What happens to your tongue if you hit a nerve?
If you hit a nerve on your tongue, it can cause a temporary loss of sensation in the affected area. This can make it difficult to speak, eat, and drink. In some cases, nerve damage can also lead to chronic pain.
The most common way to hit a nerve on your tongue is by biting it. This can happen accidentally, such as when you are eating or talking. However, it can also happen intentionally, such as when someone is engaging in self-harm.
If you do bite your tongue and hit a nerve, there are a few things you can do to help relieve the pain and discomfort:
* Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
* Apply a cold compress to the affected area.
* Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
* Avoid eating and drinking hot or cold foods and beverages.
* See a doctor if the pain does not improve after a few days.
In most cases, nerve damage to the tongue is temporary and will resolve on its own within a few weeks. However, if the damage is severe, it may require surgery to correct.