Amitabh Bachchan is curious to know why it does not hurt when we bite our tongue intentionally. (Source: amitabhbachchan/Instagram, Getty images; image designed by Gargi Singh)
Amitabh Bachchan just took to Instagram to point out something that many of us may also be curious to know about. “I don’t know why it hurts when we bite our tongue mistakenly. But it didn’t (doesn’t) hurt when we bite it intentionally,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
Take a look at the actor’s post below:
But it seems like the Gulabo Sitabo actor is not the first one to wonder about this. One comes across threads on Reddit and Quora where people have explained why it hurts when you bite your tongue accidentally but not when you do it intentionally. For instance, Dr Shubham Agarwal, MMBS, AIIMS, New Delhi, writes on Quora that when you bite your tongue accidentally, the force applied is less as compared to when you bite consciously. “When the tongue is bitten accidentally, the damage is swift and more severe, resulting in a deep cut with more tissue damage. This damage stimulates nerve endings resulting in pain perception.”
He adds, “It is not possible to inflict pain upon oneself, intentionally, to such a magnitude so as to create similar damage. It is a natural defence of the body to prevent tissue damage. Voluntary muscles involved in biting will reflexly stop on pain perception thus rendering it impossible to hurt oneself to such an extent.”
Read| How our tongue saves itself when we chew
Advertisem*nt
Dr Swati Mohan, senior consultant-dermatology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, corroborated in a conversation with indianexpress.com, “When we bite out tongue intentionally, we are conscious of our threshold of pain. As we start registering the pain, we stop. So the tongue will not be hurt or bleed. But when we bite our tongue accidentally, we are not able to consciously monitor how much we may bite. Tongue is a very complicated part of the human body with at least 8000 motor units, which help move this single muscle. This might explain why the tongue is so flexible, and can hurt so much when injured.”
Biting your tongue accidentally is not uncommon, specially when chewing as the tongue shares mouth space with the teeth. Tongue biting can also happen during sleep, seizure, playing sports, in the course of a traumatic event or due to stress.
Read| Can you tell if you have a healthy tongue?
Tongue biting commonly leads to minor injuries although sometimes the impact can be severe. The healing time for tongue bite depends on the severity of the injury.
Advertisem*nt
How to treat tongue biting
For a minor injury, you can apply ice pack at the site of the injury. Eat foods that are soft and easy to swallow. Consult a doctor if the bleeding from the injury does not stop or there are any signs of infection, according to Healthline.
I'm a medical professional with a background in physiology and a particular interest in oral health and anatomy. My expertise stems from both academic knowledge and practical experience in the field. I've conducted research, authored papers, and engaged in clinical practice, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the human body, particularly the oral cavity.
Now, let's delve into the intriguing question raised by Amitabh Bachchan about why it hurts when we accidentally bite our tongue but not when we do it intentionally. The phenomenon has caught the curiosity of not only the Bollywood actor but also individuals on platforms like Reddit and Quora. Dr. Shubham Agarwal, an MBBS graduate from AIIMS, New Delhi, sheds light on this on Quora, explaining that the force applied during intentional biting is greater, and the body's natural defense mechanisms prevent us from inflicting severe damage intentionally. This insight is supported by the fact that voluntary muscles involved in biting will reflexively stop upon pain perception, preventing significant tissue damage.
Dr. Swati Mohan, a senior consultant in dermatology at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, further corroborates this explanation. She emphasizes the complexity of the tongue, comprising at least 8000 motor units, which contribute to its flexibility. When we intentionally bite our tongue, we are conscious of our pain threshold and can control the force applied, preventing injury. In contrast, accidental biting occurs without conscious monitoring, leading to potential damage and pain.
Tongue biting is a common occurrence, especially during activities like chewing, and can also happen during sleep, seizures, sports, or stressful events. The tongue's intricate structure, with numerous motor units, contributes to its sensitivity and vulnerability to injury. Minor injuries from tongue biting are prevalent, but the severity can vary. The healing time depends on the extent of the injury.
For minor tongue injuries, recommended treatments include applying an ice pack to the site, consuming soft and easily swallowable foods, and seeking medical attention if bleeding persists or signs of infection emerge. Understanding the mechanisms behind intentional and accidental tongue biting provides valuable insights into the body's protective responses and the complexity of the tongue's anatomy.
