3 Ways To Remove A Stuck Tongue From A Frozen Surface

Try to avoid panicking when you realize you’re unable to move away from the frozen surface. If you pull too hard on your tongue, it will literally rip off the frozen surface and cause a lot of damage (and bleeding). Consider this a last resort option. If you see someone in the general area, try to flag them down by waving your arms or yelling (as best you can). Having someone else to help you will ease your stress.

One way to warm up the metal surface is to use your own hot breath. Cup your hands around your mouth (but be careful not to touch your lips or hands to the metal surface, as they will collect moisture and also become stuck) and breathe hot air directly onto the area where your tongue is stuck. You can also use a scarf or jacket to shield yourself from a cold wind and possibly help warm air from your breath. Pull gently while doing this to see if you can loosen, or even remove, your tongue.

Warm water is ideal for this situation, but any warm liquid will work if necessary. And yes, that includes urine. Although not recommended, if you are alone somewhere and no help is possible, this could be your absolute last resort. Consider this only under absolute emergency situations.

When, and if, you call 911 you may be unable to talk to the operator. Remain calm and slowly try to explain what has happened and where you are. If necessary, they can trace your call to find you.

Warming the surrounding metal area through breathing and shielding yourself from wind with a scarf or jacket is usually enough to gently remove the appendage, even in -40°F or more. Once you’re unstuck, seek medical help as quickly as possible for your injured tongue.

Due to the intensity with which the tongue sticks to the frozen metal, pulling lightly on the tongue to remove it will not work. Pulling really hard on the tongue will only end up leaving a portion of the tongue stuck to the metal and the person bleeding profusely. If you come across someone who has managed to stick his tongue to a cold metal surface, tell him to try to remain calm and not to pull on his tongue as it will only cause damage.

If she has been hurt or injured in other ways, and those injuries are not minor (e. g. bumps or bruises) you should call 911 immediately.

You can even try to shelter the metal surface to help warm it up and contribute to the hot air being blown onto the surface. Be careful that the stuck person doesn’t also stick his lips or hands to the metal surface, as this will just make the situation worse.

If you are not able to get warm water, and hot air hasn’t worked, you may have to call 911 for help. The liquid doesn’t necessarily have to be water. If you, or someone else passing by, has a warm cup of coffee, tea, etc. , this will work as well. It just might be a little messier.

Alternatively, use protective medical gloves if you happened to have some, or they’re accessible nearby. Avoid using your bare hands directly on your tongue to stop the bleeding, if possible.

If you had anything in your mouth at the time of the injury, remove it now (e. g. gum). If you have a piercing in or around your mouth, and you can safely remove it, do so.

Because it’s winter and you’re likely outside, a scarf or hat might be useful. But try to avoid using gloves or mitts as they’re most likely filthy. Any cut or laceration of your tongue is going to bleed a lot because your tongue (and the rest of your mouth) contain a lot of blood vessels. This, however, can also be beneficial as the increased number of blood vessels also speeds up healing of the area. [9] X Research source

If blood soaks completely through the material you’re using, apply another piece of material on top of the existing one without removing it (or decreasing pressure). Most mild bleeding will slow down significantly after 15 minutes, but the wound may still continue to bleed lightly for another 45 minutes. If the wound is still bleeding profusely after 15 minutes, call 911 or go to the emergency room. Avoid exercising for several days after your accident. Exercising, or exerting yourself, raises your blood pressure and can cause the wound to start bleeding again.

For ice, you can use it two different ways. One way is to simply suck on an ice cube or ice chips. Another way is to wrap the ice in a thin (clean) cloth and apply the cloth to the wound on your tongue. Use the ice or cold compress method for one to three minutes at a time, six to ten times per day, for at least the first day. Ice, or cold, will not only reduce swelling and stop any additional bleeding, it will help reduce the amount of pain you feel. [11] X Research source You can also use a popsicle or something similar in lieu of ice if you prefer.

Don’t start the salt water rinse until the day after your injury. Use the salt water solution at least after each time you eat, but up to four to six times a day.

Foods to consider eating are: milk shakes, yogurt, ice cream, cottage cheese, eggs, tuna, smooth peanut butter, and well-cooked or canned vegetables and fruits. Do NOT smoke or drink alcohol while your tongue is healing. You may wish to avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol while you’re tongue is healing, as that may sting quite a bit.

Over-the-counter pain medications that may work would include acetaminophen (i. e. Tylenol), ibuprofen (i. e. Advil) or naproxen (i. e. Aleve). The generic and brand name versions of all these medications are readily available in any pharmacy and most grocery stores. Always follow the instructions on the package for over-the-counter medication, and speak to your pharmacist if you have any questions. If you are pregnant, or might be pregnant, do not take ibuprofen or naproxen.

If the pain from your wound increases over time, instead of getting better If your tongue, or other parts of your mouth, start to swell If you develop a fever If you have trouble breathing If the wound won’t stop bleeding, or opens up and starts bleeding profusely again