
Tongue injuries are common in babies and toddlers and often look worse than they are because the tongue has an excellent blood supply. Most tongue lacerations heal well without stitches. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth for 15 minutes. Small cuts (less than half an inch) on the tip or surface usually heal quickly on their own. Cuts that are deep, gaping, or on the edge of the tongue may need medical evaluation for possible sutures. Common explanations include: Bleeding stops within 15 minutes of applying gentle pressure. A small surface cut that is less than half an inch and the edges come together naturally.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about bit or cut their tongue?
You should mention bit or cut their tongue at your next visit if: A tongue cut is larger than half an inch or the edges do not come together. Your baby is avoiding eating or drinking because of tongue pain days after the injury. The wound looks like it is not healing or appears infected after a few days.
Is bit or cut their tongue normal at 0-3 months?
Tongue injuries are rare in very young babies. If your newborn has bleeding from the tongue or mouth, apply gentle pressure and contact your pediatrician. Ensure the bleeding is from an injury and not from another cause such as a blood-tinged cough or nasal drainage.
Is bit or cut their tongue normal at 3-6 months?
As babies begin teething, they may accidentally bite their own tongue. This usually causes brief bleeding that stops quickly with gentle pressure. Offer cold teething items to soothe the area. Watch for signs of infection over the next few days: increasing swelling, redness, fever, or foul odor.
Should I go to the ER for bit or cut their tongue?
Seek emergency care if bleeding from a tongue injury does not stop after 15-20 minutes of consistent firm pressure, or if the tongue is partially or completely bitten through, there is a large gaping wound, or the injury involves the base of the tongue near the throat. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does bit or cut their tongue go away on its own?
In many cases, bit or cut their tongue resolves on its own, especially when bleeding stops within 15 minutes of applying gentle pressure. By 2-3 years, tongue injuries from biting during falls, play, or eating are common. Most heal well on their own. Teach your child not to run with objects in their mouth. A tongue injury that creates a flap, involves the edge of the tongue, or is deep enough that you can see fat or muscle tissue needs medical evaluation for possible sutures.
AAPMAYO CLINICNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Mouth Injuries. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]Mayo Clinic. Cuts and scrapes: First aid. Mayo Clinic
  3. [3]National Library of Medicine. Oral Wound Management. StatPearls. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Bit or Cut Their Tongue.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed bit or cut their tongue and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if a tongue cut is larger than half an inch or the edges do not come together.
  • Mention if your baby is avoiding eating or drinking because of tongue pain days after the injury.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • A tongue cut is larger than half an inch or the edges do not come together
  • Your baby is avoiding eating or drinking because of tongue pain days after the injury
  • The wound looks like it is not healing or appears infected after a few days

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Bleeding from a tongue injury does not stop after 15-20 minutes of consistent firm pressure
  • The tongue is partially or completely bitten through, there is a large gaping wound, or the injury involves the base of the tongue near the throat

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

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Bottom line

Most cases of bit or cut their tongue are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if bleeding from a tongue injury does not stop after 15-20 minutes of consistent firm pressure.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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My Baby Has a Split or Cut Lip

Split lips from falls are very common in babies and toddlers. The lip area bleeds heavily because of its rich blood supply, so injuries often look worse than they are. Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth for 15 minutes. Small cuts that do not cross the border between the lip skin and facial skin (the vermilion border) usually heal well on their own. Cuts that cross this border, are deep, gaping, or very long may need stitches for the best cosmetic result.

My Baby's Tooth Was Knocked Out or Loosened by a Fall

If a baby tooth is knocked out, do NOT try to replant it (unlike permanent teeth). Apply gentle pressure with gauze to stop bleeding. If a tooth is loosened or displaced, see a dentist within 24 hours. If a tooth is pushed up into the gum (intruded), see a dentist promptly as this can affect the permanent tooth developing underneath. Save any tooth fragments for the dentist to examine.

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Minor cuts and scrapes are a normal part of childhood. For most small cuts: apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth for 5-10 minutes to stop the bleeding, clean the wound with lukewarm water, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover with a bandage. Most minor cuts heal well without stitches. A cut may need stitches (or skin glue) if it is deeper than 1/4 inch, will not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure, is gaping open, is on the face, or was caused by a dirty or rusty object. If stitches are needed, they work best when placed within 6-8 hours of the injury.

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